This book offers thought-provoking perspectives on putting liberal religious values into action to address real problems in local communities and in the world. The story of these innovative ministries is intended to inspire change in thinking and practice. This collection of essays invites readers to consider how liberal religion can address social issues through innovative community ministries beyond the walls of congregations. It provides historical and theological perspectives on community ministry and offers engaging real-life stories of community ministries in action. The authors have a long history of working in community ministry and they bring their experience, their inspiration, and their concerns, shared by them and their ministerial colleagues in the field to their accounts of this important story. There is no other book that tells the story of the challenges and potential of Unitarian Universalist Community Ministry for today and the future.

As the world changes, so do people's expectations of their faith community and clergy. This book uses three case studies to speak to religious professionals about the challenges they face, to provide readers with specific, user-friendly techniques to become more aware of how they function, and to learn new ways to lead. Clergy will find real-life examples of how more effective leadership enhances the life of the community and promotes the deepening of members' faith.