Why Liberal Churches are Growing

Reviews / Votes

"Pete Ward's chapter on youth work is particularly resonate. He builds a convincing case that a commitment to building long-term relationships with young people and to encouraging them to develop as Christian leaders transformed the charismatic/evangelical movement within the Church of England from a small, "somewhat ineffectual" group in the 1930s into the thriving section of the church that it is today...Liberal congregations can flourish. They can grow in authentic, healthy ways. Mainline/liberal Christians bear an open, deeply spiritual faith that is passionately concerned with justice and vibrantly alive. If we take up Ward's challenge make the nurture of youth and the development of young leaders our priority, we can reserve what Roozen calls a "continuing stream of decline," and the light of the open, just, living gospel of Christ will blaze into the future." -Martha Grace Reese, Christian Century, March 11, 2008 -- Martha Grace Reese "Percy and Marham's book provides, through its thirteen chapters and as many different authors, a rich resource of illuminating case studies, sociological analyses and practical theological reflections covering a very wide range of approaches and contexts from the United Kingdom and the United States. It is a must for those engaged in ministeral education, and there are few practising clergy who will not find within its covers useful insights and real encouragement for their ministry." Reviewed by Jeff Astley in Rural Theology, 2007