Pathway to Renewal: Practical Steps for Congregations

by Daniel P. Smith, Mary K. Sellon

No pastor can lead a congregation to renewal alone. it requires a complete change of heart for the whole congregation. Congregational renewal occurs when people engage communally in a transition in their very understanding of the nature and purpose of their church. This goes far beyond a simple retooling of the mission statement or addition of a few programs. Authors Mary Sellon and Daniel Smith lead congregations through this process of renewal, breaking down into understandable components what is happening in the people themselves that makes renewal efforts successful. Pathway to Renewal offers pastors and congregational leaders a framework for understanding and addressing the deep cultural shift facing the people of a congregation during congregational renewal. This book will help leaders make sense of where their congregation could get stuck and guide them in thinking through what needs to be addressed next as a congregation seeks renewal. The realigning of a congregation's heart and sense of purpose can be a long process, but one that ultimately all congregations must experience in order to fully live out the world-transforming mission that God has given them to do.

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Stephen Ring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of three textbooks assigned for the ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE EVAN 6023 Course Bringing Renewal to Established Congregatuion. Excellent book for putting together the total process of church renewal from creating the vision to seeing to its deveopment and acceptance in a church congregation, with advice for dealing with the many challenges and obstacle to renewal and change. Actual example of various congregation at various stages are included from the author's experiences as consultants.
Lots of practical information.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Blessings on you as you follow God's call to you and your congregation. May it lead you to the church you and God have always dreamed of."

Smith and Sellon are clear in their book that Protestant congregations need to consider the way they are functioning. I suspect that no one picks up this book unless their church is suffering from all the symptoms of a declining church. Mainline Christianity is not doing well and we are all looking for a solution.

Although I love my church in all three of its expressions: local congregation, synodical and churchwide, I know we can't continue as we are. Christianity is not a national religion and it shouldn't be. However, many of us can remember when our church pews and coffers were full.

This book will probably help many of the congregations who pay attention to it. However, to implement the suggestions, you have to be willing to make changes. I believe humans really hate to change. Reading this is easy. Putting it into practice is very difficult.

[Lisa Lewton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an essential read for leaders of established congregations, who have lost thee sense of urgency and creativity found in newer congregations. I appreciate most the guidance in raising up lay leadership to develop and carry a vision for ministry forward.

[David Van Brakle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives some helpful suggestions, ideas, and discussion points for church renewal that can be shaped for various congregational situations.