Balance: A Tried and Tested Formula for Church Growth

by Ira North

Ira North knew about church growth. Although North died in 1984, his name is still synonymous with that of the Madison Church of Christ. His vision helped Madison grow from 400 to more than 4,000 members. But growth was a result of North's application of biblical principles rather than a goal in itself.

North emphasized doctrinal commitment rather than mere pragmatics. His summary chapter opens with this "God does not require that we be big, or wealthy, or powerful, or super smart. What our Heavenly Father requires is faithfulness."

Much of the error that masquerades as progressive thinking would disappear if the church would listen to North's biblical approach. In an era that seems to stress growth at the expense of soundness, North's principles warrant careful examination. Here is "A Tried and Tested Formula" to achieving growth and remaining faithful at the same time. Although Balance was originally published in 1983, its insights and guidance are as timely as tomorrow's newspaper.

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Chris Kidwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

It's just okay. Some of the chapters are gems, but North relies a little too much on personal events over anything else to illustrate his points, which ties them to a particular time-period a little more than you'd want out of something like this. The book becomes a bit more scattered toward the end.

[Kate Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were many great tips, but also some literary fallacies that created a bit of bitterness towards any opposing ideas that were also scriptural.

[Samuel Thrasher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brother North was an amazing preacher, gifted evangelist, and a true asset to the Madison church of Christ. That being said, I found this book to be lacking in some areas. Part of my distaste comes from the typical use of this book. I was given this book to read for my preaching internship. The book , however, details things such as when to buy a new building and how to set up Sunday school programs. While that is useful information to have, it is much more practical for an elder. On top of that, the book is often redundant with multiple stories (asking the song leader to stick to song leading, getting the camp grounds with limited funds, etc.) being told multiple times, often in subsequent. It also hurts that the book is poorly edited and many of the methods. If you are looking for a book on preaching or church work, I would point you to "Fit for the Pulpit" or "Preach Better!" instead.