One Congregation's Journey of Change: A Guide to Enhancing Relationships in Your Congregation

The process described in this book will be helpful to congregations of all faiths. This "how-to" guide describes an in-reach initiative directed toward a congregational tranformation from being programmatic/transactional-based to being relationship based. Values, especially the sacred value of relationships, are the focus of this process. Enriching relationships may be a key factor in member retention and attracting new members.

Member/member relationships are addressed with suggestions for getting started and various projects dedicated to that end. The transformation of member/congregation relationships are the focus of the change from a standard annual commitment (dues) system to a voluntary pledge system for member's financial support of the congregation. Congregational readiness, marketing, and evaluation are presented. Appendices of materials used - a check list, monthly bulletin articles, letters to the members, etc. - are included making this a usable guide or workbook for congregation leaders.