Howard E. Friend, Recovering the Sacred Center: Church Renewal from the Inside Out. Judson Press, 1998.
Referenced in: Strategies for Church Renewal: Integrated Spiritual/Strategic
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Howard Friend provides a rare blend in this work. He integrates postmodern cultural sensitivity, theological reflection, contemplative spiritual practices, leadership development, and corporate visioning into a very thoughtful approach to congregational renewal. The base of his approach is from contemplative writer Thomas Merton’s conception of the struggle between the true and false self. Friend suggests that as congregations engage this struggle, they find their “sacred center.” His purpose is to anchor the renewal process in this sacred center so that everything is aimed appropriately toward the work of individual and corporate transformation.
Those familiar with standard corporate models will appreciate his theoretical soundness. Those who tire of the secularization of church planning processes will appreciate the theological and spiritual rootedness of every aspect of transformation, whether planning, leadership, assessing potential, structure and leadership, or strategic planning. Those who like church leadership manuals to be “practical,” will appreciate the concrete and specific guidance. Those who like pragmatic “tried and proven “approaches will appreciate how this emerges from the author’s experience with dozens of congregations from eight different denominations, with authentic stories sprinkled throughout.
This is one of those rare books that actually makes a unique contribution to the field of church renewal.
From the Publisher
The contemporary church hungers for renewal. We need new ideas, new paradigms, fresh understanding, and different ways of reaching out to a world in a constant state of change.
Longtime pastor and church consultant Howard E. Friend recommends looking inward for the purpose of recovering the “sacred center.” He explores:
- The crisis and the challenge facing the church and the choices we are called upon to make
- How to think and speak theologically in a way that encompasses the idea of sacred center
- Leadership, organization, and governance in transforming congregations
In Recovering the Sacred Center, readers will discover new ways of understanding themselves and the mission of the church.
Editorial Reviews
“This book will get you thinking, praying, and changing. Most of all it will help you to see ways that your church can change.” Tony Campolo, president, Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE), professor emeritus, Eastern University, St. Davids, Pennsylvania
“In a day when we are witnessing a sad decline in our mainline religious institutions, Howard Friend’s insights are exactly what churches need to hear in order to renew their lives”and to be a force for renewal in the larger society.” Dr. Parker J. Palmer, author, educator, activist, and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal
“In a time when the local church edges precariously close to irrelevance, disconnected from both its congregants and the world it is called to serve, Howard Friend’s message and challenge is more than merely timely; it is urgent.” Gordon Cosby, Church of the Saviour, Washington, D.C.
About the Author
Howard E. Friend Jr. has served several churches as pastor, most notably the Gladwyne (PA) Presbyterian Church, which he served for twenty-three years. As a founder of the Parish Empowerment Network, he is a consultant and retreat and workshop leader devoted to helping churches and church-related organizations identify and overcome the challenges before them.
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