Mike says: I enjoyed this book, and I was challenged by the author’s insights into the mission and purpose of the Church.  Far from being a comfortable and secure place to worship in, McManus paints the church as an explosive force that reaches out into the community and the lives of people for the Kingdom of God .  A good and startling read!

"An Unstoppable Force"  is available for check-out in the church library under "Mike's Picks."

Evangelism for "Normal" People by John Bowen

For many people, "evangelism" is a bit like taking cough medicine.  Folks know Christians are called to share their faith, but they prefer not to.  Embarrassed by images from TV evangelism, quick-fix religion and conversion techniques, we find ourselves asking, "does something as wonderful as Jesus have to come off looking so badly?" How then do we share our faith effectively, and do so free of guilt and apprehension?   John P. Bowen, professor at Wycliffe College in Toronto, Ontario, has written Evangelism for "Normal" People, a book that offers a refreshing and productive alternative to the technique-oriented approach to evangelism so often associated with many North American churches.

Relying on Biblical interpretation, and interspersing it with every-day stories of people leading others to Jesus Christ, Bowen shows that evangelism is not about techniques or split-second decisions.  More often than not, evangelism is "best understood as a process," one which takes time and requires sensitivity.  This approach seeks to address some of the criticisms of people who view evangelism as intrusive and even unkind.  Gone is the urgency of the now-or-never approach to conversion, to be replaced with a relational approach to evangelism that makes sharing the gospel less intimidating.

Ever wondered how you can best share your faith here at FPC and in our community?  This book will help you find ways to reach out to others naturally and effectively.  Evangelism for "Normal" People is available for check-out in our church library.

Breakout Churches by Thom Rainer

From the book jacket:

"Breakout Churches" is the story of thirteen churches and the leaders who moved them from stagnancy to growth and from mediocrity to greatness.  Drawing on one of the most comprehensive studies even on the church, this book reveals the process of becoming a breakout church, and the factors that lead to this spiritual metamorphosis.

Eighty percent of the approximately 400,000 churches in the United States are either declining or at a plateau.  Is there hope for the church?  "Breakout Churches" offers a resounding "yes!" and offers specific examples of the principles to help you and your church become more effective.

Mike says:  "This is one of the most encouraging books I've read in some time.  The challenge this book places on churches is enormous, but at the same time, "Breakout Churches" spells out the process necessary to pull out of the mediocrity too many of us cling to in the church.". 

The thirteen "breakout" churches featured in this book are not the attention-grabbing mega-churches started from scratch by their leaders.  These are every-day churches that had experienced decline and had been brought to new life by their existent ministers!  This is an important factor - it means this kind of revival is available to most congregations.

I urge you to read this book if how and what we do for Jesus at FPC is important to you.  It will also help you understand where your minister stands on church growth and discipleship.