After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty - Softcover

A new rendering of classic Christian beliefs for the 21st Century. John Drane's acclaimed The McDonaldization of the Church identified the catastrophic trend of western churches offering uninventive, pre-packaged worship to dwindling congregations. Since its publication, church attendance has continued to decline even though increasing numbers of people are searching for spiritual integrity and truth. In After McDonaldization, Drane presents the case for a reinvigorated style of ministry and asks what it means to be Christian in a post-Christendom context. Where are today's mission opportunities, the places where God is at work? In our fragmented society, how should Christian community be shaped? And what values might inspire the leaders of the 21st century? `To continue as we are may be comfortable, but could also be institutionally suicidal. Our options are simple. We either do nothing, and the decline continues, or we ask fundamental questions and take whatever steps may be necessary to re-imagine church life.' Praise for The McDonaldization of the Church: `Compelling ... a weighty contribution to crucial debate and reflection.' Church Times `Powerful ... immensely stimulating and should be required reading for all ordinands and students of practical theology.' The Tablet

The decline in church attendance continues in the US and Europe, yet increasing numbers of people are turning to 'spirituality'; the continuing impact of globalization and consumerism has been joined by a post-9/11 culture of fear and a search for truth. In this sequel to the hugely influential The McDonaldization of the Church, John Drane considers what must come next for the Church. He presents the case for a more 'practical theology', a reinvigorated style of ministry and the restatement of classic Christian beliefs for the 21st century; not just as 'things to believe' but 'values to live by'.