{"product_id":"the-gift-of-small","title":"The Gift of Small","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, \u003cem\u003eThe Gift of Small\u003c\/em\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\u003cem\u003eThe Gift of Small\u003c\/em\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","brand":"Fortress Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50020773658874,"sku":"9781506481937","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0840\/1253\/1962\/files\/imageloader_90dbf802-3e3f-4e52-a6d7-236f70111221.jpg?v=1786137059","url":"https:\/\/mindsourcebooks.com\/products\/the-gift-of-small","provider":"Mind Source Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}