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Spring 2003: Reading Recommendations Wondering what books would most inspire and inform you—and other leaders—as the days lengthen during the spring? Congregational Resource Guide staff ask you to consider these top pics. (Simply click on the book's title or image to access the publisher's Web site and ordering information.) We at the Alban Institute and the Indianapolis Center for Congregations wish you and yours hope and blessings during this season of renewal. |
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Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth Those who only know Walter Brueggemann from his incisive writings on Old Testament theology may be surprised by this astonishing and beautiful collection of prayers that reveal another side of this popular author and teacher. Yet these knotty, lyrical supplications (most composed to open his seminary classes) also extend the compelling vision of life lived in the presence of the God of scripture that Brueggemann has always fervently articulated. Declaring prayer as a "dangerous act" requiring dangerous rhetoric that matches the act’s intent, this ingratiating
collection will spur spiritual leaders to re-imagine and re-voice their public prayers. |
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Beating Burnout in Congregations There is no greater or more important volunteer organization than the local congregation. That’s why it is so tragic when people get exhausted and can no longer serve with joy. Beating Burnout in Congregations explores the causes of burnout and gives wise counsel as to what can be done to stem the erosion of talent and energy. Lynne Baab deftly disarms the myth that "one size fits all" when it comes to unwrapping and wearing spiritual gifts. This book will help readers reassess God’s call to service, so that those who do offer their skill, knowledge, and energy become uplifted, healthier, and stronger. |
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Behold I Do a New Thing: Transforming Communities of Faith "Churches are blamed for being oriented to the past. But they really are not. They are oriented to a past ideal, which they can never recreate." So says Kirk Hadaway in this book on congregational transformation. Asserting that a good church truly changes people, Hadaway presents a number of congregational typologies—including "club," "charismatic leader and followers," "corporation," and "incarnational community." An incarnational community is one that involves "giving up control and remembering why churches exist." Exploring this typology further, he offers both a dynamic model and a description of what it means to provide leadership for transformation. |
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Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity Etienne Wenger's theories of learning and practice in corporations can be directly appropriated in congregations—to the point that they actually seem more relevant in faith communities than in businesses. Wenger challenges us to place "learning in the context of our lived experience of participation in the world." He also shows that the best learning happens in "communities of practice" that "people form as they pursue shared enterprises over time." When his concepts are translated imaginatively into theological, spiritual, and congregational language, they open the possibility for learning and living in a way that would renew both individual lives and congregations. |
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Congregations in Transition: A Guide for Analyzing, Assessing, and Adapting in Changing Communities Carl Dudley and Nancy Ammerman worked with some twenty congregations to ground this workbook in the real changes and challenges of congregational life. Change is a constant: congregational members and leaders make transitions over time, and people differ in their perceptions and responses. Dudley and Ammerman remind us that learning to understand and manage difference is crucial. Here are practical exercises that will enable a congregation to notice its perceptions about what is and what may be. Here also is guidance from which a congregation may gather data with which to inform, if not alter, its perceptions and feelings. |
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How the Way We Talk Can Change the Way We Work: Seven Languages for Transformation Most people can identify with the apostle Paul’s words, "That which I should do, I do not." But why is that? Kegan and Lahey describe a dynamic called "competing commitments." That is, human beings may hold a sincere commitment but inadvertently apply valuable energy towards a hidden opposing pledge. The authors provide specific, practical ways to diagnose both community and individual immunity to change. Then, they suggest a strategy to test assumptions about the competing commitment. Moving beyond theory, this groundbreaking work provides a detailed yet accessible strategy for readers to conduct field studies in change. |
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In It for the Long Haul: Building Effective Long-Term Pastorates Glenn Ludwig presents a comprehensive look at the strengths of healthy long-term pastorates. By describing the variety of dynamics that contribute to an effective tenure, Ludwig provides a resource that is applicable to many different congregational contexts. Observations are drawn from Ludwig’s personal experience. The book is strengthened by analyses from studies in other disciplines as well. For example, the author applies "trust formation theory" to the patterns of long-term pastorates. This volume will serve as a field guide to a faithful pastor-parish relationship. |
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The Journey Home: Discovering the Deep Spiritual Wisdom of the Jewish Tradition Exploring the spirituality of Judaism, Lawrence Hoffman uncovers the unique wisdom found in ancient ritual, literature, and law. The English language has been so dominated by western Christianity that "spirituality" has often been considered a Christian idea. Hoffman hopes to begin and broaden the discourse of spiritual Judaism through a variety of angles—including the Torah, the realities of suffering, and what it means to be a "landed" people. Those interested in furthering the conversation on spirituality and Judaism will discover new and relevant truths bounded in ancient wisdom. |
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Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition Presenting hospitality’s rich history in the Judeo-Christian tradition, Making Room discusses Old Testament stories of Abraham welcoming angels, Jesus’ commandment to love those unable to reciprocate, the early church’s emphasis on sharing meals with the poor, and corruptions of hospitality in later eras. More than a product or a service, hospitality may be a transformative spiritual practice. We are particularly encouraged to share ourselves with those not like ourselves—without requiring that they become like us to receive our attention and care. Congregations seeking to explore the foundations and settings for hospitality will learn much from this book. |
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The Rabbi As Symbolic Exemplar: By the Power Vested in Me Through personal narrative, Jack Bloom shares his own trials and tribulations related to being the bearer of God through the Rabbinic tradition. The esteem, power, and responsibility that come with being clergy can also cause disorientation, disdain, and depression. As a former rabbi and current "athletic coach" for rabbis, Bloom explores relevant issues—such as power, grief, healing, and the family. The Rabbi As Symbolic Exemplar can be used as a study guide with focus on individual chapters or sections. These lessons are especially relevant for rabbis, rabbinical students, congregants, clergy and students of other faiths, and anyone who supports religious leaders. |
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Sound Theology Subtitled "Perspectives on faith and rock & roll from a Finnish-American Midwestern Generation X Lutheran at the turn of the millennium," Sound Theology is Jonathan Rundman’s collection of 52 songs (one for each week in the liturgical year) that focuses on his thoughts and experiences from church attendance. Whether commenting on ritual ("Four Candles" for Advent and "Ashes on My Forehead" for Ash Wednesday), observing contemporary worship ("We’re Creating Monsters"), or wrestling with faith and grace ("My Apology"), Rundman’s sincerity and willingness to engage are models for churchgoers. Songs and lyrics available online. |
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When Religion Becomes Evil Beginning with the premise that religion is "arguably the most powerful and pervasive force on earth," Charles Kimball contends that every religion has the capacity for good or for evil. He argues that religions become corrupt when they participate in any of five patterns: making claims to have the absolute truth; demanding blind obedience from followers; attempting to establish the "ideal" time; acting on the belief that the end justifies any means; and declaring holy war. Religion can resist becoming evil by practicing an inclusiveness that allows each tradition to retain its distinctiveness while it works for the common good. Special thanks to www.freefoto.com for the use of their photo. |