Fortress Press

"In many ways we have lost the means to talk about grief. The church in North America is in the midst of change, and much that we knew and experienced post-World War II is disappearing. In this book, Girlinghouse not only names the loss and grief many congregations feel but encourages them to acknowledge it and work with it. His insight that nostalgia is not a disease but a powerful tool to move into the future is liberating."

"Transformational congregational change is required today. But Michael K. Girlinghouse knows that the grief of loss must first be confronted, not avoided. This book is full of deep, courageous wisdom, showing pathways for congregations to move through tradition into mission, discovering the promise of God's intended future."

"Michael K. Girlinghouse has listened to a litany of nostalgia for the church of the past. In this insightful book, he encourages readers to find new ways of being church through respectful remembrance, development of rituals for grieving, then adapting by embracing practical techniques for living into a vibrant and authentic future."

"As is often said, 'The only thing that is constant in life is change.' Congregations that are healthy learn how to address the changes they face and continue to minister effectively in their communities. Not grieving the losses of past glory can get in the way of being flexible and adapting to changing circumstances. Girlinghouse's book gives useful information and practical exercises for doing this. This book will be very helpful to congregations willing to do this work."

"Michael K. Girlinghouse has brought together his background teaching about grief and his experience working with congregations as a bishop to write a well-grounded but practical book. The material in these pages will help any congregation that has been over focused on the past to find healthy ways to honor what was, so they can move forward into what God knows can be."

"As an intentional interim minister who has helped congregations move through transitions my whole career, I know Girlinghouse's book is one I will keep on my shelf. It is full of wise, practical guidance for leading congregations through grief and loss, even while pointing them toward a future and a hope. Chock full of examples drawn from his years as a campus pastor, congregation pastor, and bishop, Girlinghouse draws upon contemporary grief and bereavement literature, organizational development theory, and Scripture to create a toolkit for every pastor, particularly those leading a congregation through a time of transition."

"Michael K. Girlinghouse knows the heart of congregations. He also knows they want to move forward but seem to cling to the past. This book unlocks the secret to bridging the gap and helping the people of God move forward."

"Many congregations are not just yearning for the past, they are grieving it. Girlinghouse wisely reminds us, 'The only way through grief is to grieve.' This is true of congregations as well as individuals. With pastoral heart and experience, he gently guides congregations through the barriers of unacknowledged or unresolved grief and loss. Well-researched and practical, this book takes congregations into Bible study, storytelling, and meaningful activities--so that they might take up life again. For any congregation that is dying to live."

"What a gift Michael K. Girlinghouse has given the church! Embracing God's Future courageously offers a path for congregations--especially congregations in decline. This is not an easy path. It includes naming our individual and congregational losses, retelling and honoring our memories, grieving intentionally, and then working together to accept a new reality, a reality that opens us to a new future. Girlinghouse relies on wisdom from Scripture, the best of grief therapy, and gripping and relatable examples to lead readers toward concrete, hope-filled action--making this a perfect book for church councils, pastors, and judicatory staffs. The path to 'embracing the future' is not easy, but Girlinghouse is a wise, compelling, and humble guide."

"Incorporating a wealth of ministry experience, Michael K. Girlinghouse has provided a view from the 'adaptive balcony' of grief and loss and the impact of nostalgia on church culture today. Interpreting grief and loss as vital, he responds to his own question 'Is grief a barrier to change?' with a 'yes, but . . .' This resource is a guide for leaders to engage in practical ways to reclaim the paradox and mystery of God's mission and purpose. There is hope and new life in looking back to go forward. Down to earth and resounding with honest and engaging stories."