Transforming Congregational Culture

"Transforming Congregational Culture" by Anthony Robinson was assigned to me as a part of a committee's study at church. We were trying to get a better (or another's view) idea about the weakening of the "main stream" church and its role in American life today. Robinson offered some interesting thoughts and ideas about why and what challenges churches face in America and the world today. He presents his views in areas that range from stewardship to formation to church growth, providing helpful examples and theological reflection along the way. Additionally, it was written in a style that was easy to follow and understand. Although I do not agree with all of his views, there are many excellent observations made. This is especially true of the evolution of the church and its influence in American society over time. "Transforming Congregational Culture" is a very good book for mainline congregations who feel that they stuck and no longer moving forward. If you are one who has interest in this area, then this is a book that I would recommend for your to read and think about!

Another book, similar to some others that I have reviewed, that articulately describes the challenges confronting us in the postmodern world, the ways that congregations need to be transformed, and the leadership skills that are necessary for the task.Robinson argues that we need the following transformations: from worship as talk about God to worship as experience of God; from Christian education to Christian formation; from givers to receivers who give; from board culture to ministry culture; from community organization to faith-based ministry; from democracy to discernment; from budget as end to budget as means; from fellowship to hospitality; and from passive membership growth to active membership growth.Robinson didn't say a whole lot that I thought was new and different from a number of other books I have been reading recently, but on the other hand the more I wrestle with the changing world and the more I read books like this, the greater clarity I achieve about the task that lies ahead, and my role in it.

This book gives a good overview of the ways in which the mainstream Christian church has had to change or disappear within our changing culture. There are many excellent points made. 75 years ago, the American culture was predominantly Christian. And thus , Chriistianity, and certain things htat went with that were assumed by the "church on main street". What was taken for granted then, about people's needs, and reasons for coming to church cannot be assumed now. Churches arelosing members in most denominations. This book delineates the difference between the Christian era and the post -Christian era in the USA, and speaks of the changes that are needed to inform and transform, and form our mainline Christian churches today. Many of the so called "mega-churches" are growing, precisely because they have figured out what is needed by the people they serve, and how to provide it. Our main line churches need to catch up.

This is a great book for getting a broad overview of the type of work needed for rethinking congregations in Protestant Christianity. Robinson breaks this work into a number of discrete areas that range from stewardship to formation to church growth, providing helpful examples and theological reflection along the way. Robinson's work integrates very nicely with Heifitz's work on leadership development, and along those lines, Robinson provides a short recap of Heifitz's though on leadership at the end of the book for those who have never read him or simply needed a refresher.Overall, a quick and easy book to read that is a great help and starting point for congregational work.

I found this to be one of the best book on the historical perspective of WHY we are where we are and WHAT can be done (if anything) and HOW to make the change for those churches willing to take up the challenge.The next couple of years are going to be filled with anxiety as we try to understand the reality of change and adapt to it. This book help calm the fears and anxiety and see the problem with clarity rather than emotional intensity.if you love church, history and the are a visionary for the future, READ IT!

Our church leadership is studying Transforming Congregational Culture for ideas to assist us in transforming our congregation. We are using this wonderful book as a guide to shape the future for our church. Anthony Robinson's experiences in ministry gives us great insight to new possibilities. His workable approaches will assist us in transforming our church with practical and workable ideas for change. This is a must read if your church is shrinking or needing direction in this challenging culture for churches today.

The practical information and point of departure, is excellent. One would like more emphasis on the fact that being church means the proclamation of God's kingdom. That is the point of being church.

I wish I had read this book PRIOR to being appointed to my first church. All is well, but I would have been far more enlightened had I read Transforming Congregational Culture earlier in my career. It will also serve as a good reminder or refresher for career clergy as well.