Spent Matches explores the possibility that a few small paradigm shifts within the church might make the difference between extinction and effectiveness. In fact, taking a clue from the automobile industry, the church might be able to not only halt the rapid decay in attendance but also become an effective tool in achieving Jesus' final command. For instance, the Hybrid car has become the answer to Detroit's environmental and oil crisis issues. Finding the synergy...

Spent Matches explores the possibility that a few small paradigm shifts within the church might make the difference between extinction and effectiveness. In fact, taking a clue from the automobile industry, the church might be able to not only halt the rapid decay in attendance but also become an effective tool in achieving Jesus' final command. For instance, the Hybrid car has become the answer to Detroit's environmental and oil crisis issues. Finding the synergy...

Research shows that over time, most churches plateau and then eventually decline. Typically, they start strong and experience periods of growth, then stagnate and lose members. Since 1991, the North American population has increased by 15 percent while the number of "unchurched" people has increased by 92 percent. Large church houses that were filled in the 1950s and `60s now hold a fraction of their capacity.To counter this trend, authors Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson surveyed 300 ch...

A tried-and-true classic in dynamic ministry growth, church building, and discipleship momentum.From professional church-planters Dave and Jon Ferguson comes the anchor book in the Exponential Series—envisioning new and practical methods of building churches, communities, and organizations on the cornerstone of Christ.Many of today's Christians consider the missional challenge of Jesus—feed the hungry, comfort the lonely, bring people to God's Word...

What is the rapidly expanding multi-site church movement all about? Experience the revolution for yourself and see why it has become the “new normal” for growing churches. A Multi-Site Church Roadtrip takes pastors, church leaders, and anyone who is interested on a tour of multi-site churches across America to see how those churches are handling the opportunities and challenges raised by this dynamic organizational model. Travel with tour guides Geoff Surratt, Greg Ligon, and Warren Bird, ...

John Wesley's model of the church. The book offers a guideline for Christians to work out their theology in day-to-day life. This analysis of Wesley's strategy for renewing the church offers inspiration to those working to bring about that renewal.

Christians worldwide are learning new ways to connect their faith to everyday life. Gospel communities are popping up everywhere; in cafes, gyms, tattoo parlours, laundromats. This movement, called Fresh Expressions, is attracting thousands and growing rapidly. With over 120 real-life examples, Michael Moynagh describes easy ways for ordinary Christians to embrace this highly effective approach to local mission. Anyone can do it!

Most Christians will agree that we ought to love our God. But what about fearing God? The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), yet a broad survey of modern evangelicalism reveals that the fear of God is hardly regarded as such anymore. Many Christians seem to wrongly assume that the gospel of grace trumps the fear of the Lord. However, it is only the God of the gospel that is truly worthy of our reverential fear. The purpose of this book is to equip...

How does your church rate?Ever wonder how a restaurant or hotel earns a five-star rating? Is it the people? The location? The service? In most cases, it is all of this and more.Why should your church be any different? The Five Star Church reveals how you can pursue Christian excellence and uphold the Lord's command to "honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10). It contains tips, tools, and the inspiration you need to build a top-quality ch...

The story of Jesus cannot be contained in a history of 33 years on an ancient strip of land along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The group of 120 followers Jesus empowered transformed the world with the good news of redemption and reconciliation he preached. In this journey through the book of Acts, discover the leaps of faith taken by the early church to spread the news of the miracles they'd witnessed and the message they'd received.Their story carries us—his current...

In Ephesians 3:3, the apostle Paul speaks of "the revelation of the mystery." These messages unveil the mystery of God's economy as it was conveyed to us by the apostle in the book of Ephesians concerning God's eternal purpose to gain a corporate man for His expression.

He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise (Luke 3:11 NKJV).A bold leader decided to follow Jesus’ teachings, resulting in a powerful ministry that has his entire congregation serving the desolate, the hungry, and the sick. Through this obedience to Scripture, his church grew from a small 250-member congregation to a thriving, life-filled body of Christ-followers that is active in an astounding seventy ministries today...