This is an in-depth look at the power teams bring to congregational work. Wimberly demonstrates that younger generations in particular are much happier working in a team, rather than a committee environment. Congregations using teams are able to mobilize members across generations for both short and long term tasks. After clarifying the differences between teams and committees, readers learn the important steps needed to set-up new teams. Leaders who simply create a team without attention to the formation process increase the likelihood of team failure. Using real-world examples and case studies, Wimberly addresses problems teams can expect to experience, as well as ways to resolve those issues. He highlights the surprising similarities between how teams and congregations function, both positively and negatively, providing keen insights from the business world and showing how they can be used to solve issues in congregations. Here readers will find both the theory and practice of making a successful transition to a congregation doing its work through highly motivated, efficient teams. “Wimberly’s personal and pastoral experiences forming, coaching, and helping teams manage conflict and other obstacles that inevitably arise make him uniquely qualified to advise church leaders on how to incorporate the team model and its lessons into the work of leading congregations…. For congregational leaders looking for ways to re-energize current leadership and recruit new leaders, Wimberly’s book offers a clear rationale and step-by-step advice.” ― Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology “When today’s most vital congregations want ministry to happen, they turn to teams. Teams act, reflect, evaluate, and act again―in contrast to traditional structures, which too often bog down under the sheer weight of static job descriptions, casual accountability, and meddling standing bodies. John Wimberly’s candid wisdom and plain-spoken advice make Mobilizing Congregations a great guide for leaders with high expectations for their church or synagogue.” ―Dan Hotchkiss, author of Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership “Reverend Wimberly provides both the theoretical and practical information for congregations seeking to engage more members and get things done. He explains how to create and maintain teams that succeed with simple guidance. Throughout the book, Wimberly weaves spiritual insights and highlights the religious values at the heart of every congregations’ work. As the senior rabbi of a large congregation, I have often turned to Reverend Wimberly when trying to lead my congregation into the next generation of systems, leaders, and programs. This book will be like having him on speed dial for some of my most pressing challenges.” ―Rabbi Jonathan Roos, senior rabbi, Temple Sinai, Washington D.C. “If you have ever doubted the transforming power of team ministry, read this book. In it Wimberly draws on his forty years of experience as a pastor as well as the team experience he gained while working on his MBA to offer a clear and convincing argument for why the church today should be making better use of teams. This step-by-step guide to intentional team-building should to be read by any church leaders who want to mobilize members for mission and transformative ministry.” ―Mindy Douglas, Pastor, Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill, NC John W. Wimberly, Jr. is a consultant for the Congregational Consulting Group. He previously served as pastor of Western Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. He has used his unique combination of theological and business skills to help found both Miriam’s Kitchen for the Homeless and The Ethiopia Health Network and write The Business of the Church: The Uncomfortable Truth that Faithful Ministry Requires Effective Management, in addition to providing guidance for clergy and congregations.