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Theological and practical reflections on demographic change in the church.
Numerous churches are contending with the challenges posed by declining membership and attendance. While these trends have most recently been ascribed to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trajectory predates the pandemic and is likely to continue beyond it. William Harrison takes the perspective that demographic decline is merely a reality, rather than a failure to be resolved with new strategies, and examines the theological and ecclesiological questions posed by a shrinking church.
In theological and practical reflections, Harrison examines the twin crises of identity and leadership facing the church, arguing that in response to demographic change, churches must renew their outward focus on evangelism and service. These characteristics of a diaconal church are rooted in sacramental life and self-understanding in a sacramental world. At the same time, leaders must find ways to support these activities while managing decline. Leadership in a Shrinking Church connects theological reflection to mission by identifying some of the challenges presented by decline and connecting them to productive responses.
Numerous churches are contending with the challenges posed by declining membership and attendance. While these trends have most recently been ascribed to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trajectory predates the pandemic and is likely to continue beyond it. William Harrison takes the perspective that demographic decline is merely a reality, rather than a failure to be resolved with new strategies, and examines the theological and ecclesiological questions posed by a shrinking church.
In theological and practical reflections, Harrison examines the twin crises of identity and leadership facing the church, arguing that in response to demographic change, churches must renew their outward focus on evangelism and service. These characteristics of a diaconal church are rooted in sacramental life and self-understanding in a sacramental world. At the same time, leaders must find ways to support these activities while managing decline. Leadership in a Shrinking Church connects theological reflection to mission by identifying some of the challenges presented by decline and connecting them to productive responses.
Price: $39.95
Pages: 208
Publisher: Church Publishing Incorporated
Imprint: Seabury Books
Publication Date:
01 July 2025
Trim Size: 9.00 X 6.00 in
ISBN: 9781640657175
Format: Paperback
"Who wants to hold a position of leadership in the context of decline? When 'change and decay in all around I see' is the norm, how can one talk about being a leader? It is to the credit of the writer that he not only grasped the nettle of leadership in the seminary that he is currently serving but also used his manifold experiences and learnings to remind us about how leadership is not about a numbers game, nor about a measure of outcomes dovetailed to societal expectations of success, but about faithfulness and commitment to God’s church. We are invited to honestly, courageously, and pragmatically examine and evaluate what evangelization in this context would look like. Each chapter is accompanied by exercises that seek to engage the readers and various circles in which the reader is engaged to explore one’s life, the organization, and the world situation in light of the commitment to live a ‘transformed life’ not despite, but alongside, the reality of a shrinking church."