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Summary: It helped turn around my church!
Review: This is one of the most intriguing, yet, depressing books I have ever read. On one hand Barna says that there is hope for the 85% of American Churches that have stagnated or are in the process of decline- they can be turned around. Based on actual case studies, Barna outlines the principles of renewal; yet, just when we can see ourselves leading our churches out of the spiritual doldrums Barna drops the other shoe. Turning around a church is an extraordinary difficult task that only a few pastors are capable of doing. Perhaps the most discouraging word was that this was a young mans job, that is, for men under the age of forty-five.I appreciate the authors insight that it takes a strong, hardworking leader to run around a church. A forty-hour workweek will not do. Barna stresses that spiritual growth must be based on spiritual things and not just on the strength of men, a foundation of prayer is a must for a turn around church. Without prayer we are relaying on the strength of men. We need to bring people into a tighter bond with God, a process that is very uncomfortable for most people. Here are some insights: Renewal takes a long-term commitment; one does not turn a church around in a year or two- it is a process that may take five or six years. There is an absolute need to seize the moment. Barna counsels pastors to make significant changes the first year of their ministry. To wait a year or two to earn how the church operates (advice given by almost every seminary and Bible college) will almost guarantee failure in the renewal process. Delay will only allow internal resistance to develop. Finally, he says that renewal pastors do not wait for a consensus before attempting change they will never get it. Consensus is the abdication of leadership. If you are a senior pastor and have the courage to attempt to turn around your church, read this book.
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