Beyond Maintenance to Mission: A Theology of the Congregation

by Craig L. Nessan (Editor)

Here, in a newly revised edition, is a powerful and pertinent guide for congregations wanting to move away from 'maintenance thinking' to powerful, creative engagement with the world. Visionary yet practical, Nessan's influential book makes a persuasive case for the centrality of mission in the life of the church. Nessan's model of mission-driven leadership is strongly centered on the community of faith's worship and draws unique connections between the worship life of a congregation and every aspect of the church's ministry. Around the twin foci of congregational identity and mission, the chapters in this dynamic book provide solid theological and radical direction on the themes of worship, education, fellowship, stewardship, evangelism, global connections, and social ministry. Equally pertinent to seminary classroom and parish life, the new edition highlights worship's centrality, adds a new chapter on prayer and spiritual practices in this framework, significantly revises the treatments of fellowship and evangelism, and adds a full set of materials designed for congregational visioning and planning.

Genres: Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

We used this book as a study in my church as a way to begin updating our strategic plan. This is not an easy read, by any definition of easy. It makes you think about the church’s identity and its mission and how the various subset purposes of each interact to make an effective church, by any definition of “effective”. I will be interested to see how this exercise impacts the planning process.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have taken my time reading this, and its concepts have been especially poignant along the way. Now that I've finished I want to start over and read it again. I am not a pastor, but am involved in worship and several ministries of the church. You may need to keep a dictionary handy, but it helps you understand the need to keep balance among the many aspects of your congregation's life. Recommend it for any mainline church leaders, pastors or potential pastors!

[Pamela Schroder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this for our Lenten book study. Very boring and hard to read and understand. Too many words that need to be looked up for meaning. I’m sure this is an excellent book to read if you are in seminary or are a pastor/church leader, but to a layman it’s very hard to get through. I’m giving up at chapter 4!!