So often we want our congregations to be more--more compelling, more member-focused, more spiritual and yet more useful for our daily lives. Through reflection, examples, tips and exercises--and incorporating the fruits of Synagogue 2000 (now Synagogue 3000), a groundbreaking decade-long program investigating the challenges facing modern synagogues--this inspiring handbook both establishes a sound foundation for why a deep hospitality is crucial for the survival of today's spiritual communities, and dives into the practical hands-on how of turning your congregation into a place of invitation and openness that includes:
Prayer that is engaging, uplifting and spiritually moving * Institutional deepening that is possible because of an openness to change * Study that engages adults and families, as well as children * Good deeds--the work of social justice--as a commitment of each and every member * An ambience of welcome that creates a culture of warmth and outreach * Healing that offers comfort and support at times of illness and loss * ... and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
A remarkable learning experience:
The Spirituality of Welcoming by Dr. Ron Wolfson is an eye opening realistic approach to making your Congregation into a viable, welcoming House of God. A must read for all Board and lay people of congregations.
Follow up with Study Sessions to organize all thoughts and ways to impliment ideas.
The Spirituality of Welcoming: How to Transform Your Congregation into a Sacred Community:
This book provides a very "nuts and bolts" approach to the issue of integrating new members to a congregation as well as consolidating relationship with all members. Great resource, not only for synagogues, but for other faith communities as well.
A handbook for building a great synagogue:
Ron Wolfson accomplishes a very difficult task in this book. He writes a "how to" book that will help synagogue leaders improve the quality of their "products." Drawing heavily (but not too visibly) on the organizational dynamics literature he shows us how to change the way synagogues relate to their members and their prospective members. By using a pre-existing literature on how organizations in general can become better places to work and to do business with, he gently transposes employees and customers... more info
Terrific!:
This book is an inspiration. Ron Wolfson presents excellent ideas to change the synagogue (or church) to become a more welcoming, engaging and spiritually uplifting place of worship. Anyone who cares about their religious community can learn from this.
