Author

Nelson Granade

The Rev. Nelson Granade is pastor of First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, N.C., and a consultant with Center for Congregational Health. He is the author of “Lending Your Leadership: How Pastors are Redefining Their Role in Community Life.” Since arriving in North Wilkesboro in 1994, he has served as a United Way campaign chair, chair of Wilkes Vision 20/20 and on the boards of the Wilkes Pastoral Counseling Center and the Cross Cultural Coalition Task Force, among other roles.

Only a preacher

By Nelson Granade

Pastors no longer automatically hold positions of community influence. But they can -- and should -- earn a place in their communities by participating in them, says pastor and author Nelson Granade.

data

Generate a religion demographics report for your zip code

This tool from the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) assists church and community leaders in accessing free online information about their communities. The initial map shows the location of other churches in your area and the Community Profile Builder provides you with social, economic and religious information on the community or neighborhoods you select.

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