2003
Bruce W. Boss
The Relationship Between Clergy and Lay Leadership in Turnaround Congregations
This thesis examines the relationship between clergy and lay leaders in congregations that have gone from a period of decline to revitalization. The thesis is based upon the case studies of five congregations. The literature examined comes from the areas of leadership and congregational development. The study identifies three scenarios in the relationship between clergy and lay leaders and lists five characteristics the leadership in these situations has in common. Implications for leadership at both the parish and diocesan levels apply the learnings from the study to the current church situation.