From the prolific pen of Lyle Schaller flows another great book. The Seven-Day-a-Week Church deals with the dynamic of the changing church that moves from one morning a week to a full seven-day activity.
Schaller shares what he believes needs to happen in the local church for it to survive the 1990s. He outlines what churches have done to draw the crowds.
When I read what needs to be done, I realize the radical changes that have to take place in my own church. What makes this perplexing is recognizing the energy and pain that would go into such changes. But I have two alternatives: continue as we have been doing since the 1950s and slowly die out; or develop a church with multiple options for the community. Such options involve entry points rather than just Sabbath worship.
My only criticism of Schaller's book is that he does not outline a formula for success. Instead he merely shares what he has learned from researching seven-day-a-week churches. He describes the variety of ways the churches approach leadership, government, worship, and programming. The frustration for me would be deciding what might work in my church.
I reluctantly admit, however, that Schaller has chosen the best way to present his material. I am the one who needs to think carefully about the implications of the changes my church needs to make. I must ask such questions as: What will be best for my members at this time? Where do I start? What can I learn from others?
Schaller has written this book for pastors and spiritual leaders dedicated to leading their congregations through the nineties into the next century. He gives insights essential to survival. Pastors and their local church leaders need to read this book—it will spark a church-changing dialogue.
