Transformation into mission: A case study of Forest Park United Methodist Church

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of transitioning the leadership of Forest Park United Methodist Church through an intentional change process to the end of becoming more missional in terms of attitudes and behavior in risk-taking service. The study was born out of a sense of urgency for a multitude of existing churches that are declining both numerically and in influence over North American society. This twenty-eight month case study may provide hope to those in other settings in the form of a broad outline for renewal through change toward missional witness and faithfulness. The study employed John Kotter's eight-stage process for organizational change.;This is a case study in the descriptive mode. The study also employs a pre- and posttest congregational survey and pre- and posttest interviews with key informants.;The findings of this study demonstrate a change in the congregation toward a more missional focus.