Facing Decline, Finding Hope

New Possibilities for Faithful Churches

By: Jeffrey D. Jones

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eText | 5 February 2015

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Church today isn’t the same as it was fifty years ago—or even ten years ago. In spite of the powerful stories of turn-around churches with skyrocketing memberships, the difficult reality is that most congregations are getting smaller. Jeffrey D. Jones asks brave questions for congregations facing this reality—what if membership growth isn’t the primary goal for a church? How can churches remain vital, even with declining attendance?

Facing Decline, Finding Hope is an essential resource to help congregations confront their shrinking size while looking towards the hopeful reality that God is calling them to greater faithfulness. The book draws on biblical and theological resources, as well as contemporary leadership studies, to help leaders—both clergy and laity—set aside a survival mentality and ask new questions to shape ministry more attuned to today’s world.

Facing Decline, Finding Hope is a powerful book for leaders who want to honestly assess the size of their church and plan for faithful, invigorating service regardless of whether membership numbers are up or down.

Industry Reviews

There's so much to love about Jeff Jones' new book on decline and hope. He offers deep biblical insight on the tension between the priestly and prophetic. He traces intriguing parallels between biblical dynamics and the work of contemporary organizational theorists. He demonstrates the connection between honest personal spiritual vitality and congregational vitality. But my favorite thing: he doesn't just propose new answers to old questions. He proposes new questions entirely—and they're exactly the questions we need. Here's a book to help congregations face reality, including the reality of decline—and face the future, with hope.