The Complete Book of Church Growth
Elmer L. Towns, John N. Vaughan, and David J. Seifert, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 1981, 400pages, $12.95, paper.
We have been hearing a lot about church growth lately. Here in one volume is a compendium of all the current information on the subject, the most comprehensive book on church growth in print. It combines statistical research with a Biblical base to give both laymen and clergy the complete contemporary view of church growth.
The authors relate stories of some of the fastest growing churches in the world and how they did it. These success stories contain principles that can be applied anywhere. They tell the story of the Jotabeche Methodist Pentecostal church in Santiago, Chile. Services attract from 7,000 to 18,000, with people standing in the aisles, and thousands of worshipers jam the midweek prayer meeting. Then there is the Grace Community church in Panorama City, California, where John MacArthur is pastor. This church began in 1956 in a medium-sized home, with about 25 people. Today more than 7,000 gather for services. The pastoral staff baptized almost 100 in 1969 and nearly 400 in 1979.
The 100 largest churches in the world are listed along with the 100 largest Sunday schools. There is a fine survey of all seven schools of church growth. These schools are: (1) Fundamentalism; (2) The Fuller Factor; (3) Body Life; (4) Charismatic Renewal; (5) Evangelical Bible Churches; (6) Southern Baptists; (7) Mainline Denominations.
There are vital chapters on the indispensable place of prayer and the Holy Spirit in church growth, and one on lay involvement and spiritual gifts. In one section many of the top authors in the church-growth field present their views, on the subject. This book is well documented with twenty-seven pages of notes and bibliography.—Duane R. Peterson.
The Book of Joshua
Marten H. Woudstra, Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1981, 396 pages, $16.95.
According to the author of this latest volume of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament, the central theme in the Book of Joshua is the fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs regarding the Promised Land. Subordinate themes include the parallels between Joshua and Moses; the tension between complete and incomplete fulfillment of God's promise regarding the land of "rest"; and the hope and joyful optimism fostered by God's everlasting faithfulness. The commentary includes an extensive bibliography and six maps. Dr. Woudstra is well known as a conservative evangelical Old Testament scholar; this book reflects his careful scholarship.
Beginning Your Ministry
C. W. Brister, James L. Cooper, and J. David File, Abingdon Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1981, 158 pages, $6.95, paper.
These authors have performed a service of value in researching and reporting an area that receives too little attention: transition from seminary to parish. Some of the chapter titles are: "Surviving the First Pastorate Syndrome," "The Clash of Idealism and Reality," "Stress and Stressors," "Coping Resources," "Priorities—A Source of Power," and "Building a House of Faith." The chapter on "Continuing Education: A Means for Making Dreams Come True" is of special value. This book could be valuable for ministerial students and interns, but pastors in the early years of their ministry will no doubt find the most help in its pages.—Michael J. Lay.
Organize to Evangelize: A Manual for Church Growth
Larry L. Lewis, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1980, 132 pages, $3.95, paper.
The author of this book is excited about his subject. In fact, his excitement may be responsible for the fact that the book always seems to hurry on to the next subject.
Dr. Lewis, a pastor, spends little space discussing the theory of church growth. His aim is to share with the reader realistic examples of how churches grow and how the reader may implement church growth in a congregation. He points out that in reality most churches are not experiencing growth. Lest the reader conclude that the mere implementation of programs guarantees growth, Lewis reminds the reader of Jesus' words "Without me ye can do nothing."
How do churches grow? While buildings, programs, and plans are needed, Lewis places the greatest emphasis on the need of well-trained leaders. The enlistment, training, and motivating of church workers are stressed throughout the book. The author does, however, give numerous examples of programs that are successful. His review and analyses of these programs are practical.
The author's enthusiasm for church growth is catching; after reading this book you will want to try his suggestions.— Nikolaus Satelmajer
