Many evangelical churches face the problem of the open "back door"--even as new people arrive, older members are leaving, looking for something else. Combined with this problem is the discipleship deficit, the difficult truth that most evangelicals are not reaching the unchurched at the rates they think they are. In fact, many of the metrics that we often "count" in the church to highlight success really don't tell us the full story of a church's spiritual state. Things like attendance, decisions, dollars, and experiences can tell us something about a church, but not everything.

To cultivate a spiritually healthy church we need a shift in our metrics--a "grace-shift" that prioritizes the work of God in the lives of people over numbers and dollars. Are people growing in their esteem for Jesus? Is there a dogged devotion to the Bible as the ultimate authority for life? Is there a growing interest in theology and doctrine? A discernible spirit of repentance? And perhaps most importantly, is there evident love for God and for our neighbors in the congregation?

Leading a church culture to shift from numerical success to the metrics of grace can be costly, but leaders who have conviction, courage, and commitment can lead while avoiding some of the landmines that often destroy churches. Wilson includes diagnostic questions that will help leaders measure--and lead team transparency in measuring as a group--the relative spiritual health of their church, as well as a practical prescriptive plan for implementing this metric-measuring strategy without becoming legalistic.

Most attractional church models can lean heavily on making changes to the weekend worship gatherings. And while some of these changes can be good, thriving grace-focused churches are driven by a commitment to the gospel, allowing the gospel to inform and shape the worship service and the various ministries of the church.

About the Author
Jared C. Wilson?is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and author in residence at Midwestern Seminary, and director of the pastoral training center at Liberty Baptist Church, all in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of numerous books, including Gospel-Driven Church, Gospel-Driven Ministry, The Imperfect Disciple,?The Prodigal Church?(which won?World Magazine's Accessible Theology Book of the Year), and?The Gospel According to Satan. He is the host of the?For the Church?podcast and cohost of The Art of Pastoring?podcast.?


Book Information
ISBN 9780310577874
Author Jared C. Wilson
Format Hardback
Page Count 240
Imprint Zondervan
Publisher Zondervan
Weight(grams) 330g
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 146mm * 25mm