Chasing Down a Rumor: The Death of Mainline Denominations
Bacher and Inskeep believe that mainline denominations serve as caretakers of the important American expressions of Christianity, and if they are weak or lost, society and the universal church will be the worse for it. They argue that a fundamentally American form of mainline denominationalism can and will endure, despite the rumor of its decline.
The authors examine six "rumors" of the decline. Using historical trends and current statistical information, they analyze the current situation and point to vital lessons, potential problems, and key challenges. They also offer helpful strategies and provide examples of what denominations are doing that show potential.
- Publisher Augsburg Books
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9780806651422
- eBook ISBN 9781451412499
- Dimensions 6 x 9
- Pages 192
- Publication Date March 17, 2005
Endorsements
"To all the contemporary Elijah's who conclude about denominations that it's time to die. Bacher and Inskeep echo God's retort; 'The mission's not over. Arise and eat, lest the journey be too much for you!' This book offers hope for the future of the 'mainlines' even as it assesses the changes and challenges we face. I'll encourage every student in our seminary to read and ponder these provocative, probing pages."
— Micahel Cooper-White, President, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
"Robert Bacher and Kenn Inskeep lead us into a disturbing encounter wtih reality. But their careful analysis gives us plenty of reasons to be hopeful, too. Mainline denominations, they predict, are likely to be around for awhile. They even argue that they should be. And that's the key. None of the wisdom this book has to offer about organizational reform will make any difference if we don't believe it, too. Is there something characteristic of mainline churches that our nation and the world would miss if we were no longer here? Would Christianity in the United States die in the crossfire between left and right if the middle suddenly disappeared? Are there, in fact things no one else could, or would, do in the same way? If you believe there is something about being a mainline church that matters, read this book. If you don't believe it, this book just might change your mind."
— Kelly A. Fryer, Asst. Professor of Congregational Leadership, Luther Seminary and author of Reclaiming the "L" Word: Renewing the Church from it's Lutheran Core (Augsburg Fortress, 2003).
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
PERSPECTIVES
Conceptual Tools
Fragments of Fragments
A Bewildering Course of Events
PROSPECTS
Numbers
POSSIBILITIES
Built to Last
Incidence of Renewal
Style and Ability: A Way Forward
Toward the Next Rumor: Findings, Worries, Strategies
Notes
Reference
Foreword
Introduction
PERSPECTIVES
Conceptual Tools
Fragments of Fragments
A Bewildering Course of Events
PROSPECTS
Numbers
POSSIBILITIES
Built to Last
Incidence of Renewal
Style and Ability: A Way Forward
Toward the Next Rumor: Findings, Worries, Strategies
Notes
Reference