The last forty years have seen transitions in mainline churches that feel, for many, like a journey into the wilderness. Yet God is calling us in this moment, not to grieve over the changes we have experienced, but to hear the call to a new mission, and a new faithfulness. Gil Rendle draws on decades as a pastor and church consultant to point a way into a hopeful future. The key to embracing the wilderness is to learn new skills in leading change, to reach beyond a position of privilege and power to become churches that serve God's hurting people. Empowers readers to minister more faithfully, and joyfully, in a situation of congregational and denominational transition A careful analysis of the changes that have taken place in mainline Protestant churches over the last decades. Thorough review of the lessons learned, both inside and beyond the church, about leading organizations during times of social upheaval.