The reason churches die has always been quite simple. Too many members are in love with their church, as opposed to being in love with Jesus. That coldness is transferred to visitors when they arrive. This book examines that in depth.

This is a little book that packs a wallop -- a book I almost bought six or seven times, but always decided against it at the last minute, mainly because I was afraid of what it would reveal to me about the church I have pastored these last 9-plus years. The only reason I finally did buy it was the fact that on one of my six or seven 'almosts', I put the title in my shopping cart. About a month later I purchased another book, completing the transaction before noticing I had neglected to remove "Autopsy..." from the list...I think the Lord wanted me to read this book. I did read it, and all my worst fears were confirmed!

All of that said, the timeliness of my reading this little gem cannot be overstated, as our church has been in decline since I arrived, despite doing all I know to facilitate otherwise.

What I gained from this read was needed confirmation, some clarity, direction, and even encouragement. Although it leaves me with making some hard choices, they are choices I now feel are in line with the will of God, rather than me "shooting in the dark" and hoping I hit the mark.

I highly recommend this small piece of dynamite, and not just to those who are at some point on the spectrum toward increasing church unhealthiness. As with other reviewers, I would recommend this title be required reading for all ministry leadership and staff, and / or those considering that step. In fact, why not the entire local flock?! Our present "hour" desperately needs healthy, thriving local churches made up of individuals who are humbly surrendered to, and dependent upon the Lord Jesus Christ for all things. May this little read be the medicine needed to turn many back to the Lord, and prevent others from contracting the "diseases" that are killing and have killed too many local churches -- essential "cells" of the larger body of Christ.

I'm a church girl. I was probably in church the Sunday after I was born. I grew up going every time the doors were open. Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around the church. Vacation Bible School, Backyard Bible Club, Girls in Action, Church Camp, youth group and dozens of others fill my mind when I think back on those years. I met and married my beloved in our church. We've raised our kids in church and are now watching our kids raise their kids in church.

Several years ago something disturbing came to our attention. We had gone back to our hometown for a funeral and spent some time wandering around looking at and reminiscing about our growing up years. We drove by the church of our youth and were stunned and saddened to see it abandoned and up for sale. What had happened to the once thriving and dynamic congregation that we remembered?

Recently I was given a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church to read and review. I wasn't really sure that it would be a book that would appeal to the masses but the title had me intrigued so I gave it a read. I was completely wrong in my preconceived notions. This is a book that every church member needs to read. Dying churches aren't just the problem of the preacher and the church staff. It is a problem that we all need to open our eyes to.

Through the pages of the book I could clearly see what had happened with the church of my youth. The signs were there the whole time. Granted we weren't there when the final nail was placed in the coffin, but the death process had been a slow but steady one. It was a process that was happening even back in the day. But like most of these churches we ignored the signs and chose to look the other way.

One of the things that I like best about this book is that it isn't a doomsday missive. Instead it is full of useful information about how to change the inevitable. I came away from this book with a renewed love for the church and the knowledge that I am part of the body that breathes life into it. If you are part of a church I would urge you to pick up a copy of this book and read it and apply it then pass it on to another member. With the directions contained we can make a difference so that generations to come will have a place like we did and do to be nurtured and loved. Forgive my paraphrase but, without the church the people will perish!

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

This title popped up in "This Week's Specials" and it caught my eye because the church that I attend in Westminster, Colorado is being ripped to pieces by the church's ruling body, the Session. Power struggles are always ugly and painful. Additionally, the church that I grew up in died about twenty years ago due precisely to issues that Reverend Rainer points out. Looking back at the death of Second Presbyterian Church of Lincoln, Nebraska the symptom that I vividly remember is the turning inward of dying churches instead of looking outward to community to minister to the residents in the nearby neighborhoods. After only fifteen years of existence my current church is already turning inward and attempts to start new outreaches/ministries in the local area are rebuffed by the Elders that are on the Session. They are worried that it would "look bad" if we start an outreach and then fail at it.

After reading the book I gave it to one of the Elders in my current church with two instructions:

(1) Read the book and then pass it on to the other Elders.

(2) Make it a clean kill. Don't let our church flounder around in death throes for years.

Hopefully my antics will help to enlighten the Elders that they need to end their infighting and work together to undo the damage that they have caused. Unfortunately Ruling Elders in the Presbyterian Church in America are installed for life and it is virtually impossible for the congregation to remove them when they have strayed from their charge.

A quick read but not lacking... outstanding work. This is one of those books that should be read over and over as a reminder, even for healthy churches.