Beyond Church and Parachurch

Discovering New Dimensions in Faith-Based Community Work

"A welcome and needed book addressing the current tensions and opportunities. . . . Dr. Ward's foundational book points us to a way forward. I am enthused at what this book can do to lead us as church leaders and agency leaders to a new synergy." – Jerry E. White, international president emeritus of The Navigators, a Christian parachurch organization

In a world where the church's relevance is often questioned, Angie Ward offers a compelling blueprint for a unified ecclesial future in Beyond Church and Parachurch. Beyond Church and Parachurch is not just a historical and theological exploration; it's a roadmap for rethinking the very essence of Christian ministry. Whether you're a pastor, mission leader, or nonprofit executive, you will be challenged to transcend conventional boundaries and discover the full spectrum of the church's potential.



- Holistic Understanding: Develops a comprehensive view that integrates both traditional and emerging forms of ministry.

- Innovative Strategies: Beyond Church and Parachurch presents forward-thinking approaches to facilitate collaboration between churches and parachurch organizations.

- Inclusive Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of diverse leadership in fostering a more inclusive community.

- Practical Applications: Offers actionable insights and case studies to apply the concepts in real-world contexts.

- Future-Oriented: Focuses on long-term vision and sustainable practices for impactful ministry work.

Dive into a fresh understanding of the church in all its forms—be it campus ministries, mission agencies, or church-planting networks. Ward's vision dismantles the silos that fragment evangelical efforts, urging us to view the church as an interconnected ecosystem of apostolic networks. This paradigm shift empowers leaders to maximize kingdom impact, fostering cooperation and collaboration across organizations. With practical insights and visionary guidance, Beyond Church and Parachurch equips Christian leaders to serve a world in need with renewed purpose and unity. Transform your ministry approach and join a movement that redefines what it means to be the church.



Angie Ward (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is director of the Doctor of Ministry program and associate professor of leadership and ministry at Denver Seminary. She is the author of Uncharted Leadership: 20 Case Studies to Help Ministry Leaders Adapt to Uncertainty and I Am a Leader: When Women Discover the Joy of Their Calling. Angie has over thirty-five years of leadership experience in church, nonprofit, and higher education ministry. A sportswriter in a previous life, Angie loves running, basketball, humor, and movies. She and her pastor-husband live in Denver. They have two grown sons and one very spoiled beagle.



Foreword by Jerry E. White



1 Why This Book? An Introduction and Roadmap



2 Where Are We? The State of the Church, the Parachurch, and a World in Need



3 How Did this All Start? Church and Parachurch in the Apostolic/Catholic Tradition



4 How Did We Get Here? Church and Parachurch in the Protestant Tradition



5 What Is the Church? The Meaning and Marks of the Church



6 What Does the Church Do? The Mission and Minimums of the Church



7 Where Do We Stand with One Another? Mapping the Church/Parachurch Terrain



8 Why Don't We Always Get Along? The Needs and Challenges of the Multi-Faceted Church



9 How Can We Work Together? A New Paradigm for the Next Century



10 Where Do We Go from Here? Practical Suggestions for Leaders and Laypeople



Acknowledgments



Notes



Bibliography