Dr. David J. Peter, dean of faculty, professor of Practical Theology and placement counselor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, recently published Maximizing the Midsize Church: Effective Leadership for Fruitful Mission and Ministry with Kregel Publications.

Drawing on years of research and pastoral ministry, Peter navigates the specific needs of the midsize churches — congregations with an average worship attendance of 150 to 400 — in this handbook for pastors and church staff.

In the United States alone, nearly 25 percent of all congregations fall into this size category.
 
"Midsize churches comprise a significant proportion of churches in North America and especially in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod," said Peter. "Yet not many resources have been developed to assist pastors and lay leaders in navigating the distinctive challenges and opportunities that are inherent to the size culture of these congregations. I have endeavored to fill that gap with this book which specifically focuses on the dynamics of a medium-sized parish. My goal in writing this book is to help midsize churches to flourish as they carry out the mission of God and the ministry of His Word."

Maximizing the Midsize Church covers the most important issues that leaders encounter in midsize churches, including common cultural characteristics, typical problems and productive solutions, guidance for hiring staff and recruiting volunteers, and the responsibilities of the pastor. More information about Peter's new book can be found here.

Peter joined the faculty of Concordia Seminary in 1998. In addition to his interest in the dynamics of pastoral leadership in different sizes of congregations, he specializes in preaching that demonstrates the characteristics of biblical exposition.

About Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit www.csl.edu.