The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church (Book)
Diana Butler Bass, Author.  Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2004.

For many, the notion that the mainline Protestant church is in decline is axiomatic. Diana Butler Bass (director of the Project on Congregations of Intentional Practice) challenges that idea by examining mainline congregations that are alive and vital. 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.

The book begins by examining historical patterns of congregational organization and setting the framework for understanding current changes. It then explores how "intentional practices" are reforming tradition in many congregations. For the author, Christian "practices" embrace moral acts (such as hospitality and stewardship) and ascetical disciplines (such as prayer and worship) that deepen our relationship with God and help to build faith communities. Such practices both embody beliefs and are formed by them.

The last several chapters develop a grid for understanding congregational shifts in both mainline and evangelical churches. Bass notes that the dynamics she observes in mainline "practicing congregations" appear to parallel the dynamics of evangelical "emergent churches." The signs of vitality that Bass identifies move the reader beyond thinking in terms of "liberal vs. conservative" dualities, enabling a more fluid understanding of contemporary ecclesiology and faithfulness.

This is an important contribution to the analysis of the cultural shifts taking place in our postmodern world. Whether or not one is a part of a mainline congregation, this volume is a valuable addition to the literature addressing congregational life.

Average Customer Rating: Extremely helpful() Based on 1 reviews.
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Customer Reviews:

2/6/2006
Reviewer: Marja Coons-Torn

Review: Diana Butler Bass say Protestant churches are changing, whether we like it or not. Our choice is not whether or not we will change, but how we will change. Using stories and research, Butler Bass shows how churches can deepen and engage the spiritual understanding and relationship to God of those with whom they minister. Tradition is not a bad word, according to the author, but rather we must define what tradition we are talking about and whether it is truly a tradition of the faith. Some things things that are merely customs---when to have the Christmas pageant, for example. Others, such as our involvement in diaconal ministries, are truly the deep faith of the church at work. Joseph Stewart-Sicking has written a Reflection and Study Guide which is found at the back of the book, making this a valuable tool for congregations that really want to discern how they may live and live faithfully in this present age.

How It Was Used: Penn Central Conference United Church of Christ read The PRacticing Congregation by Diana Butler Bass book "together" in our Conference reading program. Some minister's groups used it. Some lay study groups within church used it.

How It Was Helpful: We liked The Practicing Congregation because it is a positive approach. Butler Bass does not believe mainline churches have to die. She gives good examples of what some churches are able to accomplish. Some lay people, however, found the language challenging.

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See also these resources:

Becoming a Blessed Church: Forming a Church of Spiritual Purpose, Presence, and Power (Book)
N. Graham Standish, Author.  Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2004.
Graham Standish believes that a blessed church is one where people experience God rather than simply experience church. Yes, the congregation will talk about God and serve God, but its overarching desire will be to know and experience God.

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 more fundamental questions about congregational identity and purpose.

From Nomads to Pilgrims: Stories from Practicing Congregations (Book)
Diana Butler Bass, Joseph Stewart-Sicking, Editors.  Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2006.
From Nomads to Pilgrims offers portraits of congregations that have discovered vitality through embracing spiritual practices, engaging ancient traditions, offering compelling stories, and fostering virtue.

Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People (Book)
Dorothy C. Bass, Editor.  San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1997.
Practicing Our Faith explores twelve central Christian practices—shared activities addressing fundamental human needs that, woven together, form a faithful way of life, a life that matters.