Facing Decline, Finding Hope: New Possibilities for Faithful Churches

by Jeffrey D. Jones, Phyllis Tickle (Foreword)

Church today isn't the same as it was fifty years ago--or even ten years ago. In spite of the powerful stories of turn-around churches with skyrocketing memberships, the difficult reality is that most congregations are getting smaller. Jeffrey D. Jones asks brave questions for congregations facing this reality--what if membership growth isn't the primary goal for a church? How can churches remain vital, even with declining attendance? Facing Decline, Finding Hope is an essential resource to help congregations confront their shrinking size while looking towards the hopeful reality that God is calling them to greater faithfulness. The book draws on biblical and theological resources, as well as contemporary leadership studies, to help leaders--both clergy and laity--set aside a survival mentality and ask new questions to shape ministry more attuned to today's world. Facing Decline, Finding Hope is a powerful book for leaders who want to honestly assess the size of their church and plan for faithful, invigorating service regardless of whether membership numbers are up or down.

132 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2015

Reviews

[Aldon Hynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jones challenges us to ask big questions and challenge underlying assumptions about our life. He especially turns this to how we think about church, decline, the role of ministers, and so on.

He provides valuable insights for those looking for new ways to address old questions.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of this I knew but the questions in the back are very good for dealing with change.

[Kathy Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attending an inner-city, historical church has it's challenges. This book is an excellent source of questions to ask as a congregation has too look to the future of their church.