{"product_id":"the-gift-of-small-embracing-your-churchs-vocation-9781506481937","title":"The Gift of Small: Embracing Your Church's Vocation","description":"\u003cp\u003eMost churches in the US are small-membership congregations. As Allen T. Stanton notes, most church leadership resources focus on membership growth as a central, guiding paradigm for the work of the church. The assumption is that membership growth is a natural outcome of a healthy congregation and successful ministry. However, Stanton argues that this assumption fails to engage theologically with the vocational gifts that small-membership churches offer. This oversight fuels the perception that small congregations are failing in their ministries or lack vitality. Instead, \u003ci\u003eThe Gift of Small\u003c\/i\u003e argues that small-membership congregations are well positioned for the faithful, effective work of the church.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStanton explores the roles that relationships play in faith formation and organizational leadership in small-membership churches. In doing so, he highlights the profiles of people who belong to these congregations and examines the assets they bring. The result is a renewed understanding of the critical role that small-membership churches often play in their members' vocational discovery and community-leadership development. Stanton grounds his observations in Jesus's teachings that use the imagery of small to represent powerful agents of transformation.  \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Gift of Small\u003c\/i\u003e can help clergy and lay leaders recover from discouragement and disillusionment regarding the often-disregarded work done in small-membership churches. This book will serve as a reinvigorating guide to help such clergy and leaders see their congregations' vital impact with clearer and fresher eyes. This book, in turn, will facilitate a renewed commitment to the work of small-membership churches. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Fortress Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50900933935378,"sku":"9781506481937","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_ec6cefd9-6dc0-4e20-a698-580925ab4be6.jpg?v=1738406018","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-gift-of-small-embracing-your-churchs-vocation-9781506481937","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}