Worlds Within A Congregation: Dealing With Theological Diversity

by W. Paul Jones

In Worlds Within a Congregation , W. Paul Jones follows up on his previous work Theological Worlds in a most practical way. He argues that many church communities consist of sub-congregations, which have come about not as the result of divisive intentions, but as congregants naturally group themselves according to preferred styles of worship, interaction, stewardship, and so forth. Jones suggests that this struggle with theological diversity in congregations is something to be understood and embraced, rather than fled from as a grounds of division, and shows how--by understanding the different variations in a congregation--one can better minister with and to the congregation.

Key * Examines the existence and character of theological diversity within congregations * Shows that theological diversity within a congregation can be a positive factor in the life of congregations * Follows up on a previous book ( Theological Worlds )

Key * Readers will learn to analyze and evaluate theological diversity within a congregation * Readers will understand how this diversity shapes the preferred ways of doing a number of things in the ministry of a congregation (worship, mission, service, interaction) * Readers will learn how to apply this knowledge and evaluation of a congregation to the administration and ministry of that congregation

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

Reviews

[Karen Maskarinec · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book! It sheds some light on the the tensions between the conservative and liberal sides of Christianity at large, and also on the tensions within congregations, and sometimes between pastor and congregation. going beyond "personality psychology" of whatever currently popular form, to a convincing thesis (and I tend to read with a balance of skepticism) that our ways of teaching, learning, relating, and being satisfied (at least) in worship experience are determined by our theological background in 5 different "theological worlds," which is determined largely by ego. I am really simplifying here, and will conclude by saying this book was comforting (I have often described my spirituality as leaning towards the "wooie wooie" end of the spectrum, and now know I am solidly centered in World One), enlightening (now I understand where those "rah rah" types and those "MUST BELIEVE" types are coming from, which is the same place as me, but from a totally different perspective) and inspiring (it could almost propel me to promote some application of it in my own congregation).