When Better Isn't Enough: Evaluation Tools for the 21st-Century ChurchMany sociologists and a growing number of church scholars have noted that we live in a time of transition—from the modern era to the postmodern. Whenever a shift of this magnitude occurs, it leaves all of life, including the church, in flux. We instinctively strive to stabilize the situation by re-establishing what has worked in the past. Increasingly, however, congregations are finding that the same old things done harder or better don't seem to make a difference. Author Jill Hudson argues, "We must identify new criteria for success, and perhaps even for faithfulness, and hold ourselves accountable to them." Approaching the postmodern era as a tremendous opportunity, Hudson identifies 12 characteristics by which we can measure effective ministry for the early 21st century. Based on those 12 criteria, Hudson has created evaluation tools, "an early measuring stick," to help congregations evaluate their work in this new era. Not everything of the past is ineffective and best discarded, she says, nor will everything we try in the future be successful. But by faithfully listening for God's guidance and carefully evaluating progress using Hudson's tools, looking at the ministry of the whole people of God as well as that of the professional staff, congregations can improve their ministry, help members and staff grow in effectiveness, deepen a sense of partnership, and add new richness to the dialogue about the congregation's future. |
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Contents
| 1 | |
| 13 | |
POSTMODERN EVALUATION THE DILEMMA | 23 |
THE HEART OF THE MAITER 12 CHARACTERISTICS FOR EFFECTIVE 21STCENTURY MINISTRY | 37 |
UNIQUE NEEDS OF CHURCHES MODIFIED MODELS | 93 |
REFLECTING ON MINISTRY A PASTORS EVALUATION | 103 |
REFLECTING ON MINISTRY A REVIEW COMMITTEES EVALUATION | 119 |
REFLECTING ON MINISTRY AN ASSOCIATE PASTORS EVALUATION | 133 |
REFLECTING ON MINISTRY A REVIEW COMMITTEES EVALUATION OF AN ASSOCIATE PASTOR | 149 |
REFLECTING ON MINISTRY EVALUATION OF A VOLUNTEER | 155 |
NOTES | 161 |
Other editions - View all
When Better Isn't Enough: Evaluation Tools for the 21st-century Church Jill M. Hudson No preview available - 2004 |
Common terms and phrases
12 characteristics 21st-century ACTION PLAN Characteristic ADDITIONAL REFLECTION ACTION Alban Institute associate pastor believers Bible study Brian McLaren challenge Christian Church Members clergy conflict congre congregation’s congregational leaders culture define denominations difficult Donald Miller Effective pastors effective postmodern encourage Eugene Peterson evaluation evangelism evangelists find finding first fit five Formation for Church fulfill gation Ginghamsburg God’s gregation Guide a Transformational helpful identified important Interpret and Lead Lead Spiritual Formation leadership team leading change learning Lifelong Learner mainline Mission Outpost nurtured office official opportunities participate pastor and congregation pastors need personnel postmodern Christian postmodern church postmodern pastor postmodern world prayer preaching Presbyterian Church U.S.A. professional QUESTIONS reflection REFLECTION ACTION PLAN Relevant Worship Experiences responsibility review committee role sermon small church specific Spiritual Balance spiritual gifts spiritual growth staff team Successful congregations Support Lay Leaders tion Tipp City today’s Transformational Faith Experience unchurched understand United Methodist Church volunteer Zionsville
Bibliographic information
| Title | When Better Isn't Enough: Evaluation Tools for the 21st-Century Church |
| Author | Jill M. Hudson |
| Edition | revised |
| Publisher | Rowman & Littlefield, 2004 |
| ISBN | 1566996953, 9781566996952 |
| Length | 170 pages |
| Subjects | › › Religion / Christian Church / Administration |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |