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Replant: How a Dying Church Can Grow Again
Grow Where You’re Replanted Today’s spiritual landscape is littered with churches on their last legs, forcing us to reconsider how we keep the Body of Christ alive and strong. The solution, according to visionary pastors Darrin Patrick and Mark DeVine, is to infuse new blood into the body and by seeking God’s presence and guidance. Avoiding cookie-cutter steps or how-to formulas, Replant describes the story of a church resurrection, a story that offers a multitude of divinely inspired, and practical possibilities for church planters. The result is a harvest of inspiring ideas on how to inspire new church growth. Discover a new openness to churches merging with other congregations, changing leadership, and harvesting fresh spiritual fruit—inviting us all to re-think how churches not only survive, but thrive.
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 4, 2022
A friend of mine recommended this book to think through what it could look like for many of the plateaued and declining churches in area to experience renewal through replanting. This book has a bit of a misleading subtitle, since it's the story of one church that went through replant.
The process for them was pretty complicated:
- A historic Baptist church in an urban center with just under 100 attenders
- The resignation of a pastor who only lasted a few months
- The hiring of a part time interim pastor who worked at a local seminary
- The dismantling of a "cartel" of lay members who were inhibiting change and growth
- A merger with a mega church in Acts 29
- The sending of a church planter from Canada to this church who had 150 attenders at the first service
- The growth to 600 in one year and 1600 by six years
The majority of the book was spent on bullets 3-5, but I was mainly concerned with 6-7. There are quite a few sections celebrating Mark Driscoll and Acts 29 which have not aged so well. The sections detailing the prep-work that was necessary to make space for change were helpful. I think we often underestimate how much needs to die for new life to be born. I'm not sure much else would be re-producible for the vast dying churches in our context.
The process for them was pretty complicated:
- A historic Baptist church in an urban center with just under 100 attenders
- The resignation of a pastor who only lasted a few months
- The hiring of a part time interim pastor who worked at a local seminary
- The dismantling of a "cartel" of lay members who were inhibiting change and growth
- A merger with a mega church in Acts 29
- The sending of a church planter from Canada to this church who had 150 attenders at the first service
- The growth to 600 in one year and 1600 by six years
The majority of the book was spent on bullets 3-5, but I was mainly concerned with 6-7. There are quite a few sections celebrating Mark Driscoll and Acts 29 which have not aged so well. The sections detailing the prep-work that was necessary to make space for change were helpful. I think we often underestimate how much needs to die for new life to be born. I'm not sure much else would be re-producible for the vast dying churches in our context.
July 18, 2020
A fun read that says a lot about the usefulness of knowing your congregation and gaining relational capital. Without the trust of a congregation there is little hope in pastoring them to redemptive places. This book felt like a good reminder that ministry takes patience and that patience is needed because the hardest fights often take place within a congregation. It is also a short book with accessable (and humorous) writing.
8/10 might read again.
8/10 might read again.
June 19, 2019
The problem with this book is that it`s not what it says it is. You would think that the book would give principles for how a church on the decline can turn things around and grow. But what this really is is the story of ONE church and how it grew through merger with another church. The subtitle should really be "How one dying church grew again through merger". While there some interesting insights throughout that could be applied in different situations, the context of this book is really very specific to the churches involved, and their solution will not be the desired solution for many small churches. It was a quick and easy read, but I would recommend those looking to read about revitalizing small churches look elsewhere ...unless you are seriously considering a church merger.
December 28, 2017
This book covers the actions of one church that had a very specific set of circumstances arise. To call this a "replant" seems misleading. A replant would constitute more of a restart or rebirth of a church as opposed to turning over the keys, administration, and people to another entity all together (as is described in this book). Had the church mentioned in this book simply turned over the pastoral search to an outside entity, it likely would've had a similar result.
There is no help in this book whatsoever unless you are in a church that is in exactly the same situation as First Calvary. One looking for advice to reinvigorate their congregation would do well to avoid this book.
There is no help in this book whatsoever unless you are in a church that is in exactly the same situation as First Calvary. One looking for advice to reinvigorate their congregation would do well to avoid this book.
February 7, 2017
Neat story of a dying church and a church plant joining forces. It definitely challenges the view of our with the old, in with the new when it comes to churches.
March 2, 2018
A great story, but not much in the way of principles or help unless you are merging with a larger church in order to survive or thrive.
November 17, 2019
Overall, the book is great. While there are sections I felt that too much information was provided, at the end I can conclude that it was superbly edited, with as little narration provided as necessary to allow readers to understand the unfolding journey. The story is highly engaging and I managed to read it cover to cover in about three short sittings, all within the same day. That illustrates that it provided an interesting read.
However, as many other reviewers have pointed out, the narrative/content is actually different from the title. If you can get past the misleading title, I nevertheless still would recommend this title. It is useful for a leader/pastor of a deceased/dying church, because of many principles and journey that are highly applicable to their situation, even if the desired end result is not a merger/takeover by a larger church. Quoting from the authors' desired outcome of the book:
My takeaway was how even if the situation was terribly bleak and the nails were in the coffin for the dying church, the steely resolve and wise leading of the interim pastor was deeply rooted in seeking God's direction, and eventually seeing the church rise from the ashes and thrive even more than it had been throughout any time of its 150 year history.
The authors also recommended a few other books that I would like to include here and will review some of these in due time:
1. Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too (Stetzer and Dodson)
2. Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work (Tomberlin and Bird)
3. Vital Merger: A New Church Start Approach that Joins Church Families Together (Elliot)
However, as many other reviewers have pointed out, the narrative/content is actually different from the title. If you can get past the misleading title, I nevertheless still would recommend this title. It is useful for a leader/pastor of a deceased/dying church, because of many principles and journey that are highly applicable to their situation, even if the desired end result is not a merger/takeover by a larger church. Quoting from the authors' desired outcome of the book:
We hope to inspire you to take risks for God's glory, to raise your gaze to what's possible, to challenge what is comfortable, so that God's plan A-the local church-advances.
My takeaway was how even if the situation was terribly bleak and the nails were in the coffin for the dying church, the steely resolve and wise leading of the interim pastor was deeply rooted in seeking God's direction, and eventually seeing the church rise from the ashes and thrive even more than it had been throughout any time of its 150 year history.
The authors also recommended a few other books that I would like to include here and will review some of these in due time:
1. Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too (Stetzer and Dodson)
2. Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work (Tomberlin and Bird)
3. Vital Merger: A New Church Start Approach that Joins Church Families Together (Elliot)
February 28, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's not a "how to bool" which could be thought of from the title. It's more the telling of the story of how one particular church journeyed from near death to thriving in it's exact same building with a large core of the same church members. There are some beautiful nuggets of truth and guidance along the journey, but it is primarily a journey book. If you want to see how God can take stubborn churches and make them centers of evangelistic success and deep, deep love, I'd recommend this book.
February 22, 2019
Much of this book is directed towards churches organized around there congregational model, so was not especially helpful in my case (we are close to a connexional model of governance). That said, the appendix item dealing with the theological implications of church buildings and how they should not necessarily be dismissed without prayerfully considering they legacy of God's faithfulness was powerful. There is a lot to like in this book. I'm just not sure it was helpful in my situation.
September 27, 2021
DeVine presents a well-told and compelling story about God's faithfulness in urban church planting contexts. While non-Baptists/Congregationalists will have trouble sympathizing with some of the church's issues, the principles he hands down offer a good overview of what pastors entering older congregations need to do in order to win trust and influence the church in a better direction. This begins, DeVine suggests, by exercising strong leadership.
December 7, 2018
I helpful story carried along with the excellent prose of Mark Devine (author of 90% of the book). Not a manual as the title might suggest. Really, it’s just one anecdote, but it has happens to be a very powerful one. The removal of Darrin Patrick from “The Journey” in 2015 or 2016 could be added as another point in the saga.
August 3, 2020
More of a 3.5 stars. I actually enjoyed this book. As someone who was part of a church replant it was nice to read an encouraging story of how successful they can become when God is really at the focus. I would say this is a must read for anyone (staff or just regular member) who is thinking of being part of a church replant.
May 8, 2017
This book is a powerful and engaging record of God's hand in reviving a dying church and transforming it into a dynamic witness in its community and around the world. I you are the pastor of a declining church, this may be the shot in the arm that you need to keep going. I know it was for me.
February 27, 2020
Rebirth of one church
This is the story of the rebirth of a church in Kansas City, Missouri, based on its adoption by a church in St. Louis, MO. It is heartening to see the way God worked within a dying church to lead it to new life.
This is the story of the rebirth of a church in Kansas City, Missouri, based on its adoption by a church in St. Louis, MO. It is heartening to see the way God worked within a dying church to lead it to new life.
January 24, 2018
Good but not for everyone. I've considered this idea but we aren't ready...yet.
September 25, 2021
Easy and enjoyable read. More of a story of a replant instead of a “how to.” Helpful, but one has to deduce the principles that might apply in another situation.
June 8, 2024
Excellent!
January 3, 2017
Have you ever wanted to read a biography of a church? Yeah, me neither. It is not that I was opposed to reading a biography of a church…I just had never considered it. I honestly didn’t know that anyone had written one. I didn’t even know that it was possible to write one and, if I did, I wouldn’t expect it to be of any interest to just about anyone outside of that particular church body. You know, like church cookbooks. ;-)
But Replant, a new book from Acts 29 via David C Cook by Mark Devine and Darrin Patrick, is an amazing book. It is not a how-to, not at all. It is a narrative of the resurrection of a local church body, the re-emergence of a thriving Gospel ministry in a tough, urban context.
I do not know exactly what I was expecting when I began reading this book. I think I was expecting more technical and pragmatic instruction. Honestly, even though early on the authors warn that this is not a “how-to”, I expected a “how-to”. What I was not expecting is what I got. I was not expecting to sit down at 8:45 and be reading appendix w at 10:45(much more a testament to this books readability and engrossing nature than my own reading ability). I was not expecting to literally laugh out loud time and again as the authors offered cutting and accurate critique of some traditions that I have personally suffered through (the labelling of the open business meeting as “The Devil’s Workshop” was equal parts insight, humor, and just plain sad). I was not expecting to be brought to tears on multiple occasions as I rejoiced with the authors at the amazing, overwhelming, unrelenting work of God that was experience in their lives. I was not expecting to be so encouraged, so edified, so excited about what God is still doing in the midst of this Midwestern city.
I also was not expecting such an enjoyable narrative. Devine is a great story teller and I genuinely felt compelled to “turn” the page(or whatever you do to an ebook) and see what God was going to do next. This is a must read for all who love the Church and are, or want to be, excited about the plans God has for this world, this country, these cities, and (although outside of the main focus of Acts 29) even little rural churches that can still be rescued from the lingering death they currently endure.
This book is a winner and you would do yourself a service by reading it and sharing it with others. Get yourself a copy and get one for your pastor/elders/ministry leaders/deacons/ DOM/ whomever you want to be encouraged in the ongoing work of our great God and King.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
But Replant, a new book from Acts 29 via David C Cook by Mark Devine and Darrin Patrick, is an amazing book. It is not a how-to, not at all. It is a narrative of the resurrection of a local church body, the re-emergence of a thriving Gospel ministry in a tough, urban context.
I do not know exactly what I was expecting when I began reading this book. I think I was expecting more technical and pragmatic instruction. Honestly, even though early on the authors warn that this is not a “how-to”, I expected a “how-to”. What I was not expecting is what I got. I was not expecting to sit down at 8:45 and be reading appendix w at 10:45(much more a testament to this books readability and engrossing nature than my own reading ability). I was not expecting to literally laugh out loud time and again as the authors offered cutting and accurate critique of some traditions that I have personally suffered through (the labelling of the open business meeting as “The Devil’s Workshop” was equal parts insight, humor, and just plain sad). I was not expecting to be brought to tears on multiple occasions as I rejoiced with the authors at the amazing, overwhelming, unrelenting work of God that was experience in their lives. I was not expecting to be so encouraged, so edified, so excited about what God is still doing in the midst of this Midwestern city.
I also was not expecting such an enjoyable narrative. Devine is a great story teller and I genuinely felt compelled to “turn” the page(or whatever you do to an ebook) and see what God was going to do next. This is a must read for all who love the Church and are, or want to be, excited about the plans God has for this world, this country, these cities, and (although outside of the main focus of Acts 29) even little rural churches that can still be rescued from the lingering death they currently endure.
This book is a winner and you would do yourself a service by reading it and sharing it with others. Get yourself a copy and get one for your pastor/elders/ministry leaders/deacons/ DOM/ whomever you want to be encouraged in the ongoing work of our great God and King.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
July 19, 2014
"Replant" is the story of how Mark DeVine, how a theology professor at Besson Divinity School, led a struggling Kansas City-based congregation through the process of being replanted as a branch of a larger congregation in St. Louis.
DeVine, then a professor at a seminary in Kansas City, agreed to step in as interim minister for the congregation and quickly realized that the congregation was dying. Being guided by a deep pastoral passion, DeVine investigated several options until he finally connected with Darrin Patrik, the president of the Acts 29 Network for church planting.
This narrative records their journey from DeVine's earliest days at the congregation up through Patrick's search for a church planter to assume leadership. It includes two appendices, one of which is a guide on how to conduct an open church business meeting.
While the book is easy to read and does share some great insights, I have three big problems with it. First, if this book is claiming to be THE approach to replanting, then it resigns itself to other such books (i.e., "Purpose-Driven Church" by Rick Warren or "When God Builds a Church" by Bob Russell). The advice is negated by its own unintended arrogance--this situation can never happen again. Additionally, how can one minister claim that what happened once is the best way to approach ministry?
Second, if this book is not claiming to be THE approach to replanting, then why not share other stories in this volume of other congregations that have gone through the replanting process? This would have been more helpful, to see what other congregations have done and perhaps even seen one that still failed. If, however, this is the only congregation that has really gone through this process, then that raises another troubling insight: is this approach really viable?
Third, is this book claiming that replanting is the only option for declining and dying congregations? I read this book on the heels of Thom Rainer's "Autopsy of a Deceased Church." Rainer examined 12 congregations that he had consulted with that eventually died, finding similar symptoms and lack of recognition of healing. Rainer believes that turnaround for declining congregations is possible. There is significant research in the field of pastoral studies to qualify this claim, much more than there is on replanting. The dedicated minister should bear in mind that turnaround is an option.
Despite these major concerns, I did enjoy the book and found it insightful. As a teacher of ministry and the minister of a small, struggling congregation, it gave me something to think about and carefully consider.
DeVine, then a professor at a seminary in Kansas City, agreed to step in as interim minister for the congregation and quickly realized that the congregation was dying. Being guided by a deep pastoral passion, DeVine investigated several options until he finally connected with Darrin Patrik, the president of the Acts 29 Network for church planting.
This narrative records their journey from DeVine's earliest days at the congregation up through Patrick's search for a church planter to assume leadership. It includes two appendices, one of which is a guide on how to conduct an open church business meeting.
While the book is easy to read and does share some great insights, I have three big problems with it. First, if this book is claiming to be THE approach to replanting, then it resigns itself to other such books (i.e., "Purpose-Driven Church" by Rick Warren or "When God Builds a Church" by Bob Russell). The advice is negated by its own unintended arrogance--this situation can never happen again. Additionally, how can one minister claim that what happened once is the best way to approach ministry?
Second, if this book is not claiming to be THE approach to replanting, then why not share other stories in this volume of other congregations that have gone through the replanting process? This would have been more helpful, to see what other congregations have done and perhaps even seen one that still failed. If, however, this is the only congregation that has really gone through this process, then that raises another troubling insight: is this approach really viable?
Third, is this book claiming that replanting is the only option for declining and dying congregations? I read this book on the heels of Thom Rainer's "Autopsy of a Deceased Church." Rainer examined 12 congregations that he had consulted with that eventually died, finding similar symptoms and lack of recognition of healing. Rainer believes that turnaround for declining congregations is possible. There is significant research in the field of pastoral studies to qualify this claim, much more than there is on replanting. The dedicated minister should bear in mind that turnaround is an option.
Despite these major concerns, I did enjoy the book and found it insightful. As a teacher of ministry and the minister of a small, struggling congregation, it gave me something to think about and carefully consider.
November 29, 2014
I bought this book when it was released, but I've ben hesitant to read it. I picked it up during this Thanksgiving break and read it over two days. First, it's a short, quick read--easy to digest, not much pondering required. But second, it fascinated me.
I am familiar with the church that is the subject of this book. My family was on staff there many years ago during seminary at Midwestern. It was an incredibly unique location, with an incredibly unique ministry. I know the people referenced in this book, and, frankly, it was hard to read such harsh criticism of them. Very hard, for I have witnessed these people wash mounds and mounds of clothing for hurting, dysfunctional families. I've seen them serve Thanksgiving meals to homeless with dignity and class--treating each individual exactly as they are--cherished human beings. I've seen pastor's clean up homeless men who have become sick in the bathrooms, and women who lovingly provided breakfasts to prostitutes who found work in the Westport area. Their hearts were huge. Are huge. And so, to read harsh criticism was difficult.
But, maybe harsh was what was required. Because, as the story unfolded it became evident that what was once in that 39th and Baltimore location was a slowly dying church, tenaciously holding on, and what God has brought about is a merger (in actuality, the death of that original church and it's acquisition by The Journey, and Acts 29 ministry located in St. Louis) that has resulted in a theologically solid and thriving congregation in what is today known as an urban renewal segment of Kansas City.
What did I learn? God desires His presence to be known. He desires people to know Him. That is what is key. That is what He longs for and will orchestrate when a congregation--and a pastor/staff--get out of the way.
My heart still hurts for those who gave so much of their lives to First Calvary Baptist Church and who may not have found Redeemer Fellowship to be a good fit for them. I hurt for them because that is hard. And, it is right to grieve in that situation. But, it is also a good reminder that it is not about us--whether we are a tither and attender and involved deeply in ministry, or a staff member whose provisions for their family also depends on that position. I
It's not about me. It's about the gospel
I am familiar with the church that is the subject of this book. My family was on staff there many years ago during seminary at Midwestern. It was an incredibly unique location, with an incredibly unique ministry. I know the people referenced in this book, and, frankly, it was hard to read such harsh criticism of them. Very hard, for I have witnessed these people wash mounds and mounds of clothing for hurting, dysfunctional families. I've seen them serve Thanksgiving meals to homeless with dignity and class--treating each individual exactly as they are--cherished human beings. I've seen pastor's clean up homeless men who have become sick in the bathrooms, and women who lovingly provided breakfasts to prostitutes who found work in the Westport area. Their hearts were huge. Are huge. And so, to read harsh criticism was difficult.
But, maybe harsh was what was required. Because, as the story unfolded it became evident that what was once in that 39th and Baltimore location was a slowly dying church, tenaciously holding on, and what God has brought about is a merger (in actuality, the death of that original church and it's acquisition by The Journey, and Acts 29 ministry located in St. Louis) that has resulted in a theologically solid and thriving congregation in what is today known as an urban renewal segment of Kansas City.
What did I learn? God desires His presence to be known. He desires people to know Him. That is what is key. That is what He longs for and will orchestrate when a congregation--and a pastor/staff--get out of the way.
My heart still hurts for those who gave so much of their lives to First Calvary Baptist Church and who may not have found Redeemer Fellowship to be a good fit for them. I hurt for them because that is hard. And, it is right to grieve in that situation. But, it is also a good reminder that it is not about us--whether we are a tither and attender and involved deeply in ministry, or a staff member whose provisions for their family also depends on that position. I
It's not about me. It's about the gospel
August 15, 2015
Mark DeVine writes a very intriguing account of how a dying Baptist Church in the Kansas City area turned to the Lord for direction in how to keep this 150 year old church alive and start it growing again. Was it to bring in a new pastor? Was it to merge with another church in the area? Or maybe was it time to call it quits and close the doors?
Mark was teaching Theology at a local Seminary when he became the part-time preaching pastor at this church. His first thought was that the church had the viability to continue and to start growing again, but that it would take a God thing to make that happen. So he started to pray.
After a couple of years he approached the church leadership about merging with another church. They agreed and sought out a partner. Four different churches were interested. But after a long process and a vote to merge the other church selected in the process ran aground with some problems of their own and the merger did not happen.
Demoralized the church basically hunkered down again but kept praying for God to bring a good solution. They didn't want the history or ministry of the church to die. That is when Mark started conversations with Darrin Patrick about The Journey in St. Louis taking over a church in Kansas City. With some prayer and direction from God that happened. A small dying church of 80 people within a year had grown into a growing church of 600 people. How does that happen without killing off the old congregation? Well, that is the topic of the book.
Read and see what God can do when a people of God are willing to let go and let God do His thing.
Mark was teaching Theology at a local Seminary when he became the part-time preaching pastor at this church. His first thought was that the church had the viability to continue and to start growing again, but that it would take a God thing to make that happen. So he started to pray.
After a couple of years he approached the church leadership about merging with another church. They agreed and sought out a partner. Four different churches were interested. But after a long process and a vote to merge the other church selected in the process ran aground with some problems of their own and the merger did not happen.
Demoralized the church basically hunkered down again but kept praying for God to bring a good solution. They didn't want the history or ministry of the church to die. That is when Mark started conversations with Darrin Patrick about The Journey in St. Louis taking over a church in Kansas City. With some prayer and direction from God that happened. A small dying church of 80 people within a year had grown into a growing church of 600 people. How does that happen without killing off the old congregation? Well, that is the topic of the book.
Read and see what God can do when a people of God are willing to let go and let God do His thing.
August 30, 2016
A book that gives real hope that a dying church can receive new life when leaders and members follow the guidance of the Lord.
I would love to read more of the work of the new church planters after the replant. Especially regarding the preaching and application of the gospel. The website of Redeemer Fellowship show that it is clearly a gospel-centered church. The book would have gained even more value if it had shown how the gospel preaching changed the church. This could give members and leaders of dying churches a clear view of the difference the gospel makes if it is taken seriously in the preaching and believed by the members.
Thank God for the courage God gave to Mark DeVine, as well as his humility in taking only a midwife role. Everyone in his situation faces the temptation to want to lead the replanting process and make a name for himself. It is a witness to the power of God's grace that he stepped back to make room for someone else who had been prepared by God to lead the next stage of the process of replanting. It is clear that he played an indispensable role (which he does not elaborate on too much: this shows his humility and modesty, too!) in leading the church through the decision making process leading up to the decision they made. Praise God!
I would love to read more of the work of the new church planters after the replant. Especially regarding the preaching and application of the gospel. The website of Redeemer Fellowship show that it is clearly a gospel-centered church. The book would have gained even more value if it had shown how the gospel preaching changed the church. This could give members and leaders of dying churches a clear view of the difference the gospel makes if it is taken seriously in the preaching and believed by the members.
Thank God for the courage God gave to Mark DeVine, as well as his humility in taking only a midwife role. Everyone in his situation faces the temptation to want to lead the replanting process and make a name for himself. It is a witness to the power of God's grace that he stepped back to make room for someone else who had been prepared by God to lead the next stage of the process of replanting. It is clear that he played an indispensable role (which he does not elaborate on too much: this shows his humility and modesty, too!) in leading the church through the decision making process leading up to the decision they made. Praise God!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2015
I got this book quite a while back and had it on my radar to read as a balance to some of the planting material I have studied already. Darrin Patrick is a name I have been familiar with but not really read until now. Even then, most of this book is not from his perspective.
I thought this was a pretty good book. It was an account of God's work through what seemed to be a really tough scenario. I didn't find much to be new or particularly insightful, but it was a good read and does help to balance out the thoughts that a new work must necessitate a new plant. Being committed to a gospel witness, wherever we are called and whatever that takes, is the key take away to me.
I thought this was a pretty good book. It was an account of God's work through what seemed to be a really tough scenario. I didn't find much to be new or particularly insightful, but it was a good read and does help to balance out the thoughts that a new work must necessitate a new plant. Being committed to a gospel witness, wherever we are called and whatever that takes, is the key take away to me.
August 18, 2014
This is a very quick read that tells the interesting store of reviving an old dying church by merging it with a vibrant one. It doesn't offer technical tips for replanting churches, and it lost a bit of street creed by citing Mark Driscoll as an example--though to be fair its more about the Acts 29 network and their success in urban places like Seattle.
It is a decent story, but nothing too earth shattering. Worth a glance if you need a quick read to kill some time and want to see how churches can merge together to form vibrant new congregations.
It is a decent story, but nothing too earth shattering. Worth a glance if you need a quick read to kill some time and want to see how churches can merge together to form vibrant new congregations.
September 8, 2014
Probably need to read it again. The difficulty with personal stories like this is that it needs some work to extract principles, especially if you're not from the Southern Baptist Convention, and church governance operates differently. If it had been written containing lessons learnt with the actual process as illustration - it may have proven easier (for me anyway).
Nevertheless - some helpful thoughts and encouragements in the book; and worth looking at if you're considering a "rejuvenation" of an older, more established church.
Nevertheless - some helpful thoughts and encouragements in the book; and worth looking at if you're considering a "rejuvenation" of an older, more established church.
January 2, 2015
a story of redemption
I enjoyed this story of how one church was revitalized and became a force for the kingdom of God. This is not really a "How to" book so if you are expecting that you will be disappointed, but it is an interesting story of how a church that was headed towards death was turned around through the working of the Holy Spirit
I enjoyed this story of how one church was revitalized and became a force for the kingdom of God. This is not really a "How to" book so if you are expecting that you will be disappointed, but it is an interesting story of how a church that was headed towards death was turned around through the working of the Holy Spirit
Read
April 5, 2016I believe this book can be helpful for any church planter as well as any small, struggling church. I found it extremely beneficial in the season I am in and I was very encouraged, not just of the victorious story but of the radical means most everyone involved was willing to go to in order to answer the call God had put on their lives.
September 20, 2016
First 2/3 are great, and I think they're are MANY churches who could resonate with the story it tells. Unfortunately the last 1/3 casts a solution that's only truly possible for a small number of urban/suburban churches. There are plenty of helpful principles in it but I'm less than satisfied with the ultimate solution offered.
July 10, 2016
It's a well-written, interesting story, but I feel like we only get half of the tale. As it is, it plays a bit like an infomercial for Acts 29 (not that that's necessarily bad). Still, there's plenty that's useful here.
June 10, 2014
Some good stuff, here. Reads more like an interesting and hopeful story of one church's renewal and reinvigoration than as an instructive on how to go about replanting a struggling church. I enjoyed it, although it was not what I was originally expecting to see.
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