A Field Guide for the Missional Congregation: Embarking on a Journey of Transformation

The roster of books on leadership is full of high theoryand grand expositions of biblical principles. But there isprecious little practical advice for regular peoplecommitted to releasing positive change within their localchurches. Here one of the church's foremosttheoreticians and one of its most accomplishedtransformational leaders combine strengths to clarifyboth how sound congregational transformation can beaccomplished by regular folks and the very Christcenteredfoundations upon which transformation mustrest. With unflinching honesty and a deep, knowingsense for the joy that comes from Spirit-led change, theauthors guide the reader on a quest for a future churchalive with the abundant life God intended.

A Field Guide to the Missional Congregation revealsseven "transformational keys," using real-life casestudies to illustrate each key. A reflective milestoneframework, including discovery questions for eachchapter, ground the book in a practical process.

Rick Rouse is an ELCA pastor, having served congregations in Arizona, California, Washington, and Oregon. He has also served as executive director for church relations and continuing theological education at Pacific Lutheran University for twelve years. The author of several books, Rouse has also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and has had his story of forgiveness and healing reported in USA Today, Reader"s Digest, and The Lutheran.

Craig Van Gelder is professor of congregational mission at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he resides. Previously he taught at Calvin Theological Seminary as professor of domestic missiology.

Martin E. Marty is the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, where he taught chiefly in the Divinity School for thirty-five years. He has published many books with Augsburg Books and Fortress Press including A Short History of Christianity (9780800619442), The Lord's Supper (9780806633398), Faith (9780806601328), Speaking of Trust (Lutheran Voices, 9780806649948) and with his son, Micah Marty, Places Along the Way (9780806627465) and Our Hope for Years to Come (9780806628363). He lives in Chicago.