The Other 80 Percent - Hardcover

Thumma, Scott; Bird, Warren

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0470891297 ISBN 13: 9780470891292

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2011

Synopsis

A research-based approach to developing more active and involved congregations

In this practical resource, well-known and respected researcher Scott Thumma and professional co-writer Warren Bird draw upon new and heretofore unpublished research across a broad range of Protestant churches of all sizes and show how to create more active members. Offers solid information of what church leaders need to know about the factors and practices that create church members who are more actively and passionately involved in their congregations.

• Offers a first of its kind resource for developing engaged congregations
• Lead author Scott Thumma is a noted researcher and writer on congregational studies
• Warren Bird is coauthor of Culture Shift and Viral Churches

This book offers advice for moving church members from being spectators to living a life of discipleship and faith.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Praise for The Other 80 Percent

"If you're discontent with 20 percent of your flock participating in spiritual development and 80 percent being spectators on the sideline, you need to read this book over and over. It will show you surprising yet practical ways to draw the marginal 80 percent into ministry and spiritual development. The extensive research alone is worth the price of the book."
—Bill Easum, author, consultant, coach; president of 21st Century Strategies

"Congregations seeking increased vitality only through reaching new people are missing a far larger group of potential disciples—their own less than fully active members. The Other 80 Percent, a book worthy of attention by every church and every pastor, combines solid research with practical methods for churches to take next steps."
—Lovett H. Weems Jr., Distinguishd Professor of Church Leadership; director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership (www.churchleadership.com), Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC

"Through solid research and a heart for the church, Thumma and Bird remind us of the need to focus on maturing the church into the mission of God. This book will help you reengage the people of your church into the work of the ministry. The Other 80 Percent is a helpful resource for any pastor's library."
—Ed Stetzer, coauthor, Transformational Church, www.edstetzer.com

"Who isn't interested in seeing more people involved in their church? Then place The Other 80 Percent: Turning Your Church's Spectators into Active Participants at the top of your reading list. Employing fresh research, authors Scott Thumma and Warren Bird offer insights that will empower your work with your less-active people. Pick it up today, read it tomorrow, and begin putting it into practice the next day."
—Gary L. McIntosh, D.Min., professor of Christian ministry and leadership, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; author, Beyond the Visit: The Complete Guide to Connecting Guests to Your Church

From the Inside Flap:

The Other 80 Percent

"How can you shift more of your church members from sitting to serving, from being spectators to engaging more deeply? Would doing so help more people to grow and develop spiritually?"—From the Preface

The Other 80 Percent is a practical guide for church leaders written by respected researcher Scott Thumma and noted author Warren Bird. The authors draw upon new research across a broad range of Protestant churches of all kinds.

Thumma and Bird have listened to thousands of church members' voices to discern what motivates less-connected, inactive members to move toward a life of discipleship and living out their faith in community.

The authors explore societal norms influencing involvement and identify distinctive qualities of churches that shape patterns of better volunteer participation. They also examine the sometimes faulty and limiting perspectives leaders have about ways to increase involvement.

The book proposes practical steps to develop listening and learning teams to assist clergy in uncovering membership patterns, cultural norms, and leadership blind spots common to Evangelical and mainline congregations alike.

The Other 80 Percent includes a wealth of creative ideas that can expand what it means for people to engage more fully with their church. Thumma and Bird reinforce the idea that spiritual growth is directly related to participation and involvement and that spiritual nurturance of the entire congregation should be at the heart of this effort.

About this edition

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0470891297
• ISBN 13: 9780470891292
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256