Written from a post-Christendom/emergent worldview, this books was born of a singular question asked in hundreds of ways: "What do we do to be faithful in this changed and changing reality?" Whether shaped by anxiety, a foretaste of coming changes, excitement, or energy at the prospects of witness and service the future holds, the question remains the same and the answers elusive.
Part one addresses church functions under categories of governance, modeling, collaboration, champion, catalyst, mission, covenant, disciple, change and leadership. Part two offers further explication of the functions, including books recommended for in-depth study, application ideas, and further exploration of themes.
Randolph Ferebee retired in 2009 after 36 years as rector of St. Alban's in Hickory, NC. He co-founded Epiphany Institute + Consulting to create environments for leadership development and to assist congregations with entering this new missional era.
"In Cultivating the Missional Church, Randy Ferebee has offered the church an invaluable gift. Vestries and other leadership teams will find here a remarkably concise, rich, and accessible compendium of wisdom and practice for guiding the church toward faithful participation in God's mission in a changing world."
-The Rev. Dwight Zscheile, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership, Luther Seminary and author of People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity
"Randy Ferebee has given us a great gift in Cultivating the Missional Church. The prologue alone is worth the price of the book. But keep reading! Randy's synthesis of challenges and suggestions for moving forward provide church leaders exactly what they desperately need: hope and a plan."
-Reggie McNeal, Missional Leadership Specialist, Leadership Network and author, The Present Future and Missional Renaissance
"Cultivating the Missional Church is a resource the reader will return to again and again for guidance. It provides a clear and compelling theological and societal context for why a new way of preparing leaders in the Church is needed if it is to accomplish its mission. The author's thoughtful integration of scripture, spiritual wisdom, and practical resources promotes a discipline of leadership development and practice that will inspire significant change."
-Katherine Tyler Scott, Managing Partner, Ki ThoughtBridge LLC