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Transformational Church
Two of the worldOCOs foremost church research experts take an unprecedented qualitative look at how churches can change the culture through the transformative power of the gospel."
345 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2010
66 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Ed Stetzer
136 books57 followersEd Stetzer, PhD, holds the Billy Graham Distinguished Chair for Church, Mission, and Evangelism at Wheaton College and is the dean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership at Wheaton College. He also serves as the executive director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton. Stetzer is a prolific author and a well-known conference speaker. He has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; holds two master’s degrees and two doctorates; and has written or cowritten more than a dozen books and hundreds of articles.
Stetzer is a contributing editor for Christianity Today and a columnist for Outreach magazine. He is frequently interviewed for or cited in news outlets such as USA Today and CNN. He is also the executive editor of The Gospel Project, a bible study curriculum used by more than one million people each week.
Stetzer cohosts BreakPoint This Week, a radio broadcast that airs on more than four hundred media outlets. He serves as the interim teaching pastor at The Moody Church in Chicago. Stetzer lives in Wheaton, Illinois, with his wife, Donna, and their three daughters.
You can also connect with Ed on Facebook and Instagram.
Stetzer is a contributing editor for Christianity Today and a columnist for Outreach magazine. He is frequently interviewed for or cited in news outlets such as USA Today and CNN. He is also the executive editor of The Gospel Project, a bible study curriculum used by more than one million people each week.
Stetzer cohosts BreakPoint This Week, a radio broadcast that airs on more than four hundred media outlets. He serves as the interim teaching pastor at The Moody Church in Chicago. Stetzer lives in Wheaton, Illinois, with his wife, Donna, and their three daughters.
You can also connect with Ed on Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 15, 2014
Transformational Church came out of the results of a survey conducted of many churches the authors considered successful or transformational. Their findings were boiled down to seven major areas in which most of the churches scored relatively high:
1- missionary mentality
2- vibrant leadership
3- relational intentionality
4- prayerful dependence
5- worship
6- community
7- mission
Notice anything missing? Something that you'd think would be #1 on any list of "must-haves" for a church? The issue that I had with this book is not only is the Word of God not mentioned as one of the hallmarks of a transformational church, but that the Word of God is conspicuously absent or left largely undisturbed in their discussion of the seven areas.
This. is. a. major. problem. What is our foundation for missions? What style of leadership is being lauded? To what end should we be relational? To whom do we pray, and why? Whom do we worship? What is the Gospel?
If Scripture is not the #1 focus of a church, we are doing something wrong. Everything else stems out of a high view of the Bible and, subsequently, a biblical worldview. Sadly, many churches today opt for a copious amount of programming with a twenty-minute feel-good sermonette on Sunday mornings, in which Scripture is rarely expounded upon.
I rated this two stars because there are some intriguing trends mentioned in the book, but by no means should this book be the first someone turns to. I'd highly recommend Mark Dever's Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, whose first chapter is, appropriately, on the Word of God.
1- missionary mentality
2- vibrant leadership
3- relational intentionality
4- prayerful dependence
5- worship
6- community
7- mission
Notice anything missing? Something that you'd think would be #1 on any list of "must-haves" for a church? The issue that I had with this book is not only is the Word of God not mentioned as one of the hallmarks of a transformational church, but that the Word of God is conspicuously absent or left largely undisturbed in their discussion of the seven areas.
This. is. a. major. problem. What is our foundation for missions? What style of leadership is being lauded? To what end should we be relational? To whom do we pray, and why? Whom do we worship? What is the Gospel?
If Scripture is not the #1 focus of a church, we are doing something wrong. Everything else stems out of a high view of the Bible and, subsequently, a biblical worldview. Sadly, many churches today opt for a copious amount of programming with a twenty-minute feel-good sermonette on Sunday mornings, in which Scripture is rarely expounded upon.
I rated this two stars because there are some intriguing trends mentioned in the book, but by no means should this book be the first someone turns to. I'd highly recommend Mark Dever's Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, whose first chapter is, appropriately, on the Word of God.
December 11, 2018
"Transformational Church" is a very practical book which expresses tangible ways in which we must "do church" if we are to be "Transformational Churches." Prior to writing the book, they did extensive research on churches in America and came up with common characteristics of those churches which are the most in-sync with what the church should be doing--drawing people into transformative faith in Jesus Christ. While much of what Stetzer & Rainer write in "Transformational Church" is insightful, some of what they present seems commons sense, but this is because it is not being lived out in the church today. I am grateful for both their prophetic and encouraging voice.
"Unfortunately, many churches have adopted a clergification mode of ministry. They consider missionaries the supremely spiritual people who go to far-flung places to preach. Pastors and staff are next, and they are paid to do the local ministry. Then there's the rest of us who 'pay, pray, and get out of the way.' The only problem--this is not a biblical system" (pg. 183).
"Big groups provide inspiration and information. But they also provide an overabundance of anonymity. The anonymity comes in handy when you don't want to show up or sign up . . . The large group provides cover for not giving, not serving, not praying, or not inviting others. We are just another face in the crowd" (pg. 186).
"It is easier to sit face forward in the stands watching the show on the field (an entertainment model of public worship gatherings). But that is an easy religion not found in the New Testament church. It is easy to watch the show, but it is biblical to gather in small communities and to live on mission" (pg. 185).
"Unfortunately, many churches have adopted a clergification mode of ministry. They consider missionaries the supremely spiritual people who go to far-flung places to preach. Pastors and staff are next, and they are paid to do the local ministry. Then there's the rest of us who 'pay, pray, and get out of the way.' The only problem--this is not a biblical system" (pg. 183).
"Big groups provide inspiration and information. But they also provide an overabundance of anonymity. The anonymity comes in handy when you don't want to show up or sign up . . . The large group provides cover for not giving, not serving, not praying, or not inviting others. We are just another face in the crowd" (pg. 186).
"It is easier to sit face forward in the stands watching the show on the field (an entertainment model of public worship gatherings). But that is an easy religion not found in the New Testament church. It is easy to watch the show, but it is biblical to gather in small communities and to live on mission" (pg. 185).
April 23, 2013
This is a pretty good book. But I have to give a caveat. When reading the book I didn't get a lot "practical" out of it. It goes over an outline of what the writers are getting at, it gives a lot of examples of things that can change and it dwells a lot on the writers accomplishments.
However (and the book tells you that they don't plan to give "how tos") they don't help a lot on a practical level. Our church is going through this book also (well our ministerial group) and then we plan to have the actual church wide program.
I'd say that simply reading this book is of limited help/purpose. The program needs to be followed up with the church leadership and cycle to all the members to effect positive change.
Check it out and see what you think.
However (and the book tells you that they don't plan to give "how tos") they don't help a lot on a practical level. Our church is going through this book also (well our ministerial group) and then we plan to have the actual church wide program.
I'd say that simply reading this book is of limited help/purpose. The program needs to be followed up with the church leadership and cycle to all the members to effect positive change.
Check it out and see what you think.
December 20, 2018
Excellent book!!! Most of the material is top-notch and great for discussion among pastors, worship leaders, and church teams. Below are some great highlights for me:
Transformational Church
First lesson we must learn, rely on God’s empowered mission more than personal preferences of the congregation. Zechariah Changing from our willpower to God’s strength.
Churches do not change until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change. It’s heartbreaking to admit that stubbornly holding on to our willpower is actually supplying the pain of decline and lethargy in the church. We need to humbly admit that we need empowered by God.
We can only expect what we inspect. The old scorecard measured 3 b’s: bodies, budget, buildings. American culture likes to count. It keeps us church absorbed, inward focused, program driven, in our thinking and leadership.
It’s time to rethink the scorecard. Reggie McNeal: Missional Renaissance, When the church thinks it’s the destination, it confuses the scorecard. It thinks that if people are hovering around the church, the church is winning. If that’s true, it’s keeping people from their real destination. That destination is real life. abundant life is lived out with loved ones, friends and acquaintances in the marketplace, in the home, neighborhood, world.
We must make disciples, and it is more than that: Disciples changed by Jesus, that change their church, that change the world. Here it is: A transformational church is one that joins God’s mission of sharing the gospel and making disciples. Those disciples become more like Jesus and the church thus acts as the body of Christ transforming their communities and the world for the kingdom of God.
Sadly Christian leaders are more in love with they way they do church than they are in love with people in their community.
We have lost the grand scope of the kingdom of God. While Christ calls people from all tongues, tribes, and nations. We have become content with our own tongue, tribe, and nation. Many churches must embrace the missionary mentality. We must not hyperfocus on our own context, but see ourselves within the global kingdom.
It’s time as a church, like a freshman in college, to declare our major. What will we focus on? The consequences cause a dilemma: a failure to launch and stay the course, without a clear sense of purpose, we have no strategy. What we do to fulfill what we think God wants constantly changes. We live in shadowlands where forward momentum always seems one step out of reach. A clear desire to change lives is part of the scorecard. They are not always looking for another thing, but use best practices for their own context. It’s about Christ being presented to the community. TC’s are tenacious about the vision and are people focused. Leaders are focused on the mission of God for their church. Leaders core belief is that God has sent us on mission.
It’s not as simple as a new vision statement or sermon series. The church is God’s missionary seeking transformation of people in the community. The old model was to hoard and retain control. Transformational leaders seek to empower and multiply. They think in terms of movements of God rather than seasons of high attendance. Patience is critical. Courage to release and trust God is indispensable.
Shifts in Thinking - 1) From one leader to many equipped leaders; 2) From “me” to “we”, leadership is about helping people steward their gifts, not just an opportunity for me to exercise my gifts (Eph. 4). Pastor’s role is to equip, a vision to help others align with God’s mission.
Think team. Everyone is important. Get into the game. Pastor is coach. God’s mission is for all Christians!
Extraordinary people are simply ordinary people who are willing to be used. Transformational Leaders look for those who are ready to experience the exceptional rather than those who think they are exceptional.
Rather than, “Over 135 ministries to meet the needs of your family.” Leaders move from, “How may I serve you?” to, “How can I help you serve?”
Relationally intentional: We were never meant to do it alone. Christianity is an interdependent community oriented faith.
In Transformational Churches, Worship services are alive with a sense of anticipation. A sense of anticipation permeates missional churches. In mission, they expect lives to be changed. In community, they expect people to connect. In evangelism, they expect disciples to be made.
Too many people try to solve worship wars with blended services, equally offending all. It’s a carnal solution to a spiritual issue. Worship choices become all about me: my preferences. It’s a jukebox mentality of: “I pay money here. I expect to hear the songs I want to hear.” Or it becomes an issue of bitter curiosity, “Why is my music not good enough for the young people here or in the community?” Blended is built on a faulty assumption that we (Why do I want? What do you want?) Neither side is truly happy. Worship style choices are NOT a spiritual issue. Meanwhile, the God who should be worshipped is pushed aside due to song selection. Worship must never be about me, but God and his glory.
if we demand things in worship that cannot be expressed everywhere in the world, we are demanding cultural elements, NOT biblical elements.
Small groups: They were not just doing life. They were not just doing life together, but they were doing life together with Jesus!
Transformational Church
First lesson we must learn, rely on God’s empowered mission more than personal preferences of the congregation. Zechariah Changing from our willpower to God’s strength.
Churches do not change until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change. It’s heartbreaking to admit that stubbornly holding on to our willpower is actually supplying the pain of decline and lethargy in the church. We need to humbly admit that we need empowered by God.
We can only expect what we inspect. The old scorecard measured 3 b’s: bodies, budget, buildings. American culture likes to count. It keeps us church absorbed, inward focused, program driven, in our thinking and leadership.
It’s time to rethink the scorecard. Reggie McNeal: Missional Renaissance, When the church thinks it’s the destination, it confuses the scorecard. It thinks that if people are hovering around the church, the church is winning. If that’s true, it’s keeping people from their real destination. That destination is real life. abundant life is lived out with loved ones, friends and acquaintances in the marketplace, in the home, neighborhood, world.
We must make disciples, and it is more than that: Disciples changed by Jesus, that change their church, that change the world. Here it is: A transformational church is one that joins God’s mission of sharing the gospel and making disciples. Those disciples become more like Jesus and the church thus acts as the body of Christ transforming their communities and the world for the kingdom of God.
Sadly Christian leaders are more in love with they way they do church than they are in love with people in their community.
We have lost the grand scope of the kingdom of God. While Christ calls people from all tongues, tribes, and nations. We have become content with our own tongue, tribe, and nation. Many churches must embrace the missionary mentality. We must not hyperfocus on our own context, but see ourselves within the global kingdom.
It’s time as a church, like a freshman in college, to declare our major. What will we focus on? The consequences cause a dilemma: a failure to launch and stay the course, without a clear sense of purpose, we have no strategy. What we do to fulfill what we think God wants constantly changes. We live in shadowlands where forward momentum always seems one step out of reach. A clear desire to change lives is part of the scorecard. They are not always looking for another thing, but use best practices for their own context. It’s about Christ being presented to the community. TC’s are tenacious about the vision and are people focused. Leaders are focused on the mission of God for their church. Leaders core belief is that God has sent us on mission.
It’s not as simple as a new vision statement or sermon series. The church is God’s missionary seeking transformation of people in the community. The old model was to hoard and retain control. Transformational leaders seek to empower and multiply. They think in terms of movements of God rather than seasons of high attendance. Patience is critical. Courage to release and trust God is indispensable.
Shifts in Thinking - 1) From one leader to many equipped leaders; 2) From “me” to “we”, leadership is about helping people steward their gifts, not just an opportunity for me to exercise my gifts (Eph. 4). Pastor’s role is to equip, a vision to help others align with God’s mission.
Think team. Everyone is important. Get into the game. Pastor is coach. God’s mission is for all Christians!
Extraordinary people are simply ordinary people who are willing to be used. Transformational Leaders look for those who are ready to experience the exceptional rather than those who think they are exceptional.
Rather than, “Over 135 ministries to meet the needs of your family.” Leaders move from, “How may I serve you?” to, “How can I help you serve?”
Relationally intentional: We were never meant to do it alone. Christianity is an interdependent community oriented faith.
In Transformational Churches, Worship services are alive with a sense of anticipation. A sense of anticipation permeates missional churches. In mission, they expect lives to be changed. In community, they expect people to connect. In evangelism, they expect disciples to be made.
Too many people try to solve worship wars with blended services, equally offending all. It’s a carnal solution to a spiritual issue. Worship choices become all about me: my preferences. It’s a jukebox mentality of: “I pay money here. I expect to hear the songs I want to hear.” Or it becomes an issue of bitter curiosity, “Why is my music not good enough for the young people here or in the community?” Blended is built on a faulty assumption that we (Why do I want? What do you want?) Neither side is truly happy. Worship style choices are NOT a spiritual issue. Meanwhile, the God who should be worshipped is pushed aside due to song selection. Worship must never be about me, but God and his glory.
if we demand things in worship that cannot be expressed everywhere in the world, we are demanding cultural elements, NOT biblical elements.
Small groups: They were not just doing life. They were not just doing life together, but they were doing life together with Jesus!
January 6, 2016
Good info and a lot of research to back it up. Also good for any type of church (plant, existing, traditional feel, modern, etc.) in our culture right now.
September 17, 2019
When I was a child I had a book of insults. I can still remember them. One said, "You're so stupid, if you shot into the air you'd miss!". Well, if you're not sure what you're aiming at, there's no doubt you'll miss. "Transformational Church" reminds me of the goal. It is always Christ. It is always the gospel. The church that isn’t being transformed has missed the point. Such a church cannot be salt and light, and we see this reality all too much these days.
Notes:
The goal of the transformational church is to make disciples, and nothing will deter them from this task (6)
Get God’s people on mission (7)
Gospel change always leads to broader change (11)
There can be no renewal, revival, or rebuilding without a vision for and in experience of the all-consuming, all-illuminating presence of God (15)
Churches do not change until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change (18)
Measuring
1 more people becoming Christ followers
2 more believers growing in their faith
3 more churches making an impact on their communities (25)
We can only expect what we inspect (26)
We believe churches that are transformational will have people in small community (Sunday classes at school now small group, ETc (28)

Community = joining lives together (37)
Hearing and understanding their stories will be the key to introducing them to Jesus Christ (50)
Transformational churches are lead by transformational leaders who were being transformed in the presence of the people they lead (74)
Leader ship is the stewardship to help others exercise their gifts, not just an opportunity for me to exercise my gifts (79)
Moving away from “how may I serve you?“ To “how can I help you serve?“ (95)
Welcoming in the broken is a blessing and not a curse (117)
The human heart is designed to find someone or something to hold in highest esteem (149)
The motivation to see people of all nations become disciples of Christ is rooted in their desire to see God receive the owner he deserves (149)
Personal note: heavy emphasis on smaller groups to build tighter “communities“
1. Smaller communities deliver deeper friendships (185)
Smaller communities deliver accountability relationships
Smaller communities deliver environments for spiritual growth (187)
Smaller communities deliver maximum participation (189)
Smaller communities deliver missional opportunities
Notes:
The goal of the transformational church is to make disciples, and nothing will deter them from this task (6)
Get God’s people on mission (7)
Gospel change always leads to broader change (11)
There can be no renewal, revival, or rebuilding without a vision for and in experience of the all-consuming, all-illuminating presence of God (15)
Churches do not change until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change (18)
Measuring
1 more people becoming Christ followers
2 more believers growing in their faith
3 more churches making an impact on their communities (25)
We can only expect what we inspect (26)
We believe churches that are transformational will have people in small community (Sunday classes at school now small group, ETc (28)

Community = joining lives together (37)
Hearing and understanding their stories will be the key to introducing them to Jesus Christ (50)
Transformational churches are lead by transformational leaders who were being transformed in the presence of the people they lead (74)
Leader ship is the stewardship to help others exercise their gifts, not just an opportunity for me to exercise my gifts (79)
Moving away from “how may I serve you?“ To “how can I help you serve?“ (95)
Welcoming in the broken is a blessing and not a curse (117)
The human heart is designed to find someone or something to hold in highest esteem (149)
The motivation to see people of all nations become disciples of Christ is rooted in their desire to see God receive the owner he deserves (149)
Personal note: heavy emphasis on smaller groups to build tighter “communities“
1. Smaller communities deliver deeper friendships (185)
Smaller communities deliver accountability relationships
Smaller communities deliver environments for spiritual growth (187)
Smaller communities deliver maximum participation (189)
Smaller communities deliver missional opportunities
December 25, 2018
I like that this book doesn't give a simple formula for transformational churches, and that it doesn't limit itself to one denomination. Instead, it looks at what transformational churches have in common across denominations. There are no surprises in the book -- mission mentality, vibrant leadership, relational intentionality, prayerful dependence, a worship that embraces Jesus, community, and a church that lives out mission. These are the fundamentals that you see in an Acts 2 church and what was true then is still true today. It's not about programs and there are no magic bullets. There's no set right way to do church or be the church, but there is one foundation upon which church must be done. This book should be encouraging to even the smallest of churches because the answer is not in the size or talent of your staff or the size of your budget. All churches of all shapes and sizes can be effective if they have the right things at the core.
March 31, 2024
This truly is an excellent resource for any church, seeking to revitalize and renew. It is a great encouragement to hear that a ship that has gone astray can be set once again on the right course. Being a Pastor of a developing, revitalizing church I was able to see the things that I was doing right and found valuable information to help me tweak things that need to be changed..Of course, all of it needs to be bathed in powerful prayer as God is the real change agent in all of this. Definitely worth reading.
March 3, 2020
I've read a number of books that are derived from surveys and statistics on churches, and some are more helpful than others. This book was definitely one of the more helpful reads in that category. Stetzer and Rainer consistently write in an approachable and thoughtful manner as they examine what "success" looks like in a church. Their recommendations are heavily rooted in Scripture and include a variety of practical examples.
May 17, 2017
Always like Stetzer. This is a significant contribution to church work.
August 9, 2010
Rainer and Stetzer conducted extensive research on churches that were 1) seeing converts and 2) doing a good job of discipling converts. Eschewing the traditional "budgets, bodies, and buildings" measuring sticks, they wanted to look for churches that were bringing Gospel transformation to the lives of individuals.
Normally, I ignore 'church research' books like this. Perhaps I'm cynical, but I find many of them simply come to the same conclusions (have dynamic worship, relevant preaching, friendly atmosphere, etc.) and offer little in the way of substance. I decided to buy this book at Lifeway simply because I had heard good things and I was curious to read something not normally a part of my usual reading routine.
Although I was initially skeptical of this book, I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised. Rainer and Stetzer offer great, practical advice that is very Gospel centered. They touch on key issues that churches traditionally struggle with (and issues which evidently 'transforming churches' are good at): small groups, missionary mindset, intentional yet authentic relationships, etc.
As I read I found myself highlighting sections and scribbling in the margins. Honestly, this book has really given me a fresh vision for things at our church and revealed to me some areas hat we need to work on.
I encourage all pastors and church leaders to read this- you won't be disappointed. The book is an easy, encouraging read that you will want to pass on to key people in your church.
Normally, I ignore 'church research' books like this. Perhaps I'm cynical, but I find many of them simply come to the same conclusions (have dynamic worship, relevant preaching, friendly atmosphere, etc.) and offer little in the way of substance. I decided to buy this book at Lifeway simply because I had heard good things and I was curious to read something not normally a part of my usual reading routine.
Although I was initially skeptical of this book, I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised. Rainer and Stetzer offer great, practical advice that is very Gospel centered. They touch on key issues that churches traditionally struggle with (and issues which evidently 'transforming churches' are good at): small groups, missionary mindset, intentional yet authentic relationships, etc.
As I read I found myself highlighting sections and scribbling in the margins. Honestly, this book has really given me a fresh vision for things at our church and revealed to me some areas hat we need to work on.
I encourage all pastors and church leaders to read this- you won't be disappointed. The book is an easy, encouraging read that you will want to pass on to key people in your church.
December 5, 2011
When I first started listening to this audio I wasn't very impressed. I didn’t really know what it was about and thought it just was another ‘how to’ book about making your church the best! I was going to give up listening, but I decided to persevere and I’m glad I did. This isn’t a ‘how to’ book at all, so don’t buy it for that reason. Instead it’s the results of a comprehensive survey completed by Protestant churches across the States. The results are interesting, as there are many stories from different leaders, in how they are doing ‘church’ in a way, that sees real lasting change amongst their members and communities. I particularly liked the chapters on prayer, community and mission.
I’d say overall it’s a positive audio although I did find the narrator’s voice a bit dull, and sometimes it was a repetitive. If you are a leader in a church who likes to know what is going on across America, this is probably the audio for you.
Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewers Program for this copy.
I’d say overall it’s a positive audio although I did find the narrator’s voice a bit dull, and sometimes it was a repetitive. If you are a leader in a church who likes to know what is going on across America, this is probably the audio for you.
Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewers Program for this copy.
February 7, 2014
A clear and succinct breakdown of what makes churches function at optimal levels...
Ed Stetzer came into my classes a year ago and taught through some of this material. He and Rainer are both awesome missiologists to say the least.
If you are picking up this book looking for a 'how-to' book on transforming your church, look elsewhere. This is less about method and more about character in churches. Something that most overlook in their own churches.
I loved the chapter on community. They authors breakdown what transformational churches do in regards to small groups/ community groups groups/ redemption groups. The bottom line: it doesn't matter what you call them, but start them and have them center around the gospel...
Overall, it's a great read for every church leader looking to take their ministry to the next level. More importantly, it's a call back to biblical church and leadership.
Ed Stetzer came into my classes a year ago and taught through some of this material. He and Rainer are both awesome missiologists to say the least.
If you are picking up this book looking for a 'how-to' book on transforming your church, look elsewhere. This is less about method and more about character in churches. Something that most overlook in their own churches.
I loved the chapter on community. They authors breakdown what transformational churches do in regards to small groups/ community groups groups/ redemption groups. The bottom line: it doesn't matter what you call them, but start them and have them center around the gospel...
Overall, it's a great read for every church leader looking to take their ministry to the next level. More importantly, it's a call back to biblical church and leadership.
February 14, 2016
This was a good diagnostic tool to evaluate whether your church is transformational or not. Some churches want to transform their people and culture. Some churches are intentional about transformation, while others desire it, but never feel the need to change anything. We should always desire transformation, both individually and as a church, but it will never happen doing the same thing over and over again. We all have weak spots in our lives and in our churches, and those weak spots need change and transformation.
Other churches are content to do the same old thing and have little to no impact on its members or community. They need this book, but don't feel like they do. That's a pity. We should all be striving for transformation. I'm glad I read this book! It is only a matter of applying it to my specific context.
Other churches are content to do the same old thing and have little to no impact on its members or community. They need this book, but don't feel like they do. That's a pity. We should all be striving for transformation. I'm glad I read this book! It is only a matter of applying it to my specific context.
July 31, 2011
Good book to stimulate thinking. At times, it was difficult to see how the conclusions were informed by the research, but that may be because they were trying to write a book for popular consumption and not for geeks like me. I appreciate the fact that the authors were more descriptive of Transformational Churches than prescriptive about how to make your church transformational.
October 8, 2013
Tough read otherwise would have received five stars. To me it was a tough read because of all the statistics given. But once you get below that you find a lot of practical information, to turn your local church into a community of transformation.
July 8, 2012
I thought that this book was worth the read and took some good points out of it. I like the heart that Ed had and has some good challenge questions and helping a person process.
November 12, 2013
Very challenging and a book that inspires the reader to press on into all that God has for the church.
December 5, 2012
It was helpful for some practical ideas in doing ministry. It seemed to rely more on statistics & trends in transformational churches then on how God is working in and through those churches.
January 4, 2016
Worth a read for good reminders on the necessity of discipleship.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews