"An Alban Institute book."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 131-132).

Part 1. Confronting difficult news. The problem with pool tables and what that means for us -- Why Ezra and Nehemiah were wrong and what that means for us -- But wait! There's more! -- Part 2. Old and new questions. In/out -- Pastor/congregation -- Planned/discerned -- Survive/serve -- Save/sign --Part 3. Embracing the dangerous work of change. The predicament -- The prayer.

Church today isn't the same as it was fifty years ago -- or even ten years ago. In spite of the powerful stories of turn-around churches with skyrocketing memberships, the difficult reality is that most congregations are getting smaller. Jeffrey D. Jones asks brave questions for congregations facing this reality -- what if membership growth isn't the primary goal for a church? How can churches remain vital, even with declining attendance? Facing Decline, Finding Hope is an essential resource to help congregations confront their shrinking size while looking towards the hopeful reality that God is calling them to greater faithfulness. The book draws on biblical and theological resources, as well as contemporary leadership studies, to help leaders -- both clergy and laity -- set aside a survival mentality and ask new questions to shape ministry more attuned to today's world.