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| buildchurch@ecbf.org |
| In additional to the ECBF resources, the following listing of books, resources, and training programs reflects those which are personally known to and recommended by the ECBF staff. The listing is not meant to be exhaustive, nor imply that other resources are not available. | |
| Church Building | |
| WHEN NOT TO BUILD An Architect's Unconventional Wisdom for the Growing Church, by Ray Bowman. |
Designed to help churches avoid unnecessary building, this book discusses ways to assess real space needs, how to get more without building, and how to assess if building will solve your church growth problems. By Baker Book House, $12.00, 150pp. |
| THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS FOR HISTORIC CHURCHES AND SYNAGOGUES, by Partners for Sacred Places. |
Takes a fundraising committee through all the stages of a capital campaign; features ideas for committee structure, finding donors, and soliciting funds. Process easily adjusted to suit congregations which are not historic landmarks. Available from Partners for Sacred Places, 1616 Walnut St., Suite 2310, Philadelphia, PA 19103, www.sacredplaces.org (215-567-3234) $50.00, 188pp. |
| INSPECTING AND MAINTAINING RELIGIOUS PROPERTIES, by the NY Conservancy |
Addresses the inspection and maintenance of the roof, walls, and drainage systems; provides guidelines for organizing records and implementing a maintenance program. Available from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, 141 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010 (212-995-5260), $20.25. |
| SYSTEMS IN HOUSES OF WORSHIP: A Guide to Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, Electrical and Lighting Protection Systems, by the National Trust for Historic Preservation | An overview of heating, electrical, air conditioning, and lightning protection systems with tips for maintenance and repair. Available from Inspired Partnerships, 53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 852, Chicago, IL 60604, (312-294-0077), $5.00. |
| Congregational Growth | |
| FROM DISCIPLE TO APOSTLE: A User Friendly Manual for Church Membership, by the Rev.Dr.George Martin | A tool for helping visitors to become members of the church, includes a sample manual of membership. Available from the Episcopal Ad Project (1-800-331-9391, www.churchad.com), $14.95. |
| ADVERTISING THE LOCAL CHURCH, by the |
A workbook which discusses the ins and outs of effective advertising. Includes free ad of your choice. Available from the Episcopal Ad Project (1-800-331-9391, www.churchad.com), $34.95 |
| THE DEATH OF THE CHURCH, by Mike Regele with |
Posits that the church has a choice, to die as a result of its resistance to change or to die in order to live. Intended to provoke, using biblical, societal, and demographic analysis this book shows the barriers to faith embedded in old approaches to ministry and provides sacrificial but well-tested steps toward a rebirth in response to the disruptive challenges of the new millennium. Zondervan Publishing, 1995, $25.00, (ISBN 0-310-20006-7), 280pp. |
| 44 STEPS UP OFF THE PLATEAU, by Lyle E. Schaller |
Defining a "plateau" as a stagnant holding point in the size and energy of a congregation, a level at which attention is focused on maintenance of past structures, this engaging book shows how to move a congregation from a plateau into growth. Abingdon Press, $12.00, 144pp. |
| TWELVE KEYS TO AN EFFECTIVE CHURCH, by Kennon L. Callahan |
Identifies characteristics of effective, growing churches and shows how these can be developed in any church. By HarperCollins Publishers, $14.95, 127pp. |
| WELCOMING THE STRANGER, A Public Theology of Worship and Evangelism, by Patrick R. Keifert |
Asserting that many congregations misunderstand worship as a private family matter, this book grounds the practice of evangelistic hospitality in sound biblical exegesis. By Fortress Press, $12.00, 170pp. |
| U.S. LIFESTYLES AND MAINLINE CHURCHES, A Key to Reaching People in the 90's, by the Rev. Dr. Tex Sample |
An analysis of sociological data which provides a cultural map of America, sparked with creative ideas for learning. Available from Westminster/John Knox Press: |
| THE INVITING CHURCH, A Study of New Member Assimilation, by Roy Oswald and Speed Leas | Based on careful research, includes inventories your congregation can use to improve its welcoming ministry and assimilation of new members. Alban Institute, $12.25, 113pp. |
| Other Resources | |
| Alban Institute, Provides continuing education courses, consultation services, and publications for congregations and those serving the church (cross denominational). Publications catalog available (1-800-486-1318). | |
| American Bible Society, Producer of A Father and Two Sons VIDEO and CD-ROM, award winning MTVquality depiction of the Prodigal Son, crafted for the X-generation audience, (1-800-322-4253). Video $9.95, CD-ROM $29.95. | |
| Episcopal Ad Project, Produces posters, cards, direct mail ideas for evangelism using contemporary media. Catalog available (1-800-331-9391 or www.churchad.com). | |
| Episcopal Book and Resource Center, Many of the aforementioned books may be ordered from this bookstore at the Episcopal Church Center (1-800-334-7626, ext. 5107). | |
| Episcopal Resource Catalog, Lists the full variety of books and materials created or supplied by the program units of the Episcopal Church Center (1-800-903-5544). | |
| L.E.A.D. Consultants, Inc., Continuing education training in a wide variety of leadership areas: conflict management, facilitating change, neuro-linguistic programming, calling and caring ministry. (1-707-852-7030), www.leadplus.com. | |
| PERCEPT, Inc., Compiles demographic, ethnographic, and life style information within a defined radius of your church site. Useful to those wishing to reach the unchurched, plan a parallel development, or those planting of a new church (1-800-422-6277, www.perceptnet.com). | |
| Seminary Training, Most of the Episcopal Seminaries now offer continuing education and degree programs in congregational development. | |
| Start Up! Start Over! Seminar staff provide consultation services on issues affecting congregational organization, health, and growth. Start Up! Start Over! | |
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