Reflecting on ministry in the small church is a group effort. Creating places for pastors and laity to talk about life together in a nonjudgmental way is crucial. Books, articles, and other resources can serve as a bridge to reflect on current ministry and hopes for the future. Sharing discussion and viewpoints is a healthy place to start. Use these suggestions to form a study group or to develop leadership reflection and interaction:

1. Read the book Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church by Ron Crandall. (Please see the review by Dr. Randy Hardman.) Ask: "Could this resource help us develop our church's potential?"
2. Name people in the congregation who should be part of a study team in your small church. Think about key leaders, but also include newer members or those with creative energy for ministry.
3. Invite individuals to study Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church and reflect on the ministry of the church. Be honest. This is a time for connecting reality with hope, not for griping about the past. Let people know you value their ideas.
4. Obtain copies of Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church for the study group. Some churches may raise funds for the books, or they may purchase books for the study group and then make them available to others in the church to read. Perhaps some groups in your church would sponsor a study member by providing book in exchange for leading a study or sharing content later. Study groups members may even choose to purchase their own resource.
5. Select the chapters in the book that are especially relevant to your church's situation. Schedule the conversation about these chapters to allow for discussion and group process. Let people know where and when the discussion will take place. Push each study group session to make the material applicable in the church. Ask: "What is true of us? What is helpful?"
6. Work intentionally to keep the entire church informed. Consider the following ways to communicate content, ideas that emerge from conversation, or additional ways to use the book:
   • Have a study group member make a brief report to the church leaders. Encourage him or her to focus on one or two things that are especially helpful in the book, one question the book raises about the current situation, and one way to develop the church's ministry.
   • Have a study group member lead an exercise or activity from the resource with the larger group.
   • Place a brief article in the newsletter. (Be creative! Interview three people about turnaround stories in the congregation.). Include information that identifies and affirms your church and offers possibilities for developing ministry suitable in your congregation.

Let us know how you use Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church (or other books or publications) in your small church. Share your stories and experience with us! (Contact Julia Wallace at 1-877-899-2780, ext. 7086 or by e-mail at jwallace@gbod.org.)

Julia Kuhn Wallace is the director of small-membership church and shared ministry for the General Board of Discipleship.

(August 18, 2000)