Recovering the Sacred Center: Church Renewal from the Inside Out (Book)
Howard E. Friend, Author.  Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1998.

Using metaphor, story, and reflection, Howard Friend develops a theological and practical guide to congregation renewal in Recovering the Sacred Center. In reaction to more task- and goal-oriented strategies, Friend offers new ways to think about the process of congregational change.

At the beginning of this reflection, the author explores the need for a new paradigm and the concept of "sacred center." This "sacred center" is akin to a true or best self, and at the same time is closely connected to the divine. Next, he reframes four subjects theologically, taking the sacred center into consideration: (1) scripture and its interpretation; (2) sacred space; (3) personhood; and (4) the process of transformation. Friend applies this theology to the life of congregations from several different angles: discovering the sacred center of a church by thinking about it as a person; reflecting on the characteristics of good leaders; and thinking about a congregation’s potential for ministry. Planning for both particular ministries and the overall direction of the congregation is done best by attending to this sacred center. Finally, Friend shares stories from his extensive ministry experience to highlight the transforming power of recovering the sacred center.

Building a theoretical foundation for renewal and offering rich metaphors and examples to illuminate it, this book will serve as valuable guide for congregations in search of renewed vitality.

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