Authentic Congregations

Using case studies of authentic congregations--diverse Presbyterian congregations that are responding creatively and effectively in their social contexts--William Hopper draws insights for all congregations desiring more vital worship, service, and witness. He offers wisdom for congregations about how to engage controversial issues and develop faithful ministries in challenging times.

William H. Hopper, Jr. is a Presbyterian minister who has served as a pastor, missionary, and denominational leader.

Foreword

ix

Clifton Kirkpatrick

Acknowledgments

xi

Introduction

1

(7)

The Time of Renewed Emphasis on Congregations

8

(73)

PART I: Case Studies

From Praying to Picketing

Second Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee

27

(15)

It Doesn't Look like a Church, but It Is

First Presbyterian Church, Torrance, California

42

(14)

Everybody Here Is from Somewhere Else

Presbyterian Church of the Eternal Hills, Fraser and Granby, Colorado

56

(11)

Wherever You Are, God Can Use You

New Life Presbyterian Church, College Park, Georgia

67

(14)

PART II: Contemporary Issues

Making Decisions Decently and in Order

81

(15)

Lay Persons and Lay Leadership

96

(15)

Congregations in Mission

111

(11)

Inclusiveness: African Americans in the Church

122

(17)

Inclusiveness: Women in the Church

139

(10)

Theological Inclusiveness: When Women Re-Imagine

149

(23)

Into the New Millennium

172

(13)

Notes

185

(11)

Acknowledgments of Copyrighted Material

196

(2)

Index

198

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Authentic Congregations

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials