Why Liberal Churches are Growing is a fascinating journey through different case studies, social science reflection, and theological analysis. The contributors include sociologists, theologians, and practical theologians.
The book has four sections. The first, 'defining themes', looks at the social justice witness (community organizing), church growth as conversational, and the challenge of turning liberal churches around.The book then looks at three case studies - starting with congregations and moving to a denomination. Under the heading 'macro issues' it explores in more detail the underlying disposition of liberal churches and revisits such themes as social justice, homosexuality, and alternative indicators of vitality. The book concludes with three essays on 'clergy and growth'.
Ian Markham is Dean of Hartford Seminary, Connecticut.
The Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy was until recently The Dean of Christ Church Oxford. Previously he was Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire. He is the author of a number of books and learned articles including The Humble Church, Untamed Gospels and Clergy: the Origin of Species. His wife is also an ordained theologian. He has two daughters and a dog.