Ways to Be the Church: The Composition and Dynamics of Congregations

David M. Kelly is a teaching assistant at Brock University in St.
Catharines.

In recent years the churches—particularly the United Church of
Canada—have suffered severe trauma and lasting distress resulting from
conflict over internal issues. As a possible balm for such conflict,
Woodbury offers 100 Ways to Be the Church: a cubical model denoting four
lifestyles, five methods of decision-making, and five faith stances.

The basic message of 100 Ways is communication, expressed in
sociological, psychological, and spiritual terminology. The church must,
according to Woodbury, learn to tolerate different opinions within its
ranks and reach as many mutually acceptable policies as possible.
Christian love is thus summarized in acknowledgment, acceptance, and
co-operation.

While the central message of 100 Ways is in itself highly commendable,
the text is—to a degree—complex, perhaps a bit too much so for the
average lay reader. It is better suited for the level of the
professional within the church: pastors, seminarians, or lay executives
trained in such disciplines as sociology and administration. For such
readers, 100 Ways may well prove a valuable guide to understanding the
dynamics of a congregation. Others, alas, may experience difficulties in
trying to comprehend the book in its entire scope.