This is without doubt a book for our times: essential reading andessential practice for all who yearn for a better way for churches thanendless initiatives, mission statements and strategies.

Rt Revd James Bell, Bishop of Ripon

He draws readers into the fullest life possible: following Jesus, living inpraise and becoming a blessing. A book full of promise for the localchurch.

Professor David Ford, Regius Professor of Divinity, University ofCambridge

• Robin Greenwood is a highly regarded practical theologian well-known for his work in the field of mission, ministry and churchtransformation

• The material has been road-tested by a number of churches in theUK and USA

• Dovetails with the Church of England’s Reform and Renewalprogramme

This book is the result of a two-year research project aimed at enabling localchurches to regain a sense of confidence through exploring God’s blessingand how that might be shared with the communities they serve.

In Part One, Robin Greenwood explores the meaning of blessing and thepower of face-to-face group conversations to transform churchcongregations. Part Two of the book contains outlines for five guidedconversations for change on the theme of blessing. Part Three containscase study material of how this material has been used in different contexts,including for Mission Action Planning (MAP).

The Rev Canon Dr Robin Greenwood was until recently Vicar of StMary the Virgin, Monkseaton, in Newcastle Diocese) and holds a WilliamLeech Research Fellowship at Durham University (based at St John’s). Hecontributes regularly, ecumenically, to the reimagining of mission and ministryin the UK, USA and Australia.

978 0 281 07215 6 128 pages £9.99 January 2016www.spck.org.uk