Ministry Health: Link/Resources Especially For Smaller Churches (100 or less in attendance)

Dear MH Subscribers,

As the ministry of the Ministry Health expands, it is gratifying to see the diversity of ministries represented by the subscribers.

Rev. Ron Waters of Ashland Theological Seminary of Ashland, Ohio (USA), a seminary of the United Brethren, has a new resource in development especially for smaller churches. It’s called the “Smaller Churches Network” and is specifically for churches of 100 in attendance or less. For information about this network, email Ron at or visit his Web Site at http://www.ashland.edu/~rwaters

A wonderful biography for small church ministries is also included as part of this ministry. A portion of it is reproduced below, with asterisks indicating his recommendation.

*Bierly, Steve R. Help for the Small-Church Pastor: Unlocking the Potential of Your Congregation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995 (144 pp.).

Brown, Carolyn C. Developing Christian Education in the Smaller Church. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1982 (96 pp.).

Burt, Steven E. Activating Leadership in the Small Church: Clergy and Laity Working Together. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1988 (144 pp.).

*___________, and Hazel A. Roper. Raising Small Church Esteem. Washington, D.C.: TheAlban Institute, 1992 (106 pp.).

Carroll, Jackson W., ed. Small Churches Are Beautiful. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1977 (174 pp.).

Chromey, Rick. Youth Ministry in Small Churches. Loveland, Col.: Group Books, 1990 (168 pp.).

Coote, Robert B., ed. Mustard-Seed Churches: Ministries in Small Churches. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1990 (192 pp.).

*Crandall, Ronald K. Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995 (176 pp.).

*Dudley, Carl S. Making the Small Church Effective. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1978 (192 pp.).

___________. Unique Dynamics of the Small Church. Washington, D.C.: The Alban Institute, 1977 (21 pp.).

___________, and Douglas Alan Walrath. Developing Your Small Church’s Potential. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1988 (96 pp.).

Foltz, Nancy T. Caring for the Small Church: Insights from Women in Ministry. VAlley Forge: Judson Press, 1994 (67pp.).

*___________, ed. Religious Education in the Small Membership Church. Birmingham, Ala.: Religious Education Press, 1990 (234 pp.).

Griggs, Donald L., and Judy McKay Walther. Christian Education in the Small Church. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1988 (112 pp.).

Johnston, Jon, and Bill M. Sullivan, eds. The Smaller Church in a Super Church Era. Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1983 (152 pp.).

Madsen, Paul O. The Small Church–Valid, Vital, Victorious. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1975 (126 pp.).

Massa, Michael W., et. al. Ministry Resources: Planning Helps in Ten Program Areas for Congregations with Small Membership. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1986 (147 pp.).

McCarty, Doran. Leading the Small Church. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1991 (175 pp.).

Pappas, Anthony. Entering the World of the Small Church: A Guide for Leaders. Washington, D.C.: The Alban Institute, 1988 (93 pp.).

______________. Money, Motivation, and Mission in the Small Church. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1989 (125 pp.).

Pappas, Anthony, and Scott Planting. Mission: The Small Church Reaches Out. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1993 (137 pp.).

Ray, David R. Small Churches Are the Right Size. New York: The Pilgrim Press, 1982 (206 pp.).

*Schaller, Lyle E. The Small Church Is Different! Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1982 (192 pp.).

*____________. The Small Membership Church: Scenarios for Tomorrow. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1994 (142 pp.).

Schirer, Marshal E., and Mary Anne Forehand. Cooperative Ministry: Hope for Small Churches. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1984 (94 pp.).

Sims, Rose. New Life for Dying Churches! It Can Happen Anywhere. Trilby, Fla.: New Life Church Growth Ministries, 1992.

Wagley, Laurence A. Preaching with the Small Congregation. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1989 (140 pp.).

Walrath, Douglas Alan, ed. New Possibilities for Small Churches. New York: The Pilgrim Press, 1983 (101 pp.).

Willimon, William H., and Robert L. Wilson. Preaching and Worship in the Small Church. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1980 (126 pp.).

Zunkel, C. Wayne. Growing the Small Church: A Guide for Church Leaders. Elgin: David C. Cook Publishing Co., 1982 (109 pp.).

Tom

Visit My “Ministry Health” Web Site For Pastors

http://genesis.acu.edu/ministryhealth