Contents; Introduction; one: HARD TIMES IN PARADISE; two: ANATOMY OF THE CRISIS; three: THE SPIRITUAL DILEMMA OF THE MIDDLE CLASS; four: WHAT THE CLERGY ARE SAYING; five: MEETING NEEDS IN THE WORKPLACE; six: PICKING UP THE PIECES; seven: THE DEMISE OF STEWARDSHIP; eight: MONEY MATTERS; nine: THE GOSPEL OF GIVING; ten: GIVING TO THE POOR; eleven: WORKING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE; twelve: STRATEGIES FOR SURVIVAL; Methodology; Notes; Selected Bibliography; Index; A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; R; S; T; U; V; W; Y
Summary
This text examines the crises in America's churches. Pointing to both the failure of the clergy to confront their financial problems head-on, and their neglect of the real spiritual needs of their predominantly middle-class congregations, it offers suggestions for more effective ministry