Church Transfusion: Changing Your Church Organically--From the Inside Out

by Neil Cole, Phil Helfer

Just as our life is in our blood, the life for Christ's body is in His blood. Changing a church is more than a new goal or direction. Our churches need more than an organizational transition; we need a full transfusion of Jesus' blood, His life, within every disciple. Anything less than that will only perpetuate more of the dysfunction and unhealthy church practices that have already plagued us for too long. We are in desperate need of the internally transforming power of the gospel of grace and the presence of Christ so that our salvation is then worked out in a way the rest of the world will notice. It isn't enough that we believe in the facts contained in the gospel, we must allow the gospel itself to infect our souls and transform us from within. The DNA of Jesus' lifeblood is needed in our churches and nothing shy of a full transfusion that touches every cell will be sufficient. In this book Neil Cole (author of Organic Church, Church Transfusion and Journeys to Significance) and Phil Helfer, co-founders of Church Multiplication Associates, will first point out that change is possible with God, but only with God. In the second half of the book they will lay out some of the actual practical considerations to weigh if you want to release real organic health in your church.

Using multiple examples of very different kinds of churches that have been through the process, the authors present ways that leadership and practices need to change in order to release organic church movements from their midst. Chapters cover:

Leadershifts necessary Detoxification from dependence issues. How to ignite change virally. How to grandparent movements. How to measure success in movements. This book (another in the Leadership Network series) applies organic life principles to established churches with practical help that is holistic and natural. The content in this book will be helpful whether you are pastor of an established church or wanting to revitalize a small organic church.

Jesus didn't die and rise from the dead so that we can be like everyone else in the world. Our faith is more than just a better doctrine or a bigger goal with a capital giving campaign; it is a better life. Jesus is the difference, and what a difference he makes...don't be satisfied with less.

Genres: Leadership, Church

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 7, 2012

About the author

Neil Cole was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. While studying at CSULB he encountered the Good News of Jesus Christ and turned his life over to Him, never looking back. His journey in God's kingdom brought him to serve in a mega church, a local community church and now small rapidly multiplying organic churches that meet in homes, campuses and places of business all over the world. Neil travels around the world sowing the seeds of God's kingdom, catalyzing the development of organic church networks and coaching leaders. He has been married for over 26 years to Dana and has three adult children--Heather, Erin and Zach.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a part of church leadership for many years now, this has stirred my thinking and my heart. Lord, I surrender to Your will, Your desire, show me, use me.

[Ed]

I appreciate the candid attitude of this book contrasted with the status of much of the western evangelical church. And while I don't see eye to eye with every thought or observation it is helpful for me to be challenged. The mission of the church, the Great Commission, is too important to hand off to "them" (professional pastors, institutions, denominations, etc...). And as a pastor it is essential to keep on doing whatever it takes to equip the saints for the work of ministry- whether these saints be the folks I shepherd or my own household.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Church Transfusion, Can you say relationships with others? Can you say this is a good book to look at the "Church," and ask Where is our walk with Jesus? If you can sit with the leadership of the church and openly state, there is more about our walk with Christ than just "doing" Church, then this book is one to open your eyes to really look at the scripture and see how we have all missed it. It isn't about buildings or programs, it's about Jesus. Amen

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a helpful resource for a pastor of a traditional church trying to move in a more organic, missional direction. This will save me and the congregation I serve many headaches.