http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B002V8LF4E
Barna goes into pretty good detail of the ongoing changes and evolution of the Church as we know it. Of course, things are always changing, but the Church(s) find themselves in a more precarious position than ever before because people around the world, are more educated,
technologically advanced and living in a instantaneous world than ever before. So, the Church is not dealing with “your grandparents congregations” any longer where church authority isn’t challenged either obliviously or subtlety.
One of the strategies the churches are using more than ever is to expand their reach into 3rd world countries, but that is changing the overall demographics in directions that not everyone is totally comfortable with.
The Church has also brought of the scrutiny and doubts upon itself with a series of scandals ranging from molestation and rapes to outright corruptions. So, people are naturally looking for alternatives and in this day and age, there are more alternatives available than ever before.
Also, the Church has become strangely quiet and absent on so many important “issues of the day”, so they’re missing in action.
Author George Barna offers a few solutions, but admits it’s going to be “an uphill battle” for Church to retain and maintain a serious presence in today’s advanced world of things.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
