Author Donald A. McGavran is considered a founder of the Church Growth Movement in America. In this 3rd edition of his standard work, McGavaran analyzes the causes, methods and strategies for successful church growth both in America and abroad.

The Church Growth Movement has divided devout Christians. Even though Rainer is an advocate, his aim here is to present an objective view of the movement--its history, the theology associated with it, and the principles which seem to separate churches that grow from those that don't.

What exactly is the Church Growth movement? This timely volume in the Counterpoints series addresses the history of the movement that has become such an enormous shaping force on the Western church today, and it explores--in a roundtable forum of leading voices--five main perspectives on the classic Church Growth movement: Effective Evangelism View - presented by Elmer Towns Gospel in Our Culture View - presented by Craig Van Gelder Centrist View - presented by Charles Van Engen Reformist View - presented by Gailyn Van Rheenan Renewal View - presented by Howard Snyder Each view is first presented by its proponent, then critiqued by the co-contributors. The interactive and fair-minded format allows the reader to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed, personal conclusions. Evaluating the Church Growth Movement concludes with reflections by three seasoned pastors who have grappled with the practical implications of Church Growth. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Church growth is the will of God and a necessary part of the calling of the church. There are some who claim that there is too much emphasis on church growth in these last days. These do not know the purpose and plan of God for His church. This is why I will begin this book by expatiating on the necessity of church growth. Also, many pastors today want to grow their churches but lack the wisdom to make it happen. Many have been pastors for years but have not been able to induce church growth. This is a common problem among pastors today. I have heard about some so called pastors who resorted to diabolical means to achieve church growth. This is foolishness! Some others have achieved church growth by trial and error but cannot say categorically how they did it, so they are unable to help others do the same and also may be unable to sustain it. But through years of training and practice, God has given me revelation on how to achieve church growth irrespective of the present state of a church. Church growth is not automatic; it is a process that must be painstakingly understood. To be achieved, it must be approached systematically. In this book, I am going to impart to you the truth about church growth and give you infallible wisdom that you can implement anywhere in the world and get results.

Has the church growth movement failed to stress the social dimensions of the Christian faith? Dr. Peter Wagner, a leading exponent of church growth, argues that Christians can evangelize and churches can grow strongly, while at the same time participating in the global struggle on behalf of the poor and oppressed - for justice and peace, for brotherhood and liberation, and for the alleviation of human suffering.

Churches are facing a crisis of epidemic proportions: attendance is dropping, empty pews are not being refilled, and doors are closing! Unfortunately, the leadership in today's churches are not trained, nor equipped, to handle this crisis. Leaders at all levels must know how to be an effective leader and communicate in a 360-degree radius effectively with each person they are in contact with. Knowing and understanding what the objectives of the church are is of paramount importance. Planning for church growth is more than a simple prayer. Church growth starts with prayers, visions of where God wants the church to go, and an evaluation and analysis of where the church is. Unfortunately, not every church is prepared for growth and must take the necessary steps to be prepared for growth. Love sells itself, and love must be shown to all those who not only enter the church's doors, but throughout the community. Love is not shown by being the loud carnival barker who is selling chances to win a stuffed animal, but by actions. Love is a warm smile, a heartfelt welcome, a firm handshake or hug, a short sweet introduction, a sincere inquiry about the person, and most importantly, love is listening. Love does not sell anything, especially denominationalism. The life cycle of the church must be understood, and leadership must know where the church is in the life cycle. In order to extend the church's life cycle, new ideas and services must be continuously developed and initiated in order to stay relevant. This relevancy leads to a strong brand for the church. This book was developed with interviews and conversations with pastors and clergy from all walks of faith and from all areas of the United States. Regardless of the denomination, this book is designed to guide church leaders through the necessary steps in order to grow and market your church.

Why bother with church? Can't I follow Jesus on my own? Christians young and old struggle to answer these questions, believing Scripture says little about church life. But the Bible is far from silent. The New Testament envisions a vibrant church of devoted brothers and sisters adopted into God's family. The biblical image of the church family has the power to reshape everything our local churches do--the ways pastors lead, how members engage one another, what worship leaders sing, and much more. Now is the time to reclaim a biblical vision of the church as a family and reject the prevailing corporate-church paradigm assumed by church growth gurus. The church that thinks of itself as a family will learn to build meaningful relationships and show the unbelieving world how good church life can be.

A practical handbook that shows how you can achieve results like that in your congregation as well. Exman identifies the unique problems facing small town and rural churches, and in this book he offers proven strategies for conquering the cancer of declining membership and building stronger congregations.

McIntosh explores the biblical basis for church growth, giving leaders eternal principles rather than temporary models for growth.