By culture, George B. Thompson Jr. means not just racial, ethnic, economic, or regional culture, but also a congregation’s way of doing things–its history, customs, conventions, and procedures. In order to launch and maintain a successful ministry, pastors and other church leaders must come to grasp that unique culture of their parish. They must develop a ‘culture capital’ within their congregations, meaning that they invest themselves deeply in how their church does its work and goes about its ministries. The author presses clergy to answer such questions as ‘How well do I know what I’m getting into?’ and ‘Have I been adopted yet?’ and even ‘Is it time to move on?’
The book is ideal for pastors in solo settings, but pastors in multiple staff settings will also find the author’s insights helpful.
Tentang Penulis
George B. Thompson Jr. is Professor of Leadership and Ministry Practice at The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, George. Thompson is the editor and co-author of Alligators in the Swamp: Power, Ministry, and Leadership (2005, The Pilgrim Press) and author of Church on the Edge of Somewhere: Ministry, Marginality, and the Future (The Alban Institute, 2007). Some of his other books include:Futuring Your Church: Finding Your Vision and Making it Work How to Get Along with Your Church: Creating Cultural Capital for Doing Mininisty How to Get Along with Your Pastor: Creating Partnership for Doing Ministry Alligators in the Swamp: Power, Ministry, and Leadership (editor and co-author)Church on the Edge of Somewhere: Ministry, Marginality, and the Future Grace for the Journey: Practices and Possibilities for In-Between Times (co-author with Beverly Thompson)