Grace for the Journey: Practices and Possibilities for In-Between Times

Beverly and George Thompson serve as a ministry team as pastors, seminary teachers, authors, and as congregational consultants. George is a founding member of the Academy of Religious Leadership. Among his book titles are How to Get Along with Your Church and Church on the Edge of Somewhere. Beverly is the author of A Spiritual Companion to How to Get Along with Your Church. Currently the Thompsons serve as the Missional Transformation Coaches for Coastal Carolina Presbytery and co-pastors at Red Springs Presbyterian Church, N.C.

At a time of much hand-wringing about the future of congregations, George and Beverly Thompson offer a refreshing alternative to anxiety. Grounded in Scripture and loaded with helpful spiritual practices, the book they have written offers a perfect mix of advice, illustration, and insight. I cannot imagine a single parish that would not find something of value in this great little book. If you are looking for a fresh outpouring of energy and hope in your church, Grace for the Journey is just the right thing for you. -- Joanna M. Adams, Pastor, Morningside Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA

I am being flooded with emails this week from lay victims of one more attempt by a pastor to 'take the kingdom by force,' to bring change in a congregation through an authoritarian blitz. If that pastor would read the Thompsons’ Grace for the Journey he would find out why he is doomed to failure and what alternative assets of church leadership (attention, discernment, imagination, and articulation) would have served him better.
-- Lewis A. Parks, Professor of Theology, Ministry, and Congregational Development, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC