New Growth in God's Garden: Transforming Congregations through Mutual Ministry

This book is a gift to the church: it names the fears many churches live with every day, and offers hope and a way of living as the Church in the future. ‘Naming the Demons’ of our communal life as churches is the first step in becoming the people of God we are called to be. Margaret offers a way out of our fear and our ‘stuckness’ by offering tools for congregational conversation that leads to mission. Anne L. Reed, Canon for Mission, Diocese of Southern Ohio Encountering Margaret Babcock’s ministry halfway through my long-term rectorship (pastorate) saved it. Dependent on the only model I knew, I was still over-functioning and did not understand why it was not working. Finding a way to be truly collaborative in ministry freed me to focus on my s trengths and made room for my parishioners to find theirs. All good! The Rt. Rev. Brian Thom, Diocese of Idaho New Growth is a timely and helpful guide for congregations and dioceses facing a time of transition. It articulates the present situation we are in as a ‘truth-teller’, names the underlying issues and possibilities, and provides a ‘balcony view’ for communities to reassess ministry and mission. However, it does stop there. It offers practical and effective organizational means to live out our values of deep collaboration and mutual love. I find myself revisiting New Growth’s tool shed to discover and borrow another resource as new needs emerge. Dan Hines, Ministry Developer, Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior, British Columbia, Canada I really, I mean really, like this book. Usefulness and brilliance are aligned in this resource. On every page there is wisdom distilled for easy access by clergy and laity alike. I can't wait to put this book into the hands of the wide and diverse variety of congregations seeking Godly transformation and growth. Dr. Fredrica Harris Thompsett, Mary Wolfe Professor Emerita of Historical Theology, Episcopal Divinity School