GROWING BEYOND NUMBERS Project

This is a project I was involved with several years ago, while in seminary. I have threatened numerous times to revisit this and continue to work at the basic premise. It was good, just not complete. If you feel inclined to help, I would appreciate any suggestions. I will no doubt make sure that the revisions can be seen apart from the original, which is owned collectively by all the authors. Each gave their permission years ago to work with this, as long as attribution was given.

Be prepared: This is a small book. It is, at least I think, interesting and challenging – especially for churches in flux and those trying to redefine their identity – but it is not a quick read.

GROWING BEYOND NUMBERS

The Methodist Theological School Project

for Transforming Church Growth

Advanced Church Leadership Class, Spring 2003

Lisa Withrow, PhD, Instructor

Student Authors and denomination (in alphabetical order):

Jennifer Carter – UUA,

Andrew Little , co-editor – PC(USA),

John Martin – UUA,

Thomas Orth – UCC,

Rebecca Ploughe – UMC,

David Soliday – UUA,

Kerry Wood, co-editor – UMC

Methodist Theological School in Ohio

3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware Ohio 43015

May 23, 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction

PART 1

Unpacking Church Growth Movements: The Problem Behind the Numbers

The Church’s Past

The Development of Ecclesiology – the Theology of Church

The Church as it Could Be: Unbounded Sacred Space and Time

Redefining Church Growth

PART 2

Process for Exploration: An Inner Work/Outer Work Pilgrimage

The Catalyst Group

The Initial Process

Inner Work and Outer Work: Meaning-Making

Completing the Pilgrimage

Conclusion

Bibliography

For Additional Reading

WELL, HELLO! YOU’RE HERE.

That's too bad - I'm so sorry. Oh, well, just try to make the best of it. What you'll find here is a variety of essays and ramblings to do with things theological, social, whimsical and, sometimes, all three. I don't write to get famous - trust me, I've been told how futile that would be - but to express myself. I love to communicate and browbeat - ummm, I mean dialogue - about the things I find intriguing. Since you're here, and the door's locked, why don't you stay a while. There's a page bar under the header with links to information about us - I mean me. Don't forget to tell me what you think - in a nice way, I mean.