Anatomy of a Revived Church: Seven Findings about How Congregations Avoided Death

by Thom S. Rainer

There is hope. God can save your church.

In this book, Thom Rainer reveals seven findings of revived churches. Through new research, he figuratively dissects hundreds of churches that were on the path toward death. But they turned around. They revitalized. They did so in the face of facts and naysayers who told them it could not be done. Today, three out of four churches are declining in our nation, and twenty percent of churches are close to death. What are the secrets of the churches who avoided this fate and experienced revival?

In Anatomy of a Revived Church, Thom will show you how these churches experienced renewal. He will cover everything from "expanding the scorecard" to "dealing with toxins" to "choosing meaningful membership." When you finish reading this book, you will have the tools to strengthen, restore, and energize your church.

You can choose life for your church.

Genres: Leadership, Church, Faith, Christian

144 pages, Hardcover

Published August 23, 2022

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

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read. Very basic findings written in an urgent, abrupt style. An attention getter, with plenty of caution, but also hope. The church joke is that we passionately want to change, without doing anything differently!
This book stresses there are no silver bullets and that this takes time and intention. It would be a good introductory book, and there are plenty of resources available to help with this change if we would only take advantage of them, and then do them! It's not really rocket science.
Some quotes from the last chapter.
"When our church started focusing on others instead of ourselves, the turnaround had already begun."
"The overall attitude in the unhealthy churches is self-serving, demanding, and entitled. ...in revived churches(,) more of the members sought to serve rather than to be served. ...the attitude was more 'how can I serve you today.'"
"As the church declines in health, church members look to blame others for the problems. It typically begins with blaming the pastor... Then members blame each other. ...revived churches found reversal of these patterns. ... positive patterns can grow as well. ... Revived churches have members who serve and encourage each other."
"Evangelistic apathy has always been the most pervasive finding in our research on declining and dying churches. Very few members share their faith on a regular basis. Most of the members seemed concerned about their own needs rather than the eternal needs of the world and community in which they live. ... revived churches have 'a few' members sharing their faith consistently."
"If there is a possible summary of the unhealthy churches, it is basically their refusal to make the changes they must make. ... their desire to (remain) stuck in their ways of routine, sameness, and comfort. ...those passions are not evident in their desires to participate in the work of sharing the gospel to change lives. ...Churches that refuse to change are churches headed toward death. ...while receptivity to change does not guarantee a recovery to church health, there will be no church revitalization without a willingness to change."
"If given a choice between life and death, most church members and church leaders choose death if they have to make substantive changes in their churches."
"when culture began to look dramatically different than the church, most of our congregations did not know how to respond. ...they developed an insular and retreating behavior. ...when we avoid culture, we stop reaching our communities. We stop serving the least of these. We stop evangelizing. We stop being the church. We become a religious country club in full retreat mode. And then we die."
"The good news is we are discovering thousands of churches that are making the decision to life. The great news is one more church can be added to their number. That church can be your church."

[Shane Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any pastor or committed lay member of a dying or stagnant church. Challenging, convicting, and inspiring. Yet quite simple.

[Dave Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thom Rainer has read another exceptional book on the church, this one revolving around church revitalization. I gained a lot of takeaways from this book. Rainer is a great thinker in the church today and his research is first rate. If you are a church pastor, leader or member who cares about the future of your church, read this book and apply it's truths.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the blunt honesty. I have been feeling for a time that I aid my church in looking inward rather than outward to the needs of the community. The book underscored for me the importance of prayer and how important it is to determine the needs of the community and seek to find ways to meet those needs. It also reminded me of our knee jerk reaction as humans is to blame others. It's a call to action, a call to prayer and a call to change or die. I'd rather see a change in my own attitude than contribute to the death of my church by staying the same.

[Steve Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening book! It is easy to be overwhelmed by all of the book predicting and forecasting the demise of the local church. How refreshing to find a book extolling the virtues of a church striving for what is good in ministry! Highly recommend this little book! Very encouraging!

[Michael Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rainer has a lot of insights into church health and revitalization through years of research and involvement. He's written much on the subject. Anatomy is good, in his typical style, but it doesn't really add anything new to the conversation. It would be a good primer to introduce someone to the idea of church revitalization. 3.5/5 stars

[kathy hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Rainer’s books. I attend a church that is at the place of change and live/die. I see this as a need for a heart change. Sometimes hearts and minds are so hardened and closed, churches choose to die. I’m afraid that’s where my church is heading. A small group of us walked through Autopsy of a Deceased Church together. We saw the writing on the wall but change only comes when people want to be changed. I wish Rainer would write a book about what to do after four years of toiling to no avail.

[Danny Pelichowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

In so many ways, this book sequel is so much more full and helpful than the more popular first book. Autopsy was good, just kinda repetitive and disconnected, this one gave the conclusions of autopsy, and thoughtfully provided the way forward in revitalization! The chapter on dealing with toxins was spot on and so thoughtful, and the whole pervasive focus on seeking needed change to reach your community with the gospel, vs excuse making was very convicting and clarifying. If you are leading in church revitalization, read this book!

[Nate Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a lot of Rainer’s - short, helpful, and not very deep. I read this to consider whether it might be appropriate to study a chapter a week with a group of believers from my church. In the end, I am leaning towards recommending that we use it. It doesn’t contain much new content if you read or listen to Rainer regularly, but it does present good material to discuss, especially for those who aren’t as familiar with Rainer’s findings.

[Mark Reeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Except for one major point I consider this a highly useful book.

The one point with which I disagree involves church membership classes where you are asked to sign a "church covenant". What you are NOT told at the time is that you are not signing a mere promise, you are actually signing a LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT which gives the church the authority to take any action it wants to against you (including termination of membership) for any reason it wants. It can do so even if you terminate your membership first. And under the "ecclesiastical doctrine", secular courts are forbidden from hearing your case, even if you are suing for slander or even a return of donated items. This has caused many Christians to stop going to church completely, and in some cases deciding to "de-convert" altogether.

There is one humorous part of the book: the story where the "youth group" church member (who was 72 and one of the younger members of a dying church) says "you can't attract young families with an old pastor". I consider it humorous because (as of the date of this review) I attend a church where the pastor turned 71 this year, and it hasn't stopped my church from having new families join.

[John Dobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no question, there is some good content in this book. It's not a large book (I prefer short books!), and it is easy to read. It appears to be a response to the helpless feeling one has after reading AUTOPSY OF A DECEASED CHURCH (which was depressing to me). I guess one takeaway from these two books is that things are looking slow and low in the Christian church these days - for all brands. Any effort toward revitalization is going to take much patience, much sacrifice, and hard work. I do think that is a good wake up call. I only gave this book three stars because I felt that there was a lot of rambling in the book, and there wasn't much space to ramble. I am a Thom Rainer fan and I love his podcast, posts, and books generally. One point in this book that is true - there is no silver bullet. Maybe I wanted a silver bullet and came away disappointed. Others may love this book, and I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it. But I wouldn't build up expectations that there is something here that will energize a revitalization. The bar is set pretty low by the title, after all ...if we're just trying to avoid death. Scrappy Church was much more encouraging for me.

[Bart McNaughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was extremely helpful, not just for those thinking about or in a revitalization, but for anyone in church.

I was challenged by his emphasis on prayer. None of these things in church happen without an emphasis on prayer and people praying.

I was encouraged by his talk of disciple making. We make things too difficult and confusing at times. Make disciples - no need to reinvent the wheel, just do what Jesus commands us to do.

And his chapter on Seeking Silver Bullets No More was so convicting. While I don't think I have ever said those things out loud (thankfully), I have at one point or another thought every single one of those. Jesus builds His church not the music ministry or young pastor or budget.

I would highly recommend this book.

[Jesse Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Anatomy of a Revived Church" by Thom S. Rainer is a compelling guide on church revitalization. The book emphasizes the crucial concept of 'change or die,' urging readers to shift focus from mere membership to active engagement. Rainer stresses the need for collaborative ministry, encouraging congregations to participate alongside their pastors. A key takeaway is the reminder not to place the entire burden on the pastor; instead, the congregation should actively contribute to the ministry. Furthermore, the book underscores the significance of prayer in church renewal, highlighting the transformative impact of being a praying church. Overall, Rainer's insights offer a valuable roadmap for churches seeking not just survival but genuine revival and growth.

[Seth Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a groundbreaking read. However, it is a good-read (pun intended). This is a read that I believe elders and laymen alike should read, even if their church is not in active revitalization. Rainer gives you plenty of things to consider and more importantly, pray over. Do not expect to read this book and assume it will make you expert on revitalization. Do read this book and prayerfully inspect your heart, your church, and the role you play in the health of it.

There are some simple errors throughout the book. Some simple autocorrect errors or simple overlooks in the editing process. It’s pretty easy to recognize and know what Rainer is saying regardless. In my opinion, it doesn’t affect how the book reads.

[Steve N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anatomy of a Revived Church: Seven Findings of How, By: Thom Rainer

FABULOUS book - anyone that loves GOD and has any care for / involvement in their local church - they need to read this ...
I started reading this & then put it down, ordered and read "Autopsy of a Deceased Church, 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive, By: Thom S. Rainer" ...

Didn't give him 5 starts cause he is so "sciencey" - but tremendously educational and gives great practical / doable advice ...

we are excitedly putting his teaching into practice ...

[Heath Kirkwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is practical and potent. As a pastor of a revived (and reviving church), I’ve followed Rainer and his data for a while. This book is part of a ministry I’m serving in to help other churches revive. He offers 7 notable traits in the anatomy of revived churches, as well as several behavior changes. These are models that are statistically proven to counter church death. The premise is simple: to be a revived church, choose life which means choosing change that glorifies God and loves people to God. I highly recommend to church leaders and members alike.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical, helpful, research-based resource on church revitalization. While the author does speak a little bit from his own experience as a pastor, he speaks mostly from his experience as a consultant and researcher. While at times it can give the book a 30,000 foot perspective, this can be a helpful perspective, especially when read alongside books on revitalization written by pastors who have worked mostly in revitalization settings.

[Pablo Jiménez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource

Thom S. Rainer offers a summarize and accessible tool to assess the health of local churches and to motivate local congregations in crisis to choose paths of health and growth.
This book should be read by local pastors, key church leaders and scholars in the field of pastoral theology. It also makes a good textbook for Doctor of Ministry courses focused on Christian Leadership.

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel to Autopsy of a Deceased Church and companion to much of the research-based work that Rainer has been producing over the last few years. This volume simplifies Simple Church from a seminary textbook to a board meeting workbook. These findings are no "silver bullets," however they can help a struggling congregation in making some difficult and needed changes.

[Joseph Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Churches, when faced with the option of change or die, will often choose death. Rainer highlights seven things churches that chose life instead had in common. Most are pragmatic, but he highlights that unless those changes are fueled by prayer, discipline, and direction, they, too, won’t be enough. An easy read with some good food for thought for those in church ministry!

[Kaye Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rainer examines what revitalized churches do to reorient from decline and death toward life and vigor. Especially timely in light of the church, the people of God, reaching out with the gospel to a community and culture that doesn't seem to reflect the values taught by Christ. But then, when has it (secular world)? A quick yet powerful read.

[Evan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick book to read in one sitting. Implementing these seven characteristics of a revived church can help gauge a congregation, allowing pastors to not only bring revitalization to a church body, but to lead the church to spiritual health even before decline becomes an existential threat. Very good. Very honest. Very practical.

[Candi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have for pastors!

I loved the way he broke down everything that many of us see in our own congregations and how to deal with these issues. He is brutally honest about the timeframe that it may take to see results. Change or die, but the greatest quote ...change and live!

[Deanna Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good analysis

Very good analysis of churches. I especially liked the last chapter, "Change or Die." It inspired me to buy the book by that title. This book is tough love. It doesn't contain all the answers, but it points on the right direction.

[James Younis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful Read

This was a very encouraging read. The church I am leading is in the midst of a revitalization itself for the positive. And this book confirmed things we are already doing and gave me some thoughts about things to improve our revitalization.

[Rev James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The commonalities of devices churches

What did churches do that actually turned them from churches that were actively dying into churches that have reversed the negative slide and have become actively living?

[Dave Pettengill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good directions towards life

This book follows some easy to understand concepts yet they require sacrifice and love to put them into practice. I would encourage church leaders to read this book.

[Timothy Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Information

Loved the practically of this book. Lots of lists that illuminated the challenges churches are facing today. A church as time goes on will make the choice to live or die.

[Angel Davila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Churches need revitalization

This is a very good book about the differences between churches that close and churches that revitalize. It's a short book and it goes straight to the point on studying the anatomy of a dying church versus a revitalized church.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Coaching

To the point and clear as day. Change or die; change and live. Out attitude to do whatever needs to be done for the sake of the gospel is what breathes life into a church.