Transforming Congregational Culture

by Anthony B. Robinson

Many recent books have attempted to address the "crisis" in the mainline church. Anthony Robinson here makes a significant -- and in many ways unique -- contribution to this discussion by bringing his personal insights as a pastor to bear on the issue of renewing congregational life.Writing from twenty-five years of experience in four congregations of differing size, location, and ethnic makeup, Robinson prescribes concrete changes in the practice of ministry that have been tried, tested, and lived out to great success. At the heart of his framework for church renewal is what he calls "cultural change." According to Robinson, technical or programmatic change is not sufficient to address the needs of the day. He argues for changing the very culture of mainline congregations, which involves recognizing and fostering their particular gifts and genius rather than trying to remake them into something they are not. His fruitful strategies for renewal touch every aspect of congregational life, from personal spiritual formation to church leadership.

Genres: Christian, Leadership, Ecclesiology

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2003

Reviews

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a religiously diverse, individualistic society, the church no longer forms the social backbone. This is good news! Now the church can focus on its mission: worship and Christian formation.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Transforming Congregational Culture" by Anthony Robinson was assigned to me as a part of a committee's study at church. We were trying to get a better (or another's view) idea about the weakening of the "main stream" church and its role in American life today. Robinson offered some interesting thoughts and ideas about why and what challenges churches face in America and the world today. He presents his views in areas that range from stewardship to formation to church growth, providing helpful examples and theological reflection along the way. Additionally, it was written in a style that was easy to follow and understand. Although I do not agree with all of his views, there are many excellent observations made. This is especially true of the evolution of the church and its influence in American society over time. "Transforming Congregational Culture" is a very good book for mainline congregations who feel that they stuck and no longer moving forward. If you are one who has interest in this area, then this is a book that I would recommend for your to read and think about!

[Diann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers insights into the reasons for church decline and a vision for renewal and transformation.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abandoned at 91%. Interesting but not life changing

[Jerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the emphasis upon the shift from "establishment Christendom" to the contemporary scene was helpful, but perhaps a bit exaggerated.

The most useful notion, in my opinion, was the insistence upon focusing upon purpose (rather than vision) as a means of moving toward transformation.

There are some unresolved tensions in Robinson's suggestions, however. For example, he believes many congregations are "spread too thin" because "they try to do everything that anybody thinks is a good idea." At the same time he believes in and highly recommends encouraging the laity to become active wherever they discern a need without facing the question of what to do if that perceived need and ministry is not congruent with the purpose of the church.

Still, as another reviewer said, the book can serve as a good conversation starter.

[Alan Brehm · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Loren Mead wrote "The Once and Future Church," he was only able to outline some of the the profound shifts in culture that were affecting the Church in North America. Robinson "puts flesh on those bones" by recounting specific ways in which he actually led a church through the transition from the church that had a monopoly on a community to a church that sees its community as a mission field. He shares notes from his "play book" as to how their church made that transition, in the realization that no two churches are alike, but simply as an offering of some ideas to help other churches make that crucial transition in our day and time.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

9/1/04 - 5/10

I read this for a committee I'm on at church. It had some interesting thoughts and ideas about where churches are at now and why and what challenges they face in the near future. It was kind of vague, the engineer in me would have liked to have seen more concrete details and data. It did provide some interesting insight into the challenges 'mainline' churches face as a result of recent cultural shifts. I also found the spiritual vs social/club discussion interesting.

[Tom Buratovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for mainline congregations who are stuck. I recommend it for the pastor and the leadership.

[Robin Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as book study with elders. Very good book for inspiring conversation about our congregational culture and how we could be better.