Memories, Hopes, and Conversations : Appreciative Inquiry, Missional Engagement, and Congregational Change

In this updated edition, Mark Lau Branson outlines a process that any congregation can utilize to harness the energies of the congregation at all levels of its common life. Branson first leads readers through the foundations of Appreciative Inquiry and bracingly explores biblical texts for understanding the practice in a faith context.

Memories, Hopes, and Conversations is a powerful resource that introduces readers to Appreciative Inquiry—a transformational organizational change process that focuses on the strengths of a group. The second edition has been revised and expanded throughout, featuring important new materials on leadership and missional frameworks, as well as five chapters from pastors describing the transformational experiences of their churches and neighbors using Appreciative Inquiry. The book offers a dynamic overview of the Appreciative Inquiry process, real stories of change in action, and a wealth of practical resources for churches to pursue this journey of appreciation, imagination, and change.The second edition includes dynamic stories of Appreciative Inquiry in practice from: Christopher Gobrecht (New Covenant United Methodist Church, Maryland), Jim S. Amstutz (Akron Mennonite Church, Pennsylvania), Jean Burch (Community Bible Church, California), Andrew Menzies (Camberwell Baptist Church, Australia), Michael R. Wilson (Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church, Pennsylvania).