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Comeback Churches by Ed Stetzer & Mike Dodson. Published by B&H Publishing Group, pp 224 ISBN: 9780805445367 £8.78
This is not a book for the fainthearted, nor for those who are content with churches that are declining. Stetzer and Dodson look at over 300 churches that have come back from near death experiences and ask what we may learn from them. At the heart of their conclusions is a conviction that churches need to see themselves as missionaries in the local context - and need to think, plan and act accordingly.
Because it is based on real-life feedback from congregations, the canvas of the book is broad and touches major aspects of church life. These churches had a new or renewed ordained and lay leadership, and changed their expectations of ministers. Their worship was overhauled in order to connect with their culture. The personal faith of the members was thoroughly revitalised. Churches’ prime efforts went into gospel outreach and nurturing strong discipleship, and new leaders were being created. Prayer permeated every aspect of their life. Premises were purposefully reviewed, small groups were highly prized and promoted, and membership expectations were raised.
The authors repeatedly highlight the reality and cost of change, and argue that ‘the main reason a church does not grow is that it doesn’t want to grow.’ ‘Status quo’ they say ‘is simply Latin for ‘the mess we’re in.’ And they echo Churchill’s rejoinder: ‘However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.’ This book is an invitation for a thorough review of the purpose and practice of church life, urging us to recognise our status quo and to learn from those who have successfully turned the boat around.
It is not a book that walks us carefully through the process of transformation. It does not impose a single ‘solution’ for the authors acknowledge that churches have to discern how to implement these lessons in each unique context. But for a denomination that is not exactly flourishing, the insights of a book like this should be compulsory reading for Elders and Ministers.
Paul Stokes |
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