Doing Well by Doing Good

Brendan J. Barnicle presents a sweeping academic case for the missional (and financial!) benefits of church-based economic enterprises. Grounded in practical theology, Barnicle’s book helps congregation leaders see ways in which these enterprises are rooted in and expand God’s mission in the world. His in-depth case studies of four congregations bring us inside their stories to see how these enterprises center mission and not money, require deep community discernment, and rely on an interplay of clergy and active lay leadership. This will be a great book for clergy and lay leaders alike who are skeptical of churches starting and/or incubating businesses. –Grace Duddy Pomroy, director, Stewardship Leaders Program at Luther Seminary, and author of Funding Forward: A Pathway to More Sustainable Models for Ministry

Written with practical theological insights and a deep knowledge of congregational leadership, Doing Well by Doing Good demonstrates how church-based economic ministries can revitalize local communities and lead practitioners into a deeper understanding of mission for the twenty-first century. Barnicle’s study furthers the conversation regarding the need to empower the vocations of all, both inside congregations and in our wider communities, to offer the gifts and resources of the church for the common good. Rather than rehashing traditional models of church growth, this book introduces imaginative and transformational examples of active participation in God’s mission through social justice and economic sustainability, which also increases local agency and membership. –Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, professor of practical theology and Christian histories, Claremont School of Theology; historiographer of The Episcopal Church; editor in chief, Anglican and Episcopal History

Church leaders, anxious about the viability of their parishes and congregations in post-Christendom North America, too often turn inward, seeking church-centered means of survival. In this well-written, data-based study grounded in real-life examples, Brendan J. Barnicle conclusively demonstrates that participating in God’s mission through local economic enterprises offers a hope-filled future for congregations. Read this book and be inspired to participate in the missio Dei in your neighborhood in new and exciting ways! –Ian T. Douglas, retired bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut and former professor of mission and world Christianity at Episcopal Divinity School

Doing Well by Doing Good provides practical advice for parishes inspired to carry out their missio Dei by establishing economic ventures. More than that, it offers historical, biblical, and theological perspectives on financial support of the church. This book is a must-read for parishes that are prayerfully and creatively exploring financial options to support their mission. –Mary Kate Wold, chief executive officer and president, Church Pension Fund, The Episcopal Church

Brendan Barnicle is the rector of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Wilsonville, Oregon. Prior to the priesthood, he worked for over twenty years as a corporate lawyer, investment banker, and high-tech entrepreneur. He holds a PhD in practical theology.

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