This book is designed to lead the reader through several processes to discover precisely how one association is different from others. The significance of associational leaders’ understanding of the ways associations differ is Associational leaders must discover the specialness of associational dynamics that generates its purpose as an association. Because each situation is different, each association can contribute uniquely to the kingdom of God. The significance of an association’s situation demands that leaders be able to choose what is best for each situation from among all the good offerings of the denomination. But Our Situation is Different does not give simple solutions to predetermined answers to the variety of complex issues churches and associations face. It does however, furnish a process any church or association can follow to understand how its situation is unique and how it can develop its own unique ministry. The book is full of questions. If any church or association seriously answers these questions, it can find and follow God’s mission, meet people’s needs, and rejoice because its situation is different. Robert E. Wiley is associate director of the Rural-Urban Missions Department in the Associational Missions Division of the Home Mission Board, Atlanta, Georgia. His responsibilities include administrative assistance; conducting research in rural-urban sociology and church association implications; materials development and resourcing appointed missionaries, associational directors of missions, and other leaders.