Continuum Why Liberal Churches are Growing (Christianity and Contemporary Culture S.)

This book examines why liberal churches remain appealing, where they are growing and why liberal theological approaches to ministry are more widespread than many assume to be the case. "Why Liberal Churches are Growing" is a fascinating journey through different case studies, social science reflection, and theological analysis. The contributors include sociologists, theologians, and practical theologians. The book has four sections. The first, 'defining themes', looks at the social justice witness (community organizing), church growth as conversational, and the challenge of turning liberal churches around. The book then looks at three case studies - starting with congregations and moving to a denomination. Under the heading 'macro issues', it explores in more detail the underlying disposition of liberal churches and revisits such themes as social justice, homosexuality, and alternative indicators of vitality. The book concludes with three essays on 'clergy and growth'. About the Author Ian Markham is Dean of Hartford Seminary, Connecticut. The Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy is member of the Faculty of Theology at Oxford University, Professor of Theological Education at King’s College London and Professorial Research Fellow at Heythrop College, University of London, and Dean of Christchurch College, Oxford University, UK.