Applying Positive Deviance

article

by Tim Shapiro, Center for Congregations, IN

Description

This article tells the story of seven congregations in Indiana that used positive deviance to improve their relationships with strangers and neighbors with social service needs.

Features

how to apply positive deviance in a congregational setting

Recommended Audience

Clergy and lay leaders

Cost

Free

Practical Applications

Improve your relationship with strangers and members of the community by applying the principles of positive deviance.
Discuss ways and situations to apply positive deviance to help your congregation solve challenging problems.

Updated: January 08, 2025

About the Contributor

Tim Shapiro

President

Tim Shapiro is the Indianapolis Center’s president. He began serving the Center in 2003 after 18 years in pastoral ministry. For 14 years, Tim served Westminster Presbyterian Church in Xenia, Ohio. Prior to his pastorate at Westminster, he was pastor of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Logansport, Indiana. He holds degrees from Purdue University and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Tim’s interest in how congregations learn to do new things is represented in his book How Your Congregation Learns. After his extensive work on the Center’s Sacred Space initiative, Tim co-authored the book Holy Places: Matching Sacred Space with Mission and Message. He has also authored several articles, including Applying Positive Deviance and The Congregation of Theological Coherence.

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