Ed Stetzer

Let’s see, I have read: Comeback Churches, Planting Missional Churches, Simple Church, Breakout Churches and…. no, I think that’s it. I have read a lot of books by Ed Stetzer and Thom Rainer. This new book, Transformational Church “creating a new scorecard for congregations” feels more like the duo’s “latest album” than it does a brand new book.

Right off, let me say that I liked it, it was a good read – but in a lot of ways it seemed to take the same approach Comeback show more Churches did. As researchers they set perimeters and then had churches qualify based on those. Next they sent them a questionnaire and compiled the research. A Transformational Church was one that grew by 10% in five years; and had a significant number of those attending involved in some type of ‘small group’ activity. Of those churches that responded the authors concluded that there were 7 key areas of focus (and you probably already know what they are):

1. Mission

2. Leadership

3. Relation

4. Prayer

5. Worship

6. Community

7. Evangelism

Now, of course I have simplified it, and the book goes into much greater detail as to how those keys play out, but that is pretty much the gist of it. All in all I read through the book pretty fast. I nodded in agreement to much of it, but didn’t really underline anything. I would say, if you have books by these guys, you might not need to pick this up (unless you just have to subdue your new book fix, in which case I understand), but if you have not read any of their books this is certainly the one to pick up.

I think the resources that come out of this study and the church diagnostic tool, the retreats and curriculum will be more of a benefit in the long run for churches, and so I will certainly watch with interest how those pan out in the coming months. show less

Across North America, many pastors are excited to see churches growing as they achieve their mission to connect the message of the gospel with the community at large. Still others are equally frustrated, following the exact same model for outreach but with lesser results. Indeed, just because a "missional breakthrough" occurs in one place doesn’t mean it will happen the same way elsewhere.

One size does not fit all, but there are cultural codes that must be broken for all churches to grow show more and remain effective in their specific mission context. Breaking the Missional Code provides expert insight on church culture and church vision casting, plus case studies of successful missional churches impacting their communities.

"We have to recognize there are cultural barriers (in addition to spiritual ones) that blind people from understanding the gospel," the authors write. "Our task is to find the right way to break through those cultural barriers without removing the spiritual and theological ones." show less

I agree with what the authors are saying - present the gospel message in a manner the people you want to reach will accept. You might not present it the same way to an 80 year old grandmother as you would a 20 year old Hispanic man. However, I argued with him throughout the book and felt frustrated. I left with as many questions as I had at the beginning and while church plants are great - I have no confidence it will work in our denomination, the way we do church, in rural communities. We show more do not encourage lay ministers, I don't like video linkups, and you will probably never get enough members in a rural community for a new church to support a pastor by itself. show less

A great resource setting forth the views of religion and spirituality for the 20-29 demographic and the churches that have found success working with this age group.

The authors set forth the research they did among this age group and demonstrate that they are more open to spirituality and Christianity than even their peers who are above 30. They also set forth the primary concerns and needs of this generation-- community, service, depth and substance in content, responsibility, and show more connections across generations. The authors then examine churches that are succeeding at establishing strong communities, promoting substantive messages, encouraging service, establish connections across generations, and exhibit authenticity and transparency.

A great resource to promote thinking about reaching younger people for Christ-- how to communicate and how to create a more Biblical environment in the church. show less