Cracking Your Congregation's Code : Mapping Your Spiritual DNA to Create Your Future

by Norton, Robert; Southern, Richard

• ISBN13: 9780787955335
• ISBN10: 0787955337
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-09-24
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

Discover your unique strengths and values -- and what God wishes for the future of your church. All congregations want to thrive and remain vibrant -- but it's not always easy. Many approaches to growth and renewal don't quite fit, because they don't take into account the "spiritual DNA" of the congregation -- those intrinsic characteristics that give each congregation its unique identity. Cracking Your Congregation's Code provides a practical program for reaching the heart of what must be done to survive and thrive. This unique book guides clergy and lay leaders to create or revisit their mission, vision, and values. The authors' proven, field-tested change process will help congregations in any setting refocus on what really matters in ministry: welcoming, nurturing, empowering, and serving new and current members.

Author Biography

Richard Southern and Robert Norton launched Church Development Systems, a nonprofit organization and consulting practice in 1990. Together they have advised, coached, and led hundreds of congregations on the path to renewal and growth.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
The Authors	xv
Acknowledgments	xvii
Introduction: The Possibilities for Renewal and Growth	xix
Part One: Your Congregation's Spiritual Code
Your Congregation's Spiritual DNA: Your Unique Identity	3	(14)
Cracking Your Spiritual Code: Growing into Who You Are	17	(30)
Part Two: Using ``WelNES'' Systems to Renew and Grow Your Congregation
Came Right In: Your Welcoming System	47	(34)
We're Here to Care: Your Nurturing System	81	(29)
Yes, You Can: Your Empowering System	110	(23)
How May We Help You? Your Serving System	133	(26)
Part Three: The Strategic Mapping Process
Creating Your Strategic Map to Take You Where You Want to Go	159	(36)
Resources	195	(4)
Bibliography	199	(4)
Index	203