Congregations at the Crossroads

The most vital question confronting the church in North America at the turn of the century is whether it can, in the face of the myriad distractions of modern society, remember who it is, what it is called to do, and, especially, whose it is. In this volume Ronald Vallet explores the biblical basis for stewardship, with major emphasis on God's promises and commands, to help congregations become the households of God that he intends them to be. Vallet also discusses several church-related issues that affect the life and practices of congregations today. He deals with fantasies and fears about money in the congregation, shows the central role that authentic worship plays in focusing congregations on God, examines the proper roles of pastors and laity, and considers the prevailing concepts and practices of modern culture that can entangle today's churches. Vallet's work provides an insightful map for churches as they confront the confusing crossroads of life in our world. It has long been recognized that Ronald Vallet possesses peculiar gifts and acute sensitivity in the vexed arena of Christian stewardship. This volume moves well beyond his previous contributions in terms of fresh expression and serious rethinking and presents a coherent, comprehensive statement of a theology of stewardship that is geared to the real life and practice of the church. --Walter Brueggemann from the forward Ronald E. Vallet is also the author of 'Steward Living in Covenant' (2001) and coauthor of 'The Mainline Church's Funding Crisis'.