The greatest problem facing mainline churches today is not declining numbers, shifting social allegiances, or confused leadership. It is loss of vision. This bold yet constructive book urges pastors to again see their congregations as real expressions of "the body of Christ" and suggests ways to revise - and energize their ministries based on this vision.

Written to promote constructive change in congregations of all sizes, this volume uniquely explores the theological and practical implications of taking seriously Christ's presence in worship and ministry. Ben Campbell Johnson lays out the theological founda-tion for imagining a church in the Spirit and explores the trans-formative power of this core conviction for such crucial areas of ministry as community, initiation, prayer, mission, preaching inclusivity, leadership, and teaching. Glenn McDonald illustrates Johnson's insightful recommendations with concrete examples from his own experience as a pastor.

Complete with discussion questions that make it ideal for use in a wide variety of educational settings, Imagining a Church in the Spirit will help church leaders successfully meet the cultural challenges that await us in the twenty-first century.