Books and Reviews...

Community Ministry: New Challenges, Proven Steps to Faith-Based Initiatives...

By Carl S. Dudley.
The Alban Institute, 2002, 204 pages. ISBN 1-56699-265-7

Carl Dudley, ten years ago, provided those who were engaged in social ministry a most valuable book entitled “Basic Steps Toward Community Ministry.” The volume contained the flesh and blood realities of ministry in ordinary congregations, chronicling the extraordinary accomplishments of ordinary congregations. Those who found the book useful will probably agree that it was the definitive work of the decade.

Dudley’s new volume, “Community Ministry” is an extension of that work. The events of 9/11 have placed new burdens and challenges on congregations, and undoubtedly have raised the bar for congregations that are yet seeking for ways to be involved in community ministry. It is Dudley’s contention that government has been attracted to the highly professional response that faith-based agencies rendered to communities, as well as the enviable track record that they have demonstrated. Dudley devotes an entire chapter to the new opportunities that are available to agencies, delineating the advantages that the government initiatives foster.

As was done in the previous volume, Dudley reinforces the motif of congregations making a difference in this world. He is careful to point out that congregation must position themselves to take advantage of the new shifts that are taking place.

The book is easily divided into four sections. Part One explores the social context, suggesting an examination of the community environment and its needs. This exercise allows the congregation to become aware of the most urgent needs and the most dysfunctional systems. Part Two merges the former analysis with the historical values and commitments of the congregation. Congregational identity can be an invaluable asset in forging new ministry challenges. Part Three informs the reader about the various methods used to mobilize congregations. Part Four, “Big Steps Toward Social Ministry” is a new addition to Dudley’s work. In this section, he encourages congregations to determine their specific niche and to become intentionally aggressive in their commitment to reach the community and deliver services.

What do we do with the knowledge we gain from reading Community Ministry? Three possibilities come quickly to mind. First, use it in conjunction with other congregational church development material. Second, include it in a strategic planning template for future ministry. Third, commend it as an opportunity for your local congregation to connect with the community.

Dudley is no newcomer to this topic. He engineered two of the largest research efforts in congregational life ever mounted, one at McCormick Seminary that studied the process of starting new community ministries, and another at Hartford Seminary that assembled more information on congregational life from more denominations than had ever been attempted before. Dudley has dedicated his entire life to the study of this topic.

I recommend this volume to those who are committed to a practical response to community needs.

Reviewed by Dr.Oliver R. Phillips

Community Ministry- at NPH