Faith Shaping Ministry
Overview
As a continuation of his earlier work, Faith Forming Faith, Paul Hoffman interprets how a congregation that intentionally practices baptism and its renewal is transformed. In this volume, he answers the question “What happens after a congregation welcomes new Christians into its ministry?”
Pastors, teachers, lay leaders, students of ministry will all find Hoffman’s compelling story of his ministry of Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle, Washington a practical primer for church renewal. His premise is that bringing others to the waters of baptism transforms those who are already part of the congregation. By gleaning principles from this important resource, pastors can take purposeful steps toward leading their congregations toward genuine renewal.
For another resource that provides perspectives and guidance for church renewal, see Renewing Your Church through Vision and Planning.
Key Features
- A historical/biographical view of a Church’s renewal process
- Highlights another function of baptism as an ordinance of the church
- Useful for modern pastors and church leaders
Contents
- Preface: Yes, Really. Living Water
- Chapter 1: And a Little Child Shall Lead Them
- Chapter 2: A Word about THE WAY
- Chapter 3: The Faith Formation of Jane
- Chapter 4: A New Model for Sunday School
- Chapter 5: Confirmation Ministry
- Chapter 6: Pre-Marital Counseling
- Chapter 7: Hospitality and Welcome
- Chapter 8: Parish Meetings
- Chapter 9: The Text at the Center
- Chapter 10: Worship Preparation and Planning
- Chapter 11: Formational Preaching
- Chapter 12: God’s Work in the World
- Chapter 13: Stewardship
- Chapter 14: The Shape of Our Prayers
- Chapter 15: Faith Shaping Ministry
Praise for the Print Edition
Pastor Hoffman of Seattle reminds me of another pastor Paul working centuries ago in culturally diverse Athens (Acts 17). Both understand that secular variety does not call for evangelical smoke and mirrors, but rather a deep immersion in the tradition. We have long needed a practical description of how the catechumenate shapes all facets of congregational life. Look no further.
—Frank G. Honeycutt, author, The Truth Shall Make You Odd: Speaking with Pastoral Integrity in Awkward Situations
Faith Shaping Ministry is a totally accessible and profoundly engaging overview of what a traditional or ’inherited’ church congregation can be, do, and become in these times of changing ecclesiology and maturing theology. Hoffman, whose professional life has spanned the last thirty years of tumultuous changes in American Christianity, is a seasoned and practical guide to the how and why of contemporary communal formation. He is also a very passionate and persuasive one.
—Phyllis Tickle, author, Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, Why It Matters
In accessible and meaningful language, Paul Hoffman describes how congregations can develop ministry that moves beyond telling members what they can do, to shaping them into what they’re baptized to be. Faith Shaping Ministry is a great place to start the conversation for congregations and leaders seeking transformed and transformative ministry.
—Brian Maas, bishop, Nebraska Synod, ELCA
The river of living water flows from Jesus through the church gathered around word and sacrament, from where it overflows into the world. ’Tell me how to get into that river!' people exclaim. ’What would the church be like if we did?' In this wonderful book, Paul Hoffman provides a real-life vision that inspires us to take the plunge.
—Craig A. Satterlee, bishop-elect, North/West Lower Michigan Synod, ELCA
Product Details
- Title: Faith Shaping Ministry
- Author: Paul E. Hoffman
- Publisher: Cascade
- Publication Date: 2013
- Pages: 132
- Christian Group: Lutheran
- Resource Type: Topical
- Topic: Ministry Resources