How to Get Along With Your Church

Description: By culture George B. Thompson Jr. means not just racial ethnic economic or regional culture but also a congregations way of doing things--its history customs conventions and procedures. In order to launch and maintain a successful ministry pastors and other church leaders must come to grasp that unique culture of their parish. They must develop a culture capital within their congregations meaning that they invest themselves deeply in how their church does its work and goes about its ministries. The author presses clergy to answer such questions as How well do I know what Im getting into? and Have I been adopted yet? and even Is it time to move on? The book is ideal for pastors in solo settings but pastors in multiple staff settings will also find the authors insights helpful. Endorsements: Thompson cuts right to the chase and focuses on the importance of pastors becoming students of culture. He argues that a grasp of the complexities of culture help a pastor understand more skillfully behavior patterns and relationships in the life of the church. --From the Foreword by David L. Wallace Sr. About the Contributor(s): George B. Thompson Jr. is Professor of Leadership and Ministry Practice at The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta Georgia. Thompson is the editor and coauthor of Alligators in the Swamp: Power Ministry and Leadership (2005 Pilgrim Press) and author of Church on the Edge of Somewhere: Ministry Marginality and the Future (Alban Institute 2007).