The Columbia Partnership

Learning to Sing the Song of the Borderlands

In his book, Borderland Churches: A Congregation's Introduction to Missional Living, Gary Nelson shares the following about learning to sing the song of the borderlands:

"The song we must learn to sing is much more profound than a chorus or a hymn. It is about the attitudes and presuppositions. It is also atmosphere where we offer genuine community and authentic relationships. The song seeks to answer the question of what it means to be the church relevantly in this context and these times. Trapped in our memories, we will only hinder the sense of urgency required to initiate change." [17]

See and purchase this book at TCP Resources Store.

Posted via web from The Columbia Partnership

Free Webinars on Ministry Mobilizers and Congregation Transformation Coming February 17 and 18

Next week Columbia Partnership is conducting two FREE one-hour webinars. One is is on the concept of 22-44 Ministry Mobilizers as an innovative way to look at church staffing during challenging economic times. The second is on the congregational transformation.survey results entitled What is and is not Congregational Transformation?

Each webinar will be offered two times--once on Tuesday and once on Wednesday as follows:

• 22-44 Ministry Mobilizers
  • Register for Tuesday, February 17th at 11:00 a.m. EST
  • Register for Wednesday, February 18th at 2:00 p.m. EST
• What is and is not Congregational Transformation
  • Register for Tuesday, February 17th at 2:00 p.m. EST
  • Register for Wednesday, February 18th at 11:00 a.m. EST

22-44 Ministry Mobilizers is based on an article shared several weeks ago as part of the theme Church Solutions for Uncertain Economic Times. This concept will be explored in-depth and examples of churches ho are utilizing this method will be shared. To read the background article, click HERE.

What is and is not Congregational Transformation? is based on an article shared last week and the results of the survey being conducted to secure reaction to ten characteristics and a definition for congregational transformation. The survey results will be shared for participant dialogue. To read the background material and take the survey, click HERE.

What is and is not Congregational Transformation?

Here are invited to take a survey on what is and is not congregational transformation. Results will be shared within the next ten days.

Take Survey

Pastor-Bashing on the Rise?

In their book, Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60, Eddie Hammett and Randy Pierce share the following:

"In a decade when most numbers associated with church--finances, membership, baptisms, new members, visitors, etc., are declining, pastor bashing seems to be on the rise." "How does pastor-bashing manifest itself? What does it mean? And, what are some methods that might bring some resolution to pastor-bashing?" [8]

See and purchase this book at TCP Resources Store.

Posted via web from The Columbia Partnership

Illusions in Ministy

In his book, Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Postmodern Age, Dick Hamm shares the following:

"I confess that I entered the role of minister with many illusions, probably including the illusion that I knew what was best for the church and the illusion that I was going to single-handedly change both the church and the world. Some of these illusions had to do with youthful enthusiasm and some had to do with arrogance. These are illusions with which we all have to struggle in the process of maturing as Christians and as spiritual leaders." [5]

See and purchase this book at TCP Resources Store.

Posted via web from The Columbia Partnership