"...a digestible marriage of keen analysis and practicalexercises..." (Christianity and Renewal, June 2002) "..it is a worthwhile book, easy to read, with good directions andclear to follow.."(Christian Research)"A wonderful, useful book. Here is a chance to take an honest lookat what your church was, is, and could be. But be aware: if youjust want to tinker with your dysfunctional parts, go elsewhere foradvice. Instead, this book provides a sure, compassionate,comprehensive road map for churches willing to plunge into theexciting wilderness that is American life today-a wilderness, bythe way, that is teeming with grace and possibilities." --PaulWilkes, author, Excellent Protestant Congregations: The Guide toBest Places and Practices and Excellent Catholic Parishes:The Guide to Best Places and Practices "Carl Dudley and Nancy Ammerman probably know more, and caremore, about the vitality of local congregations than any otherscholars in the country. Here they translate decades of astuteobservations into a clear, user-friendly, and practical set ofplanning strategies certain to help congregational leaders discernthe most faithful and effective futures for their ministries."--John P. Kretzmann, codirector, the Asset Based CommunityDevelopment Institute "An excellent guide to developing the conversations that leadersof congregations need to be having. This is an important book forboards and planning committees making the difficult shift frombusiness as usual to discerning new futures." --Gil Rendle,director of consulting and education, the Alban Institute "This book is timely, challenging, and practical! Carl Dudleyand Nancy Ammerman skillfully guide the pastor and church leadersthrough the journey of change toward greater effectiveness inministry. A must-read for every pastor or church leader who desiresto keep their congregation's ministry to the community on thecutting edge." --Efraim Espinoza, Commission onDiscipleship-We Build People General Council of the Assemblies ofGod
