Welcoming Community : Diversity That Works

New in the “Living Church” series, this volume by pastor and popular speaker Douglas Avilesbernal acknowledges the dramatic changes in culture and congregational life in the twenty-first century, particularly as it relates to church growth in an increasingly multicultural world where communities are often in transition. Using the biblical story of Jesus’ journey through Samaria, which led to a transformational encounter between Jesus, a Jewish rabbi, and a Samaritan woman, the author offers a model for learning to welcome the community in which a congregation finds itself by becoming a welcoming community of faith in itself. A creative and constructive approach to fostering true congregational diversity in a way that honors all members of the community and celebrates the unique gifts each brings to life and ministry together.

Key features:

A guide for leading and managing the changes congregations face in building stronger ties with the community
Examines the entire process of building a welcoming community-from cultivating congregational self-awareness and identity, to extending invitation and acceptance of one’s neighbors, to ultimately thriving together as one community
An essential book on a relevant and important topic