The Other 80 Percent

A research-based approach to developing more active and involved congregations In this practical resource, well-known and respected researcher Scott Thumma and professional co-writer Warren Bird draw upon new and heretofore unpublished research across a broad range of Protestant churches of all sizes and show how to create more active members. Offers solid information of what church leaders need to know about the factors and practices that create church members who are more actively and passionately involved in their congregations. Offers a first of its kind resource for developing engaged congregations Lead author Scott Thumma is a noted researcher and writer on congregational studies Warren Bird is coauthor of Culture Shift and Viral Churches This book offers advice for moving church members from being spectators to living a life of discipleship and faith.

About the Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series xi Preface xiii Introduction: Wandering Sheep xix Part One: Listening 1. What Do You Hear from the Committed 20 Percent? 3 2. What Do You Hear from the Less-Committed 80 Percent? 23 3. How to Create a Listening Team 39 Part Two: Learning 4. Cultural Causes of the 80/20 Problem 59 5. Comparative Patterns in Churches 75 6. Misinformed Efforts to Build Participation 97 7. How to Create a Learning Team 117 Part Three: Leading 8. Start with What You Do Well 127 9. Create More Ways for People to Participate 143 10. Reach Toward Spiritual Growth and Development 165 Afterword: The Sheep Who Came Back into the Fold 173 Appendixes A. Resources 175 B. Methods and Description of the Datasets 181 C. Sample Survey Questions 189 Annotated Bibliography 197 Acknowledgments 201 The Authors 203 Index 205