Robert B. Schnase, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. Abingdon Press, 2007.
Referenced in: Strategies for Congregational Renewal: Diagnostic/Prescriptive
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is the result of an effort of the Ohio West and Missouri Conferences of the United Methodist Church to search the scriptures for images to define congregational health. Five images emerged:
- Radical hospitality
- Passionate worship
- Intentional faith development
- Risk-taking mission and service
- Extravagant generosity
Since their inception, many congregations have used these images to create congregational strategies and stimulate other aspects of their congregation’s ministries. The book refines the teaching and description of each practice into a format that is usable by Sunday School classes and small groups. Each chapter is divided into distinct sections that focus on explanation/Bible exposition, examples from churches that have adopted the practices, and practical suggestions and resources to help congregations go to the next level.
This is not a planning methodology, diagnostic procedure, or prescriptive template, but is more of a biblical, reflective, and inspirational tool to motivate congregations to see themselves and their futures through the lenses of the five practices. Many of the resource suggestions assume Methodist denominational affiliation, but still contain valuable insight for other fellowships. The principle value of this volume for church leaders is the expansion on the five practices, and the relatively simple and inspirational path it suggests for churches to become more intentional in each area.
Those who enjoy this work may appreciate the companion volumes that provide more in-depth development of each theme:
Robert B. Schnase, Five Practices: Leader Manual and Media, Pap/DVD Ld Edition. Abingdon Press, 2008. Described by the publisher as that which helps leaders see a comprehensive but flexible way that they can make the Five Practices a congregation-wide focus. Includes the Director’s Manual and DVD to help plan and implement the initiative. This includes sermon outlines, projection slides for worship, customizable promotion materials, Email templates, clip art, help with setting goals for full-church work day and a final celebration, and much more. There are also 5 DVDs to lead each of the Five Practices in a group setting, featuring Bishop Schnase teaching them.
Robert B. Schnase, Cultivating Fruitfulness: Five Weeks of Prayer and Practice for Congregations. Abingdon Press, 2008. This is a guide to a congregation-wide effort that is described by the publisher as combining a five week sermon series, five weeks with every household reading daily devotions and sharing prayers on these practices, five weeks of leadership teams and small groups stimulated to take new initiatives, five weeks of conversation and commitment focused on the mission of the church.
Robert B. Schnase, Five Practices: Radical Hospitality. Abingdon Press, 2008. Described by the publisher as a planning workbook for use in group study. It helps lead the group to develop a plan to implement Radical Hospitality in your congregation.
Robert B. Schnase, Five Practices: Passionate Worship. Abingdon Press, 2008. Described by the publisher as a planning workbook for use in group study. It helps lead the group to develop a plan to implement the practices of Passionate Worship in your congregation.
Robert B. Schnase, Five Practices: Intentional Faith Development. Abingdon Press, 2008. Described by the publisher as a planning workbook for use in group study. It helps lead the group to develop a plan to implement Intentional Faith Development in your congregation.
Robert B. Schnase, Five Practices: Risk-Taking Mission and Service. Abingdon Press, 2008. Described by the publisher as a planning workbook for use in group study. It helps lead the group to develop a plan to implement Risk-Taking Mission and Service in your congregation.
Robert B. Schnase, Five Practices: Extravagant Generosity. Abingdon Press, 2008. Described by the publisher as a planning workbook for use in group study. It helps lead the group to develop a plan to implement Extravagant Generosity in your congregation.
Robert B. Schnase and Terry B. Carty, Five Practices of a Fruitful Youth Ministry. Abingdon Press, 2008. Described by the publisher as ten ready-to-use sessions teach the fundamentals of Christian living. Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission, and Extravagant Generosity – these five practices, designed to shape both heart and mind, will help youth grow in their discipleship as they transform the world.
From the Publisher
Schnase contends that successful congregations often have certain characteristics in common. These fundamental practices demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these practices, churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The five practices of fruitful congregations:
- Radical Hospitality
- Passionate Worship
- Intentional Faith Development
- Risk-Taking Mission and Service
- Extravagant Generosity
Editorial Reviews
Robert Schnase astutely weaves theological insight, practical advice, and exemplary stories into an inspiring book for pastors and laity alike. – L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School
Robert Schnase’s words are thoughtful, provocative, and challenging. Any congregation will find encouragement and insight to deepen faithfulness and multiply fruitfulness. – Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary
Stimulating. Challenging. Uniquely helpful. Bishop Schnase gives us powerful language, rich examples, and practical suggestions for fulfilling the mission God gives us. – Janice Riggle Huie, Bishop of the Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church
About the Author
Robert Schnase is Bishop of the Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church. Previously, he served as pastor of First United Methodist Church, McAllen, Texas.
***For additional information on this resource, including reviews, click the bookstore links. Check the reference at page top or the links below for resource guides on related topics.***
See Resources on Over 100 Areas of Ministry Leadership: