Beyond Maintenance to Mission: A Theology of the Congregation

by Craig L. Nessan (Editor)

Overview

Here, in a newly revised edition, is a powerful and pertinent guide for congregations wanting to move away from 'maintenance thinking' to powerful, creative engagement with the world.

Visionary yet practical, Nessan's influential book makes a persuasive case for the centrality of mission in the life of the church. Nessan's model of mission-driven leadership is strongly centered on the community of faith's worship and draws unique connections between the worship life of a congregation and every aspect of the church's ministry. Around the twin foci of congregational identity and mission, the chapters in this dynamic book provide solid theological and radical direction on the themes of worship, education, fellowship, stewardship, evangelism, global connections, and social ministry.

Equally pertinent to seminary classroom and parish life, the new edition highlights worship's centrality, adds a new chapter on prayer and spiritual practices in this framework, significantly revises the treatments of fellowship and evangelism, and adds a full set of materials designed for congregational visioning and planning.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780800663261
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	02/24/2010
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Craig L. Nessan is William D. Streng Professor for the Education and Renewal of the Church, academic dean, and professor of contextual theology and ethics at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and serves as coeditor of the online journal Currents in Theology and Mission. He is the author of several books, including, Shalom Church: The Body of Christ as Ministering Community and Beyond Maintenance to Mission: A Theology of the Congregation.

Table of Contents

How to Use This Book vii

Preface xi

Part 1 Orientation

1 Basic Elements of a Theology of the Congregation 1

Kerygma, Koin&obar;nia, Diakonia 2

From Identity to Mission and Back Again 6

Grounded in Liturgy of Word and Sacrament 10

2 First, Listen 15

Congregational Story 16

Cultural Story 18

Biblical Story 23

3 Trinitarian Mission: The Sending of the Son in the Power of the Spirit 29

Jesus and the Kingdom of God 30

Living Word of Gospel 33

From Proclamation to Paraenesis 36

4 Worship: Imagining the Kingdom 41

In the Name of... 42

Eucharistic Drama 45

"Go in Peace; Serve the Lord" 49

Part 2 Identity

5 Prayer: Your Kingdom Come! 57

Leading the People of God in Prayer 58

Let Us Pray For... 61

Lord, Teach Us to Pray! 65

6 Education: Making Disciples 69

Arcane Discipline 70

Saints Who Followed 76

Crossings 78

7 Life in Community: Friends of the Crucified 83

The Meaning of Christian Friendship 84

Egalitarian Communion 86

Pastor and People 89

8 Stewardship: God Owns Everything 97

Ownership 98

Tithing: A Check on Idolatry 101

Caring 104

Part 3 Mission

9 Evangelizing: Speaking the Kingdom 113

Unprecedented Diversity: Are We Ready to Be Changed? 114

Evangelizing Defined 117

Learning to Speak the Faith 121

10 Global Connections: The Church Catholic 127

Centrifugal Force of the Gospel 128

Beyond Nationalism 131

Global Connections in the Congregation 134

11 Ecumenism: That All May Be One 141

Ecumenism as Apologetics 142

Toward a Common Table 145

In Service to God's World 150

12 Social Ministry: Striving for Justice and Peace in All the Earth 155

Social Service and Social Advocacy 156

The Critical Mass: Three Priorities 160

Congregational Praxis 164

Conclusion: "One Long Epiclesis" 169

Name Index 173

Subject Index 175

Scripture Index 177