The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church

The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church.  Alban Publishing, 2004. Geared toward congregational leaders, both ordained and lay, The Practicing Congregation lays out a hopeful vision for change in mainline churches by exploring postmodern culture, the concept of “re-traditioning,” and the role of Christian practices in fostering vitality.  Since its publication, this has been the Alban Institute’s best-selling book.  The Christian Century chose Practicing as one of the best books in pastoral theology in 2005. What others say about The Practicing Congregation: “To the story of mainline transformation, Bass brings her scholarly authority, her pilgrim’s passion, and her lively prose.  This is an eye-opening book, a buoyant book.  It tells a new story, and anyone interested in the present or future of the Christian church should read it.” Lauren Winner, author of Mudhouse Sabbath “In The Practicing Congregation, Diana Butler Bass offers a compelling alternative to the flat and one-sided depictions of mainline Protestant decline to which we have become accustomed.  Drawing on insights from recent studies of tradition, practice, narrative, and congregational history, she is able to identify emerging forms of congregational life that display an unexpected vitality, adaptability, and faithfulness.” E. Brooks Holifield, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

 

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