Taking an intricate look at vitality and health in congregations based on information gathered from the 2001 U.S. Congregational Life Survey, the authors conclude that congregations have ten strengths, and that by building upon these strengths, congregations can transform their futures.

Based on the results of a major Congregational Life Survey, this book is the first comprehensive portrait of congregational life in the United States at the start of the 21st century. Charts and graphs.

Based on the results of the major Congregational Life Survey, this book is the first comprehensive portrait of congregational life in the United States at the start of the 21st century. Charts and graphs.

Here is the first comprehensive portrait of congregational life in the U.S. in the new century, based on the results of the U.S. Congregational Life Survey of more than 2,000 congregations & over 350,000 worshipers from across many denominations. The book seeks to answers questions like, What are the characteristics of satisfying worship?Ó; How involved are worshipers in their communities?Ó; & How can congregations both recruit new members & retain existing members?Ó It provides a portrait of congregational life today in four dimensions: spirituality & faith, activities in the congregations, community involvement, & worshipers' vision for the congregation's future. Charts & graphs.

Matching the right pastor with the right congregation is one of the most important -- and daunting -- decisions either party can make. While there are many pastors and congregations that merely fit OK, there are other matches that fit perfectly. Leadership that Fits Your Church explores how to find what really works for pastors and congregations. Cynthia Woolever and Deborah Bruce, known for their work with congregational life research, lead you on an enlightening adventure in finding that perfect match. Follow the pastoral transition experiences of three churches: a mainline, Protestant congregation; a conservative church; and a Catholic parish. Each example starts with basic descriptions of pastors and church types, then digs into illustrations of deeper dynamics that yield a good match between congregation and pastoral leadership. From The Columbia Partnership (TCP) Leadership Series