Lyle Schaller, who wrote 55 faith-based books for Abingdon Press between 1964 and 2005, passed away last week at the age of 91.  

Widely considered by pastors as one of the most important and influential observers of church culture in the U.S. in the 20th century, Schaller’s influence spanned most American denominations and theological traditions. His works particularly made an impact on congregations of the United Methodist Church.

Schaller’s first book, A Plan For Protestantism in Urban America, was published by Abingdon Press in 1964 and probed the crisis facing urban churches. Between 1964 and 2005 he published 55 books—all with Abingdon Press and about helping church leaders adapt to change—edited 41 more titles in series such as the Creative Leadership Series and produced thousands of essays in periodicals, such as Leadership Journal, The Lutheran Standard, The Episcopalian, Gospel Herald, Circuit Rider, Christian Century, and Presbyterian Survey. His monthly periodical, The Parish Paper, had a circulation of more than 200,000 in 28 denominations. At least three of his books exceeded 100,000 units in sales: Getting Things Done, Assimilating New Members, and The Change Agent, which was also widely read in medical and nursing schools.

Early career highlights include his invention of the independent church consultant role, and being the first to base consultations with congregations and denominations on the use of demographic, geographic, and each congregation’s internal data. In the 1990s, Schaller topped a Los Angeles Times poll for having the most influence on ministries and organizations as determined by pastors and other church leaders nationwide.

“Lyle Schaller worked with a gentle spirit and strong dedication to make the Gospel of Jesus Christ life changing for many. He believed in the potential of congregations large and small to make a big difference in the world,” says Neil M. Alexander, president and publisher of Abingdon Press. “Lyle had a way of getting and keeping our attention with his uncanny ability to make stunningly accurate analyses of denominational trends as well as the current strengths and future potential of the hundreds of individual congregations he studied and advised.”

Published works of Lyle Schaller are still in print and available digitally.

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