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

In The McDonaldization of the Church, John Drane critiqued church trends toward "fast food" spirituality while offering suggestions for change. In his longawaited sequel, After McDonaldization, Drane addresses key questions for Western Christianity in a global context. He argues that increasing numbers of people are turning to "spirituality" even while church attendance has continued to decline in the U.S. and Europe, and that the continuing impact of globalization and consumerism has been joined by a post 9/11 culture of fear and a search for truth. In light of these developments, Drane presents a case for a more practical theology, a reinvigorated style of ministry, and a restatement of classic Christian beliefs for the twenty first century. This accessible book will appeal to church and culture readers, pastors, and those interested in the emerging church.

A New Rendering of Classic Christian Beliefs

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 turning to "spirituality."

In After McDonaldization, Drane argues that the continuing impact of globalization and consumerism has been joined by a post-9/11 culture of fear and a search for truth. He 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 twenty-first century? As he addresses key questions for Western Christianity in a global context, Drane presents a case for a more practical theology, a reinvigorated style of ministry, and a restatement of classic Christian beliefs for the twenty-first century. "To continue as we are may be comfortable, but could also be institutionally suicidal," writes Drane. "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."

"The continuing decline in both numbers and influence of Christian churches within the broader culture is increasingly evident in North America and the United Kingdom. I am delighted that John Drane's insightful book is now available to leaders in North America to alert them to the serious nature of the challenges they face."--Eddie Gibbs, coauthor,Emerging Churches; author, ChurchNext