"Carl Dudley brings theory and practice together in this usable resource de-signed for those concerned to equip their congregations for community ministry. Dr. Dudley's clearly defined frames of reference enable church leaders to see their communities and to identify opportunities for service. Anyone who wants to learn how to prepare a congregation for community ministry will find all the essential information in Basic Steps Toward Community Ministry."

Douglas Alan Walrath

Lowry Professor of Practical Theology

Bangor Theological Seminary

"This is the most valuable book on parish ministry I've seen in a decade. I'm not surprised that Carl Dudley's the author-it is a practical book, a wise book, a book that celebrates the flesh and blood realities of ministry in ordinary congre-gations. It reveals how ordinary people can do extraordinary ministry. This is no ivory tower exhortation about what ministry "ought to be." It is a description of how you can do it. How to make tools. How to start. How to take next steps. I found it a profoundly hopeful book. Anybody who wants to get ideas about how to respond to God's call to the congregation she or he lives in needs to read this book. Then go do it!

"One note: This book is about more than community ministry. Much more! This is where to start thinking about liturgy, education, pastoral care, stewardship-the works!"