A Jubilee Workbook: Defining and Planning Our Congregational Economic Development Mission

In the Old Testament, the Jubilee year was a celebration of restoration of lands and elimination of debts. In contemporary America, however, many areas are struggling under the weight of poverty and hopelessness in a new and uncertain economy. In these areas, the church must stand not only as a beacon of hope, but also as a catalyst for revitalization of the congregation and the surrounding community. Faced by such a daunting task, it can be difficult for the church to know where to start.A Jubilee Workbook was written for pastors and churches who minister to communities in financial decline. This resource helps church leaders create a vision for economic development within their congregations. It is a guide to coordinating that mission and spreading its positive effects out into the community. Karl Evans shares with readers firsthand knowledge on how to achieve this goal. He writes from a lengthy service in congregational redevelopment for the United Methodist Church. A Jubilee Workbook takes 15 factors of economic growth into account. These include the skills and education available, the community's ability to commit to change, the development of leadership within the church, and the willingness to collaborate within the community. It reveals how to best customize a church plan for supporting the development and growth of the local economy.This workbook is specifically designed for flexibility. It can be used by individual pastors, leadership councils, by an entire congregation, families, and local nonprofit groups. A Jubilee Workbook will lead the congregation to take Christian steps to turn churches and neighborhoods around economically as an ordinary function of Christ's church.