{"product_id":"the-gift-of-small-embracing-your-churchs-vocation-paperback","title":"The Gift of Small: Embracing Your Church's Vocation - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eAllen T. Stanton\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost churches in the US are small-membership congregations. As Allen T. Stanton notes, most church leadership resources focus on membership growth as a central, guiding paradigm for the work of the church. The assumption is that membership growth is a natural outcome of a healthy congregation and successful ministry. However, Stanton argues that this assumption fails to engage theologically with the vocational gifts that small-membership churches offer. This oversight fuels the perception that small congregations are failing in their ministries or lack vitality. Instead, \u003cem\u003eThe Gift of Small\u003c\/em\u003e argues that small-membership congregations are well positioned for the faithful, effective work of the church.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStanton explores the roles that relationships play in faith formation and organizational leadership in small-membership churches. In doing so, he highlights the profiles of people who belong to these congregations and examines the assets they bring. The result is a renewed understanding of the critical role that small-membership churches often play in their members' vocational discovery and community-leadership development. Stanton grounds his observations in Jesus's teachings that use the imagery of small to represent powerful agents of transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Gift of Small\u003c\/em\u003e can help clergy and lay leaders recover from discouragement and disillusionment regarding the often-disregarded work done in small-membership churches. This book will serve as a reinvigorating guide to help such clergy and leaders see their congregations' vital impact with clearer and fresher eyes. This book, in turn, will facilitate a renewed commitment to the work of small-membership churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 158\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.5 x 8.4 x 5.5 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e October 22, 2024\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51763357516064,"sku":"9781506481937","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/58b06e40191c37d40819bea6f342f0c9.webp?v=1780233073","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/the-gift-of-small-embracing-your-churchs-vocation-paperback","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}