The Prospering Parachurch: Enlarging the Boundaries of God's Kingdom

by Wesley K. Willmer; J. David Schmidt; Martyn Smith

• ISBN13: 9780787941987
• ISBN10: 0787941980
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-11-01
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

My friAnds and colleagues Wes Willmer and David Schmidt have done a marvelous job of capturing the essence of this [parachurch] movement. I commAnd this book to you. --Billy Graham The first book to take a comprehensive look at one of the profound paradigm shifts that is redefining religion--the parachurch: what it is, where it came from, how it operates, who supports it, and what is its future. Foreign missions, social services, health care, relief and development, camps, prisons ministry, evangelistic outreach, schools and colleges, rescue missions, and television and radio broadcasting are just a few of the forms that this burgeoning movement has taken. Willmer and Schmidt provide a new understanding of the transforming of God's Kingdon beyond traditional boundries. They offer practical guidance to parachurch leaders on managing their complex mix of stakeholders in planning for a more strategic future. Those involved in both church and parachurch ministries and those who study religion will find the instructive text essential reading.

Author Biography

WESLEY K. WILLMER, vice president of University Advancement and a professor at Biola University, is a consultant to parachurch organizations. J. DAVID SCHMIDT heads a Wheaton, Illinois based consulting firm that provides strategic planning, research, and organizational development services to Christian parachurch organizations. MARTYN SMITH is a freelance writer and a frequent presenter of seminars on religious and literary topics.

Table of Contents

List of Figures	ix	(2)
Preface	xi	(6)
The Authors	xvii
PART ONE What Is the Parachurch and Why Is It Thriving?	3	(58)
1. God's Work Enlarged	3	(9)
2. Defining the Parachurch Boundaries	12	(17)
3. The Roots of the Parachurch Boom	29	(15)
4. Keys to Enduring Effectiveness	44	(17)
PART TWO Who Makes Up the Parachurch?	61	(52)
5. Appreciating the Stakeholders and Their Diverse Needs	61	(12)
6. Building an Effective Christian Board	73	(15)
7. Leading with Intentionality	88	(12)
8. Understanding Parachurch Donors	100	(13)
PART THREE How Can the Parachurch Enlarge Its Impact?	113	(44)
9. Thinking Strategically About God's Work	113	(9)
10. Knowing Where You Want to Go	122	(10)
11. Understanding Where You Are Now	132	(12)
12. Getting from Here to There	144	(13)
PART FOUR Where Is the Parachurch Headed?	157	(44)
13. Financing Tomorrow's Parachurch	157	(13)
14. Enhancing the Partnership Between Church and Parachurch	170	(16)
15. Challenges to the Parachurch's Future	186	(15)
Resource: Parachurch Taxonomy	201	(14)
References	215	(8)
Index	223