Pathfinders: Church Consulting stays current with the research and literature on the congregation and the Church today. The following books offer an introduction to what is happening. If you would like other book recommendations or have recommendations of your own, contact info@ccpathfinders.com.

Lois Y. Barrett et al, Treasure in Clay Jars: Patterns in Missional Faithfulness, Eerdmans, 2004 – Missional church is a redefinition of the church in these times. This book examines what missional churches look like and what they do. This movement is going in many directions. This book focuses on mainline congregations.

Diana Butler Bass, Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith, Harper, 2006 – Is there hope for the mainline congregation? Bass reports reflects on what is happening everywhere as congregations awaken from their slumber. She reports ten signposts of renewal.

Jim Kitchens, The Postmodern Parish: New Ministry for a New Era, Alban, 2003 – Books on the post modern world view have become a cottage industry. Kitchen’s book takes the world view change seriously and explores what this means for worship, leadership, faith formation and mission.

Glenn McDonald, The Disciple Making Church: From Dry Bones to Spiritual Vitality, Faith Walk, 2007 – McDonald tells the story of Zionsville Presbyterian Church moving from being an ABC church (attendance, building, cash) to disciple making congregation. If you want to move beyond being busy, this book will create serious conversation.

E. Stanley Ott, Twelve Dynamic Shifts for Transforming Your Church, Eerdmans, 2002 – Ott has been a proponent of slow, steady change in the life and work of congregations in ways which bring fresh vision and energy. What he reports is urgent, practical and doable.

Cynthia Woolever and Deborah Bruce, Beyond the Ordinary: 10 Strengths of U.S. Congregations, Westminster John Knox, 2004 – This study describes the benchmarks for strong, growing churches based on the U.S. Congregational Survey. Many churches have work to do before they can move into the future. This book hints at where you begin.

Craig Van Gelder, The Essence of the Church: A Community Created by the Spirit, Baker, 2000 – Van Gelder takes into account all that has happened and is happening to the Church. He challenges us to rethink what the church is and ought to do