The Indispensable Guide for Smaller Churches

by David R. Ray

The Indispensable Guide for Smaller Churches is filled with solid theology on the one hand and practical applications on the other. Ray shares the best of his discoveries during more than 30 years as pastor, denominational leader, and consultant to small churches.

Genres: Leadership

296 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[David Elkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you give a book a title like "The Indispensable Guide for..." you better make sure you've got enough cash to write that check! Fortunately, David Ray does. While it may be a stretch to call this book "indispensable" it certainly provides much in the way of ideas, encouragement, and practical suggestions on what smaller churches should consider when doing ministry. The book covers nearly every aspect of small church ministry from worship to church council meetings. I would recommend skipping the first 40 pages of the book as they are composed of a couple dozen vignettes from smaller churches the author has visited or pastored at and really bog down the reading. Overall, a very helpful, encouraging book for pastors of small churches.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, well-researched and comprehensive resource for pastors, leaders, and members of small congregations. Ray himself has served several little churches, and fills the book with both his hard-won experiential knowledge and the understandings of the best "wee-kirk" scholars out there.

Useful, illuminating, and practical stuff--and heartening, for thems of us who love the little hobbitish Jesus fellowships.