Size Transitions in Congregations (Harvesting the Learnings)

by Beth Ann Gaede

Congregations that seek growth are often frustrated at hitting a plateau-caught in a transition zone between sizes. The Alban Institute has long been recognized as a leader in size transition research and learning, and this anthology offers an in-depth collection of resources, through new articles developed for the book as well as previously published and highly regarded pieces that inform and provoke.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated, but with some great perspectives I'd not heard before on church sizes, their group building blocks, and the "fault lines" between general church sizes.

Useful for any church leader thinking about how to best lead for your church size, or how to grow your church.

[Rod White · Rating 2 out of 5]

I sent one chapter from this book to the Coordinators, since we are learning how to be who we are as a church. Social systems, like the church, in particular, have limitations to their growth and capabilities based on their size. If you don't structure accordingly, you kill yourself. It is kind of like being a size 40 person who insists on wearing size 32 pants, but more like a kennel owner who has 40 dogs in cages meant for 20 (that sounds perjorative), try a four-year-old houseplant that was bought root-bound and desperately needs a bigger pot! We're trying to flourish; I'm refreshing my instincts.