"The Number one priority for many parishes at the present time needs to emphasize moving he new member and/or new Christian from loyalty to the local organization to faithfulness in discipleship... This work is an attempt to look at the evangelism side of that fellowship call." (from the Foreword)
Jerry L. Schmalenberger offers insight to all congregations seeking to grow. "Called To Witness" offers a blend of three themes. These are: parish program emphasis, church growth methodology and disciplining. In addition, the author provides a helpful critique of the church growth movement.
Chapters focus on:
- Reclaiming the witness
- Congregational witness
- Multicultural witness
- Pastoral witness
Jerry L. Schmalenberger, Berkley, California, is president and professor of parish ministry at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and formerly a parish pastor for 29 years. He served as pastor/director of evangelical outreach for the Evangelical Lutheran Church and as an evangelist for many years. He is in demand as a preacher and lecturer on evangelism and stewardship across the United States.