An astute rethinking of theology and pastoral ministry that overcomes sentimental notions of hospitality. 'Professor Patrick Keifertsays many congregations misunderstand worship as a private family matter.Kurt Reichart says, 'based on a study done in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Keifert reported that clergy spend 89 percen of their time on fewer than 60 members of the congregation. 'What we have are family chaplains who often see the congregation as their primary extended family.'' Keifert's enthusiasm for evangelism through worship is based on studies showing that 47 percent of the 53 percent of unchurched population think about going to church at least once a week. 'That means if you invite someone who is unchurched, you have a 50-50 chance of having them accept.' Keifert may not be a great mathematician, but he's got the right idea.'
Martin E. Marty, Context |
