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Research shows that over time most congregations plateau and then eventually decline. Church growth experts Stetzer and Dodson explain why and show you how to revive a body of believers. Learn the importance of lighting a spiritual fire; intentional evangelism; making disciples; forming small groups; and a take-risk leadership---and watch your pews fill up again! 224 pages, hardcover from B&H.
Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 224
Vendor: B & H Publishing Group
Publication Date: 2007
| Dimensions: 8.25 X 5.25 X 0.90 (inches)
ISBN: 0805445366
ISBN-13: 9780805445367
Availability: In Stock
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Research shows that over time, most churches plateau and then eventually decline. Typically, they start strong and experience periods of growth, then stagnate and lose members. Since 1991, the North American population has increased by 15 percent while the number of "unchurched" people has increased by 92 percent. Large church houses that were filled in the 1950s and `60s now hold a fraction of their capacity. To counter this trend, authors Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson surveyed 300 churches from across ten different denominations that recently achieved healthy evangelistic growth after a significant season of decline. What they have discovered is an exciting method of congregation reinvigoration that is shared in the new book entitled Comeback Churches.
Endorsements
"As a successful pastor, church planter, researcher, and advisor to thousands of churches, Ed Stetzer speaks from a wealth of experience with all kinds of churches. Now, in one volume, your church can benefit from his wisdom. This book is a winner!"
—Dr. Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life and The Purpose-Driven Church
"First and foremost, it is biblical. Second, it is well researched. And third, it is immensely practical and applicable . . . this book should be in the hands of hundreds of thousands of pastors, staff, and church leaders. Simply stated, it is just that good." —Thom S. Rainer, author of Simple Church, president/CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources
"Finally, a book of practical advice that is based on research. I have seen it both ways— endless research with little advice, or, much advice with little facts. This book strikes the balance with perfection." —Elmer Towns, Dean of Liberty University
"This is the most helpful, practical book on church revitalization I’ve read this century." —Leonard Sweet, Drew Theological School, George Fox University
"Comeback Churches is more than a pep talk. It’s rooted in the ’right stuff’ to bring a congregation out of the dismal into the vital." —Jack W. Hayford, President, International Foursquare Churches, Chancellor, The King’s College and Seminary
"No one, to my knowledge, has done the hard research, presented the facts, and offered such sound advice as Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson… Comeback Churches is the number-one book on turning around declining and plateauing church ministry. —Gary L. McIntosh, D.Min., Ph.D., Biola University
"A refreshing book by authors who know how to make research exciting and instructional. Leaders and members of non-growing evangelical churches should read this book (it wouldn't hurt mainliners either)!" —Bill Easum, Easum, Bandy & Associates
Ed Stetzer has served churches for 20 years, served as a seminary professor,
and now is senior director of the Center for Missional Research at the North
American Mission Board where he researchers churches and culture for more
effective ministry. He holds two masters and two doctoral degrees and has
written dozens of articles and books including Breaking the Missional Code:
Your Church Can Become a Missionary in Your Community.
Mike Dodson has served as a pastor and church planter strategist for more than ten years. He lives with his wife and children in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
“As a successful pastor, church planter, researcher, and advisor to thousands of churches, Ed Stetzer speaks from a wealth of experience with all kinds of churches.
Now, in one volume, your church can benefit from his wisdom. This book is a winner!”
–Dr. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, The Purpose Driven Church
“First and foremost, it is biblical. Second, it is well researched. And third, it is immensely practical and applicable… [T]his book should be in the hands of hundreds of thousands of pastors, staff, and church leaders. Simply stated, it is just that good.” –Thom S. Rainer, President and CEO, LifeWay Christian Resources
“Finally, a book of practical advice that is based on research. I have seen it both ways— endless research with little advice, or, much advice with little facts.
This book strikes the
balance with perfection.” –Elmer Towns, Dean of Liberty University
“This is the most helpful, practical book on church revitalization I’ve read this century.” – Leonard Sweet, Drew Theological School, George Fox University,
“Comeback Churches is more than a pep talk. It’s rooted in the ‘right stuff’ to bring a congregation out of the dismal into the vital.” –Jack W. Hayford, President, International Foursquare Churches, Chancellor, The King’s College and Seminary
“No one, to my knowledge, has done the hard research, presented the facts, and offered such sound advice as Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson… Comeback Churches is the number one book on turning around declining and plateauing church ministry. —Gary L. McIntosh, D.Min., Ph.D., Biola University, La Mirada, CA
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
3 of 3 Reviews Showing: 5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dany Daniel (Conroe, TX), August 27, 2008 Great Book! I was serving as interim pastor at a church and led a Sunday evening study with the book. The book is neutral and does not advocate or tell churches what to do, but set up the information and results of the churches that followed the principles that were discovered through research. It brought about great discussion, and a need for change with the church family I was with.
I think every pastor should be required to read this, regardless of their church's current health and growth. 5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David R. Bess (Charleston, West Virginia), October 18, 2007 I've read many books on church growth/church health, and this one is near the top of my list. Although there are many commendable points made, my favorite is the authors' "Missional Matrix." In it they assert there must be a biblical grounding in Christology, Ecclesiology and Missiology. When these three truths are in balance and empowered by the Holy Spirit, a stagnant or declining congregation is on its way to becoming a "comeback church."
This book is a very good read, and would be helpful to any pastor or church leader. 5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Darren J Olson (Moline, IL), July 11, 2007 Wow, as a pastor who still longs for the dreams and visions I had in seminary. This book breaths the fresh wind of Holy Spirit and biblical convictions into my soul. I want to be a comeback pastor of a comeback church. To many friends and colleagues I have seen in ministry allow those God-given dreams die to settle for status-quo and job security. This book will re-awaken those dreams give you the courage to face the giants of church ministry. Write a review of Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too
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