A Church Beyond Belief: The Search for Belonging and the Religious Future
Oct 2014 · Church Publishing, Inc.
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192
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About this ebook
Addresses “belonging before believing” and other new patterns for remaking congregations
As we move beyond the “emergent” or “missional” church paradigm, pastors and other church leaders are discovering a new reality: people (especially younger generations) are coming to church not as believers, but to find a place to belong—with or without faith. This book describes the dilemma and the distractions that currently prevent congregations from being the place where that sense of belonging can unfold and guide newcomers in the discovery of faith.
The authors argue that despite elaborate talk of change, spirituality, transformation, and conflict resolution, congregations are still mired in old patterns of belonging. Using broad-based career experiences, surveys of religious life, historical precedent, and insights from social psychology about what it means to belong today, the book suggests new and effective approaches to help churches make vital connections.
As we move beyond the “emergent” or “missional” church paradigm, pastors and other church leaders are discovering a new reality: people (especially younger generations) are coming to church not as believers, but to find a place to belong—with or without faith. This book describes the dilemma and the distractions that currently prevent congregations from being the place where that sense of belonging can unfold and guide newcomers in the discovery of faith.
The authors argue that despite elaborate talk of change, spirituality, transformation, and conflict resolution, congregations are still mired in old patterns of belonging. Using broad-based career experiences, surveys of religious life, historical precedent, and insights from social psychology about what it means to belong today, the book suggests new and effective approaches to help churches make vital connections.
Addresses “belonging before believing” and other new patterns for remaking congregations
As we move beyond the “emergent” or “missional” church paradigm, pastors and other church leaders are discovering a new reality: people (especially younger generations) are coming to church not as believers,...
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About the author
William L. Sachs directs the Center for Interfaith Reconciliation at St. Stephen's Church, Richmond, Virginia, and has taught in various seminaries. Previously he was Vice President of The Episcopal Church Foundation in New York City.
Michael S. Bos is the Senior Minister at West End Collegiate Church in New York City and President of The Collegiate Churches of New York. He is Moderator of the Board of Trustees of New Brunswick Theological Seminary and formerly served as Executive and Teaching Pastor at one of America's mega-churches. He lives in New York, New York.
William L. Sachs directs the Center for Interfaith Reconciliation at St. Stephen's Church, Richmond, Virginia, and has taught in various seminaries. Previously he was Vice President of The Episcopal Church Foundation in New York City.
Michael S. Bos is the Senior Minister at West End Collegiate C...
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