Description: By culture, George B. Thompson Jr. means not just racial, ethnic, economic, or regional culture, but also a congregation's way of doing things--its history, customs, conventions, and procedures. In order to launch and maintain a successful ministry, pastors and other church leaders must come to grasp that unique culture of their parish. They must develop a ""culture capital"" within their congregations, meaning that they invest themselves deeply in how their church does its work and goes about its ministries. The author presses clergy to answer such questions as ""How well do I know what I'm getting into?"" and ""Have I been adopted yet?"" and even ""Is it time to move on?"" The book is ideal for pastors in solo settings, but pastors in multiple staff settings will also find the author's insights helpful. Endorsements: ""Thompson cuts right to the chase and focuses on the importance of pastors becoming students of culture. He argues that a grasp of the complexities of culture help a pastor understand more skillfully behavior patterns and relationships in the life of the church."" --From the Foreword by David L. Wallace Sr. About the Contributor(s): George B. Thompson Jr. is Professor of Leadership and Ministry Practice at The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Thompson is the editor and coauthor of Alligators in the Swamp: Power, Ministry, and Leadership" (2005, Pilgrim Press) and author of "Church on the Edge of Somewhere: Ministry, Marginality, and the Future" (Alban Institute, 2007).