Churches don't sit still: They are either plan-

ning for the future or wishing for the past. Yet, even when try ing to discern the future into which the Spirit is leading, how does a congregation map its way? How does it plan for increased effectiveness in witness and mission? How does it understand its strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and limitations, gifts and graces?

In 44 Questions for Congregational Self-Appraisal, Lyle E. Schaller directs the reader to the crucial questions a church must ask itself if it is to understand its mission and the course it must chart in order to achieve that mission. Ne helps pas-tors, congregational leaders, and strategic planning group's understand that the questions we ask and the data we gather tend to set our priorities. For this reason it is imperative that churches seek the correct information, that they ask the right questions, from the outset.

Schaller shows church leaders how not to become trapped by "means to an end" questions (real estate, staffing, money, and schedules), and focus instead on questions related to the congregation's distinctive mission (identity, purpose, role, and God's call) and its message.

LYLE E. SCHALLER is a leading congregational advisor through out the country and is the author of numerous highly-influential books in the areas of church leadership and congregational ministry.