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M Taylor posted an update 2 months, 1 week ago
“Church Revitalization” by Russell Small is a very good read for anyone interested in as the title suggests: being a part of renewal in the local church. Indeed, as churches continue to struggle in a post-COIVD world (decreased attendance, offerings, participation, etc.), instead of pointing fingers at the world, real and lasting change must start with the church!
Around 230 pages, the book covers many vital topics on the subject, including:
– The various kinds of revitalization needed in churches.
– Developing the skills necessary for implementing renewal in the church.
– Various ways churches can be organized (yes, while the church is an organism, organization is also important!).
– The vital importance of true fellowship within the church (thanks for covering this – Jesus saw this as important enough that He said that when the world sees believers loving each other, it will sit up and take notice!).
– Importance of evangelism in the local church.
– Importance of knowing a particular church’s history.
– Due to today’s climate (lack of accountability in the local church, abuse in the local church, etc.) believers must take seriously the call to be different from and loving towards the world without becoming like the world. In other words, we have to earn unbelievers’ trust before we can share the gospel with them.
– Managing conflict and making peace in the church.
After reading this book, here’s what I like:
– Covers a wide variety of important and relevant topics.
– Very easy to read and understand.
– Good mix of spiritual and practical insights.
– Very good footnotes for further study.
– Instead of sticking with a rigid and legalistic formula, provides flexibility and understanding that churches differ (location, surrounding culture, type of membership, etc.).
Very good read and a great tool for the pastor, layperson, etc. interested in seeing real and lasting change within the local church. Recommended.
I was given a review copy by Kregel Ministry in exchange for a fair review and appreciate the opportunity.