1 stars (An unfortunate addition to Rainer's fine history of work) - I am sorry to report that this is one of the worst books I have ever read. It's hard to believe it was authored by Thom S. Rainer. The fundamental problem with research stems from the selection criteria for "breakout churches". The criteria was so abysmally biased by Rainer's desire not to promote growth that stemmed from the involvement of a new pastor that they only produced 13 churches out of 400,000. Rather than taking another pass at identifying churches that would energize us in our calling, they instead decided to write a book lauding these 13 churches as the "good to great" of our time. Before you put this in your shopping cart consider the criteria led them to the selection of churches who: -Have pastors with an average tenure of 21.6 years with this one church (pg. 57) -Current pastor must have participated in both the declining years, as well as the break-out growth (pg. 16) -None of the 13 churches seek to discover a vision (pg. 111) -"Are careful, even plodding in making changes" (pg. 150) If you're looking for a book that will make you feel better about your church which has been declining for years, without giving you much in the way of actionable strategies, you've come to the right place. I hope Jim Collins received a quarter every time his name, his book title, or a page number in Good to Great was referenced! The only thing this book inspired me to do was re-read my copy of Good to Great! 5 stars (Character Counts) - I must start by saying that I am not an advocate of what is typically known as the "Church Growth Movement." However, I believe "Breakout Churches" breaks all the molds of this genre of books. What the remarkable research of this book has demonstrated is simple and yet profound in our day: Church growth is directly related to the godly passion of its leadership and not to the promotion of pragmatic strategies. Several things struck me about the results of... Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHURCH AND MINISTRY CHURCH LIFE CHURCH GROWTH :: Social Theology :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: Parish And Churc :: Breakout Churches- Discover How To Make The Leap
5 stars (One of the most important books...) - you will ever read. I believe that this book is a revolutionary approach to church building. Thousands of churches have used this text to advantage - including my church. 5 stars (Even better the 2nd time!) - This book is one of the best books on churches that I've read...and as a seminary grad (twice) I've read a few. I recently pulled the book off my shelf, blew off the dust, and read it again. I think I've heard everything Rick teaches about church through other speakers and in other books, but the book makes me realize how prophetic Ricks words were back in the early 90's when he was putting this stuff in writing. Pastors and churches in North America are still trying to get it right...and still failing. Contrary to critics, I find Warren's book to be very biblical and right on target. Too many NA churches are trying to do church the wrong way. The Purpose Driven Church is a very easy to read, process book that pleads with churches to adapt methodologies to bring our culture the unchanging gospel message of Jesus Christ. From pastors to seekers, this book will help all realize what a New Testament church should look like in today's culture. 5 stars (This book was not what I expected at all!) - I approached this book with a skeptical and critical spirit. (Too many "seeker sensitive" churches water down the truth in an attempt to reach people. And they end up with shallow church members that are lacking in genuine Christian faith.) However, this book really softened my critical spirit. Some of my opinions were based on misconceptions and misunderstandings. I was impressed by Rick Warren's reasoning and ideas. What surprised me the most is the high expectations of his actual church members. (And members must re-new their membership once a year.) If members don't meet the expectations, they are dropped from the membership roll! The book said that 500 - 700 people a year are dropped from the membership roll... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHURCH AND MINISTRY CHURCH LIFE CHURCH GROWTH :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: Parish And Church Management :: Eva :: The Purpose-Driven Church
1 stars (Bait and Switch) - Despite this book's title, the author provides no useful information regarding the art of angling with flies, and readers seeking advice on fishing the waters of Colorado, where the author lives, should look elsewhere. 5 stars (Excellent, insightful, and thought-provoking.) - This book blows the doors off of mainstream accepted taboos in our culture. After personally experiencing the highs and lows of traditional cell-based groups, I was at a point of wondering why change was not being made in churches. Then, I came across this book. In it, Ted delightfully shows how a church can face change and come out of it truly blessed. Thanks so much for sharing your results, and your honesty! We are all blessed, because of it. I exhort other churches to openly test their waters and see if this book and what it presents can be applied in their congregations. And... as we all know... this book, and the concepts it speaks of... will evolve as they continue to understand the power of God more fully in their midst. 5 stars (Everyone trying to do Small Group ministry should read this.) - It's refreshing, insightful, and helpful. I especially appreciated Ted's advice about not just overlaying some other church's small group ministry onto your church, but rather praying, wrestling, and struggling with what God wants at your church. What he's saying make a lot of sense, especially in our American free enterprise culture. ... Nelson Books :: Religion & Church Institutions & Organizations :: Evangelism :: Church Growth :: Small groups :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: :: Dog Training- Fly Fishing- And Sharing Christ In The 21st Century Empowering Your Church To Build Co
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