Faith Shaping Ministry
Foreword by Christian Scharen
Imprint: Cascade Books
What happens after a congregation welcomes new Christians into its ministry? Building on the work of the first volume in this series, Faith Forming Faith, Paul Hoffman interprets how a congregation that intentionally practices baptism and its renewal is itself re-formed. Pastors, teachers, lay leaders, students of ministry, and people in the pew: all will find the compelling story of the ministry of Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle, Washington--one of our nation's most secular cities--to be an inspiring and practical primer for renewal. Who would have thought? Bringing others to the waters of baptism transforms those already at home in the congregation. In fact, this intentional spiritual practice completely transforms the parish and the lives of God's people. There are new discoveries to be made in the ancient treasures of the Church as these gifts are shared with those hungering and thirsting for a place at God's table.
Pastor Paul Hoffman is an author, speaker, and teacher on the topic of faith formation and its practice. Because of his work in bringing new Christians to baptism and beyond at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle, he is a leading authority on the topic of faith formation and its practice in the church. Hoffman is the author of two previous volumes published by Cascade Books, including Faith Forming Faith (2012). Paul Hoffman's website is www.paulehoffman.com.
"Pastor Hoffman of Seattle reminds me of another pastor Paul working centuries ago in culturally diverse Athens (Acts 17). Both understand that secular variety does not call for evangelical smoke and mirrors, but rather a deep immersion in the tradition. We have long needed a practical description of how the catechumenate shapes all facets of congregational life. Look no further."
--Frank G. Honeycutt, author of The Truth Shall Make You Odd: Speaking with Pastoral Integrity in Awkward Situations
"Faith Shaping Ministry is a totally accessible and profoundly engaging overview of what a traditional or 'inherited' church congregation can be, do, and become in these times of changing ecclesiology and maturing theology. Hoffman, whose professional life has spanned the last thirty years of tumultuous changes in American Christianity, is a seasoned and practical guide to the how and why of contemporary communal formation. He is also a very passionate and persuasive one."
--Phyllis Tickle, author of Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, Why It Matters
"In accessible and meaningful language, Paul Hoffman describes how congregations can develop ministry that moves beyond telling members what they can do, to shaping them into what they're baptized to be. Faith Shaping Ministry is a great place to start the conversation for congregations and leaders seeking transformed and transformative ministry."
--Brian Maas, Bishop, Nebraska Synod ELCA
"The river of living water flows from Jesus through the church gathered around word and sacrament, from where it overflows into the world. 'Tell me how to get into that river!' people exclaim. 'What would the church be like if we did?' In this wonderful book, Paul Hoffman provides a real-life vision that inspires us to take the plunge."
--Craig A. Satterlee, Bishop-Elect, North/West Lower Michigan Synod ELCA
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