Review: There's Hope for Your Church: First Steps to Restoring Health and Growth

There's Hope for Your Church: First Steps to Restoring Health and Growth by Gary L. McIntosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A practical, uplifting and can-do book for the pastor of a "dying" church is like fresh hot rations given to a battle weary soldier on the front line. The case studies are never boring and McIntosh's succinct style of writing provides a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I especially appreciate the following methodologies highlighted in the book:

- Identification of the signs of trouble in the church (Chapter 3) - low morale, downward momentum or plateauing growth, survival mode, passive attitudes, consolidated power, lack of vision, toleration of known sin and unproductive ministries
- Inclusion of a diagram (Page 75) that illustrates that God's Vision is an intersection of the pastor's leadership passion, passion/gifts of the congregation and the community needs
- Building a successful dominant coalition (Chapter 6) requires the right people (by approaching individuals personally rather than over the pulpit), who respect you, who are willing to receive the biblical training and replace disagreeable leaders
- After evaluating the church morale (Chapter 7), seek to lift it by being positive yourself, finding the silver lining (every situation no matter how dire, has its good aspects to highlight; eg. thank people who are overworked), celebrate all victories, require people who highlight problems to come back with three possible solutions, recruit encouragers, highlight heroes, stay close to the people, focus on the right people (Focus on the Very Important People, then the Very Trainable People, then the Very Nice People, and then the Very Draining People)
- Do not delay in confronting problem people (Page 112) who are: disloyal (on surface appear to be with you but speak against you when you are not present), belligerent (verbally or physically attack others), belittle (put others down to make themselves look better), undermine (who seek to draw others away to another church)
- Accept resignations immediately and do not allow them to change their minds (some influential staff or board members threaten resignations often to get their ways; Page 112)
- Evaluate and refocus on the core ministry (Chapter 9) and outreach/evangelism (because theological equipping of people does not always result in them desiring to bring in new people)
- In reference to church members being equipped for change (Chapter 10), I can relate personally that radicals arent a great source of feedback as they always bring a positive report; they are great for starting new things with great excitement and energy but burn out too quickly (Page 136)
- Watch out and deal with these 5 kinds of losses (Chapter 11): of identity (with the roles/positions/places they occupy in church), of control, of meaning (in places, programs and patterns of life), of belonging (when they are overwhelmed by numbers of newcomers they do not know), of a future (as people hope for a stable future and struggle with the idea that it is changing)
- Stay the course (Chapter 12)
- Church revitalisation chart and checklist (Pages 164-5)
- That 9 out of 10 church mergers fail (Appendix B)
- When church mergers work best (Pages 182-183): occurs because of mission and outreach rather than need to survive; consist of churches with common theology, philosophy of ministry, values, and corporate culture; both congregations sell their buildings and move into a new one; a single or new pastor is called to lead the congregation; when three churches merge and none is dominant (often when two churches merge, one feels shut out and loses its sense of identity); time is given to developing solid communication about a possible merger and addressing concerns; significant time for courtship is allowed to take place

I absolutely recommend this book! I read it once having borrowed it from my school's library, and I prompted purchased a copy to keep (and hopefully re-read in time to come!)

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Review: The Good and Beautiful Life: Putting on the Character of Christ

The Good and Beautiful Life: Putting on the Character of Christ by James Bryan Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had to read this book as part of a seminary course. 95% of required readings are those really dry, dreary and boring books that I would probably never want to read if I had the choice. But boy oh boy was I proven wrong! I ended up buying the other two books in his apprentice series - "The good and beautiful God" and "The good and beautiful community."

The reflection (Smith calls them Soul Training) exercises were also mandatory requirements of the course and they were extremely helpful to plow through. (I would not have done them if they werent made compulsory). There was not a moment that Smith was indulging in questionable exegesis or upholding shaky theological claims. I thoroughly enjoyed Smith's engaging, passionate and easy-to-read little book. So much so that after I read the book I borrowed from the library, I bought one for myself.

I highly recommend this book! Small group leaders may consider journeying chapter by chapter with their flock. You'd be tempted to rush through it, but please try to refrain from doing so! There is so much reflection, healing and encouragement that could result from prayerful reflection and discussion with this book as a tool!

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