Changing the Conversation: A Third Way for Congregations (Book)
Anthony B. Robinson, Author.  Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2008.

Anthony Robinson proposes ways to promote congregational renewal by directing conversations away from typical dead-end polarities and toward issues of a broader and deeper perspective. He asserts that debates about worship style or ways to increase membership often—and unfortunately—bypass more fundamental questions about congregational identity and purpose in the midst of a rapidly changing culture.

Robinson offers ten subjects for conversation, with a chapter and reflection questions devoted to each subject. "It's Not about You" discusses shifts in culture and their effects on religious life; "And Yet…It Is About You" emphasizes that how we respond to these cultural shifts is up to us; "A New Heart" focuses on the faith experience and God's message; "Who Shall Lead Them?" examines congregational leadership functions and roles; "Why Are We Here?" looks at purpose and the ends for which the church exists; "Write the Vision" explores what God requires of us; "Let's Get (Less) Organized!" is devoted to governance and organization; "The Church and the Public Square" touches upon the roles mainline Protestants play in public conversations on morality, justice, and spiritual values; "Death and Resurrection" probes the question of congregations for whom closing is preferable to renewal; and "Where Do We Start?" suggests ways to implement the book's ideas.

Targeted at American mainline Protestant churches, this practical book needs to be read by congregations committed to renewal. Readers familiar with similar work by Michael Foss, Kirk Hadaway, and Diana Butler Bass will be particularly enriched by this contribution.

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Behold I Do a New Thing: Transforming Communities of Faith (Book)
C. Kirk Hadaway, Author.  Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim Press, 2001.
Maintaining that a good church is one that truly changes people, Kirk Hadaway presents a dynamic model of church as “incarnational community” that provides leadership for transformation.

Power Surge: Six Marks of Discipleship for a Changing Church (Book)
Michael W. Foss, Author.  Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2000.
Asserting that churches today are called to shift from a "membership" model to a "discipleship" model, Michael Foss uses simple illustrations to discuss the leadership elements of discipleship churches.

The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church (Book)
Diana Butler Bass, Author.  Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2004.
Looking at individual congregations as examples, The Practicing Congregation describes a growing trend in which mainline congregations are transforming into places of vital, intentional practices of faith.

Christianity for the Rest of Us (Book)
Diana Butler Bass, Author.  San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco, 2006.
Diana Butler Bass discusses her study of Christian communities that are open and creative while honoring ancient traditions, engaging in faithful practices, and fostering spiritual maturity and wisdom.