Governance and Ministry is an indispensable guide for church and synagogue leaders. The second edition has been revised throughout, including new chapters on congregation size, governance change, policy writing, and the lay-clergy relationship. It includes a unified example of a board policy book and guidance to help any church or synagogue improve its governance structure.

What makes the authentic markers of the church? The biblical book of Acts not only insistently raises this question but also provides resources to help congregations answer it. In "Called to be Church," biblical scholar Rob Wall and pastoral leader Tony Robinson join together to make Acts available as a source of renewal and transformation for the Christian church today.

Featuring both careful exegetical study and exciting contemporary exposition, "Called to be Church" explores twelve familiar stories from Acts. In addressing these stories it dives into many of the most vexing issues faced by the church in Acts and now again in the twenty-first century -- issues of sexuality, money, exclusion, conflict in the church, pluralism, and the role of the Holy Spirit. Through it all Acts challenges the church to stay connected to its Jewish legacy and to be a people set apart.

"Called to be Church" will inspire those involved with the church to see themselves as part of God's story in our time.

Following up on their previous volume, Called to Be Church: The Book of Acts for a New Day, biblical scholar Robert Wall and pastoral leader Anthony Robinson here join forces again. Featuring both exegetical study and dynamic contemporary exposition, each chapter of Called to Lead first interprets the text of 1 and 2 Timothy as Scripture and then engages 1 and 2 Timothy for today's church leaders. The book covers many vexing issues faced by church leaders then and now -- such issues as the use of money, leadership succession, pastoral authority, and the role of Scripture. Through it all, Called to Lead shows how Timothy remains a text of great value for the church today

Many recent books have attempted to address the "crisis" in the mainline church. Anthony Robinson here makes a significant -- and in many ways unique -- contribution to this discussion by bringing his personal insights as a pastor to bear on the issue of renewing congregational life. Writing from twenty-five years of experience in four congregations of differing size, location, and ethnic makeup, Robinson prescribes concrete changes in the practice of ministry that have been tried, tested, and lived out to great success. At the heart of his framework for church renewal is what he calls "cultural change." According to Robinson, technical or programmatic change is not sufficient to address the needs of the day. He argues for changing the very culture of mainline congregations, which involves recognizing and fostering their particular gifts and genius rather than trying to remake them into something they are not. His fruitful strategies for renewal touch every aspect of congregational life, from personal spiritual formation to church leadership.

With the recognition of the sweeping changes now taking place in North American society comes the realization that Protestant mainline churches no longer enjoy the privileged status they once did. In this forward-looking contribution to pastoral theology, three leading ministers discuss the state of church life today, explore the particular opportunities that our new world offers the church, and provide a clear picture of what a new, "postliberal" church can look like in practice.

Speaking directly to pastors and church leaders who find the liberal/conservative polarity tired and unhelpful, the authors interact with the theoretical work of George Lindbeck, Stanley Hauerwas, and others as they trace strategies for a new way to do church. The three authors also provide autobiographical sketches that tell how their years of diverse church experiences have led to their new perspectives.

A sequel to his best-selling Transforming Congregational Culture (2003), Changing the Conversation offers Anthony Robinson's latest work and thinking on congregational renewal and leadership. Robinson here invites church leaders and members into ten crucial conversations that will change their congregation's culture and help them respond with greater vitality, effectiveness, and faithfulness to our postmodern culture and its challenges.

Governance and Ministry is an indispensable guide for church and synagogue leaders. The second edition has been revised throughout, including new chapters on congregation size, governance change, policy writing, and the lay-clergy relationship. It includes a unified example of a board policy book and guidance to help any church or synagogue improve its governance structure.

For congregations seeking renewed purpose and vitality this book gets to the heart of the matter. One of the leading voices on congregational life and leadership, Anthony Robinson makes the case that congregations should openly express their beliefs and values to clarify their purpose. Doing so opens up new avenues for transforming worship, promoting spiritual formation, and forwarding a church's mission. The wisdom invested in this book is powerful enough to shape a ministry and lead a congregation to its call.