Effective Small Churches in the Twenty-First Century

by Carl S. Dudley

Dudley's work in Making the Small Church Effective (1978) broke new ground in understanding the dynamics of life in the small congregation. In this revised edition, Dudley revisits the small church, posing new questions reflective of the considerable changes that have swept over small churches in the last two decades. Among the most significant recent developments are shifts in institutional loyalty and individual's sense of identity in relation to larger groups and organizations. Dudley explores the key components that contribute to a small congregation's sense of unity and that motivate its members to more faithfully live out their faith.

Genres: Church

220 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful "pracademic" look at the dynamics of small church life, "Effective Small Churches" is a great resource for pastors who find themselves serving little communities.

It's a little more academic than will translate into teaching leadership in most small churches, but Dudley knows his stuff. There are charts and graphs! Typologies! A comprehensive engagement with relevant literature!

These things make my Presbyterian heart go pitter pat.

Plus, as Dudley repeatedly notes, the small church is radically--almost dangerously--countercultural in our brand-growth obsessed consumer-church culture. It's intimate, personal, relationship-driven community on a human scale.

Good stuff, and a good book.

[David A-S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was first in my hands in seminary (M404), but having lived its subject and revisited its content, I consider it to be an essential read for small church pastors and leaders.

[Diane Badger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems a bit dated at this point