Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Guide for New Churches and Those Desiring Renewal

by Aubrey Malphurs

If the church is to thrive in the twenty-first century, it will have to take on a new form as it ministers to the 120 million unchurched people in the United States. Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century is still virtually the only available text on church planting in North America and beyond. In this third edition, readers will find material on the importance of healthy, biblical change in our churches, updated appendixes, insight on our post modern ministry context, and strategies for reaching new population demographics such as Generations X and Y. Pastors, ministry leaders, and church planters will find the information and advice found in this book invaluable as they carry out their ministries.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Leadership, Nonfiction, Christianity, Church

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 1992

Reviews

[James Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical Handbook for Church Planting
Aubrey Malphurs is an expert in church growth with this being arguable his most well-known work. The main take-away from this book is that each church must have a vision for where it is going and what it wants. That vision should be based on the Great Commission. Malphurs describes churches that plateau and go into maintenance which eventually leads to death. His keys to growth include using the small group (the Sunday School) for deep biblical study and fellowship while using the Sunday sermon as an evangelism tool. I recommend this book for anyone interested in church planting.

[Jerry Riendeau · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is good stuff here. If you’re going to plant a church I’d add this to your list of literature to review. Be aware that the author is assuming a church growth focused, seeker sensitive, baptist tradition church.

[Julius Oghogho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. It is the handbook for church planting.

[Mukiibi Godfrey]

What You Don’t Know Might Hurt You!
The Assumptions of Church Planting
by Aubrey Malphurs Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century:

[Brian Whited · Rating 3 out of 5]

Malphurs’ book addresses the role of the church in the 21st century. He states that many churches have either stagnated or declined in the US because they have failed to engage the culture. These churches thought doing so meant watering down their doctrine to appease the culture. Malphurs’ challenges this stance and states to be culturally relevant does not mean sacrificing the message of the Gospel. Therefore he calls for new culturally relevant churches to be planted so that the Christian church will survive in America. He goes on to describe various methods that can and should be employed for these prospective church planters. In four sections he describes the preparation, personnel, principles, and process needed for successful church planting.

This book is jam packed with practical advice for a would-be church planter. Malphurs also includes biblical passages and principles that pertain to church planting. The section on spiritual gifts was very helpful. One downside to the book was the several instances, in which the book should have been edited for repetition of ideas. Besides this minor inconvenience, the book displayed great ideas for new church planters in the 21st century.

Quote
“There’s a difference between what a church believes and what it practices. The church’s faith must not change because it’s based on the eternal, absolute truth of the Bible. The church’s practices (how the church implements its faith), on the other hand, must change from generation to generation as well as from culture to culture if the church is to be relevant.” p.15

[Brandon Current · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't Read. Comprehensive look at church planting from the personality and decision of the planter, to the plan, to the process, to growth and reproduction. Written at a high-school level. Most claims unsubstantiated. Many opinions, and shallow dealing with the topic. It does walk you through everything you should think about (good organization), but you will have to look elsewhere for depth and spiritual discussion as to what those thoughts should be.

[Stuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

For what it is this is a very practical book. It is a practical guide on how to plant a traditional church model. I personally didn't find it to be very helpful to me only because I have a stronger conviction toward a prayer saturated house of prayer/local church model Which isn't specifically addressed in this book.

[Ray Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on church planting I've read. This has risen to the top of my church planting books each time due to its practical approach with a systematic process. I've read it many times over and gain fresh perspective each time. Highly recommend for any church planter beginning the journey.

[Allen Tsai · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the author raises valid areas for any church plant to consider, I was put off by the book's pragmatically and man-centered focus. I found myself disagreeing on a number of areas including: focus groups, ceo church planter mentality, and seeker sensitive driven ministry/church.

[Jonathan Larssen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely a detailed practitioners guide so it might be too much for some. However, if you are in the field then it will help you understand the mechanics of leading a church plant or an established church.

[Jerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful in places.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

very practical help with beginning church planting