Scrappy Church: God's Not Done Yet

by Thom S. Rainer

How many times have we heard these statements…   “We can’t compete with the megachurch in our town!”“A new church was started two blocks from us. We’ve got plenty of churches without them!”“The church brought another one of their campuses near us. It’s totally unethical what they are doing.”“We can’t reach young families. They all go to the big church that has all the children’s and student stuff.”“We don’t have the money or the people the other churches have.”   Bestselling author Thom S. Rainer (I Am a Church Member, Autopsy of a Deceased Church) has heard comments like these hundreds, if not thousands, of times. They are statements of hopelessness. They are statements of despair. They are statements of defeat.   Church leaders don’t want to feel this way. They desire to break out of the mediocrity of the same, lame, and tame existence of their churches. They want their churches to make a difference.   There is hope. God’s hope. God’s possibilities.  What does a scrappy church look like? Let’s take a look together.    

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

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2018

About the author

Thom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers and Executive Director of Revitalize Network. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he received his degree in business administration. He received both the master of divinity and the Ph.D. degrees from Southern Seminary.

Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. He is the former president of Rainer
Group consulting. He served for twelve years as dean at Southern Seminary and for thirteen years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Çhristian Resources.

Dr. Rainer has authored or co-authored 33 books. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and eleven grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jeanne Higgins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed. Not a single female pastor in any example. Hard to relate to, and too anecdotal to have take aways.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrappy Church continues a series of wildly popular small hardbacks on church issues by Thom Rainer. This one strikes me as different than some of the earlier ones. It’s less practical this time, yet much more a plea. He seems to be asking us to take what he has been saying over several of his previous books and have the courage to just do it. It reads something like a don’t-give-up entreaty or maybe a start-now appeal. There could be, then, a little less information in this title, but more persuasion.

Rainer is in his wheelhouse in his declaration that God isn’t done with churches yet. He sees the issues and is well aware of the difficulties, but there’s no doubt he believes what he’s saying. There’s no sugarcoating in these pages, but no excuses either. Being a megachurch may not be in a church’s future, but distinct progress is possible to his mind.

The approach that’s given beyond the appeal is wrapped up in a turnaround cycle of outward deluge, welcome readiness, and backdoor closure. After you read this book you will likely agree that these three are the outline of the work that’s needed. I know I got some ideas out of this book and some challenge too. Another winner!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Jeffery Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was motivational and a good reminder that my church is ok. By reminder I mean, it reminds me of every other book that Rainer has written.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Church resource book that Thom Rainer put out and another home run. Its easy to look at the decline of church attendance, the churches that are closing, the mega churches that are growing and become discouraged. However, should that be our attitude?! Thom Rainer dedicates this book to the "scrappy Church" those churches who realize they may not have a large attendance, the best accommodations or facilities or even the greatest financial resources however, they are determined to go down swinging! Scrappy-tenacious-fiesty....these are the churches that are making a comeback...these are the churches that believe that God is not done with them, that God has placed them in their location for a reason and they are determined to keep going. In this book, Thom gives a shout out the the little guy who is not going down easily and he hilights common practices of these churches that were nearly gone but now are coming back strong. If you like an under-dog story...check this one out about churches who refuse to give up! Definitely recommend this book!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent little (read it in three hours) book addresses churches who are in decline but who believe that God isn't done with them yet. Rainer encourages churches such as these to be "scrappy" to persevere and do what's needed to turn things around and grow both in numbers and spiritually. Rainer's study of hundreds of churches in this "turnaround cycle" has produced some commonalities that most of these scrappy churches have, which form the basis of this book. Very straightforward and practical advice. In every instance with the possible exception one, Rainer's suggestions avoid a one-size-fits-all mentality and deals more in general principles that can be applied to most church contexts. I'm looking forward to reviewing some of the information with my board. Very worthwhile read for pastors and church leaders in declining or plateaued congregations.

[Troy McGahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a Church member give me this book a week ago today. The book was given to him by his dad that is a minister. First of all I am certain that Thom Rainer and I would not see eye to eye on different doctrinal issues. However, this book is good. First of all this book is meant to encourage and it does do that. Second, he uses stories from Churches that are scrappy. That have overcome tremendous challenges. Third he examines what happened to put those Churches in the l
Positions they are in. Fourth he gives practical and solid strategies to get them back on track. As a guy that is Pastoring a "Scrappy Church'" Ioved it!!!

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrappy Church

I just finished reading Thom Rainer’s book, ‘Scrappy Church.” I thoroughly enjoyed it and used the chapters as a teaching guide for our Wednesday evening services for about 8 weeks. We are a small, rural, struggling church that needed a boost; financially and committed volunteers. This book elevated participation in most aspects that were under-manned. It also brought a renewed enthusiasm to our membership. I would recommend it to anyone needing a reminder of what church involvement is about. Good book!

[Charmaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read and information provided. It gave some good direction and suggestions on how to get the church back on track with God's plan for the church. The book inspired me to look at our webpage and other ways of getting information out to the community. It also confirmed what I have been saying to our members. Reaching the community the church is in is very important and needed.

I did realize that Rainer didn't have any feedback from any female ministers. As a female who has accepted her call recently, hearing from females leading churches is important to me.

[Kevin Dunford · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I appreciate most about the message of this book is how it highlights the tendency for churches to overthink what it takes to be effective in their communities. The book emphasizes the importance of being actively engaged with the community, fostering a welcoming culture for visitors on Sundays, and strategically ensuring that no visitors or new members fall through the cracks. It’s these simple, gospel-focused actions, that can revitalize churches, making even the smallest congregations impactful and scrappy in their communities for Christ’s Kingdom.

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous resource for pastors, staff and laypeople of the non-mega church variety. This is a very practical book to help your church find it's focus and reach the community right where you live. You are where you are for a purpose and you are surrounded by the people in your community who have a need... Christ... and you are there to help show Him to them. Be a scrappy church (and this book will guide you step by step) and reach your community for the Kingdom right now!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, a good size (117p) and without 'filler text'. Rainer gives a general path to how to be a vibrant, community-centred church in a world where megachurches get the headlines.

My takeaways:
- Get a guest reviewer for your Sunday service.
- Look outwardly, ie at the community that live physically near your parish.
- Consciously welcome visitors.
- Involve attendees in ministry and/or small groups.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for my charity work with a local church. Helping them to do community outreach and handle their social media and marketing. Very informative and helpful. Also, just reaffirmed that we are doing everything we need to be and we just need to keep it up.
Really liked the questions at the end of each chapter for thought and discussion. Also loved the idea of the guest survey that is in the book. We plan to use this idea in the future.

[Marshall D. Whitaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rainer's book is another excellent little work for pastors and church leaders. This work offers encouragement and insight for churches of smaller sizes that are struggling with what and who they are. The book offers examples and practical suggestions for creating an atmosphere change in the church that can lead to greater church health and growth.

[Mark Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Must-Read for pastors of average (& under) sized churches!

If you are a pastor or church leader of a small to mid-sized church, this book is for you. The frustration of the constand grind, combined with the recent explosion of the mega-church can be a recipe for discouragement. This book had to be inspired by God!

[Christopher Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great encouragement

This book does not really give a “how to” approach and that is fine because it offers tremendous encouragement to us small church pastors who can find it easy to make excuses.

This is a perfect follow-up to “Autopsy of a Deceased Church “. If you are a pastor or a church member of a small, struggling church, I would highly recommend this read.

[Bobby H · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 3/4 stars. While this did have some good ideas, there nothing that has not been said before just a reminder to stop making excuses and get out of the "if you build it they will come" mentality. Was disappointed that the author did not write anything about whether teaching the Bible was either a hindrance or help in retaining guests.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Go into this book with an open mind and get ready to get your feelings hurt here and there as you see yourself and your friends in the examples set forth. Take lots of notes and consider how you can put into action some of the ideas in this book to reach more people with the gospel and become a collaborative church instead of a competitive one.

[Gary Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, the research and depth of Thom Rainer and his team have nailed it. There is no reason a church should willingly die. There are many great examples all throughout this little book to uphold the previous statement.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful, but you could just read “Simple Church” instead

This is a fine book on it’s on, but Rainer’s “Simple Church” is the more helpful of the two. Read that and “Becoming a Welcoming Church” and you have a nice combo.

[Robert Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspiring and practical book on steps that any small church can take to improve its outreach and effectiveness. The main takeaway: God has put your church at its particular address for a reason. So quit making excuses and make a difference. With God’s help, you can move forward.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go Scrappy

Great encouraging book. Rhainer lays out several achievable goals for the struggling church. I would say this book is more about motivation than being a manual, for most of us just need the hope offered in the book. And this book delivers that hope.

[Dennis Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely encouraging book! It is very practical and challenging. Pastors will be helped and it can be shared with church leaders. You can be part of a Scrappy Church.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Ranier's new book will encourage churches trying to reboot. It is short, and sums up many of his themes found in his other books.

[Adam Godbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful. Encouraging. Honest. Practical. Hopeful.

[Randy McCollum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for pastors and church leaders who feel like their sinking in their church ministries.

[Evan Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone who works in full or part time ministry in a North American church should read this book

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every church leader needs to read this book!

[Andrew Alterman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whole book in 3 sentences: invite people to church, clean your bathroom, and be friendly.

[Erik Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great informative helpful

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read, nothing extremely new or earth shattering, but the author is encouraging and makes compelling arguments for life-enfusing change.