
Community as Church, Church as Community
Michael Plekon(Author)
Wipf & Stock Publishers
Published on 22. July 2021
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-1-7252-8754-9 (ISBN)
Description
Parishes of all denominations are in decline, shrinking, closing, dying. We know that there are increasing numbers, young and older, who are religious ""nones"" and ""dones."" This book explores why the decline is taking place, why the distancing is going on. But it goes on to examine parishes from all over the country and from various church bodies that are resurrecting. The central theme of death and resurrection shapes the analysis of parishes covered. Parishes are resurrecting by reinventing their ministries, by repurposing their building to better serve their neighborhoods, thus replanting and reconnecting with them. All of this is the Spirit's doing but through the community of sisters and brothers who make up each congregation of faith. Community as the core of church is the other reality shaping the book's reflection. And community, a parish being with those around, living for more than its own survival are visions for going forward. Other aspects of congregational life are also examined, most importantly the pastors--how they serve when budgets shrink, how they are trained, how pastors act with the community not above it. No recipes are suggested for parish resurrection, but the stories of the parishes that have revived bear within numerous lessons for us in the future.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Eugene
United States
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
With dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
600 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-7252-8754-9 (9781725287549)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Michael Plekon
Community as Church, Church as Community
E-Book
07/2021
Wipf and Stock Publishers
€33.99
Available for download
Persons
Michael Plekon is professor emeritus of the City University of New York, Baruch College. He has served as a priest for over forty years in both western and eastern churches and has authored numerous publications including Community as Church, Church as Community; The World as Sacrament; Uncommon Prayer; Saints as They Really Are; Hidden Holiness; and Living Icons.