13 Must-Read Books on Church Revitalisation of 2024
Much of my church leadership experience took place in the context of established churches with decades of history. Getting a church to that place is the dream for many young churches/church plants, but once you're there? You've got a myriad of challenges:
- Evaluating and improving your church culture
- Avoid falling into 'ruts' of church activity
- Prevent volunteer burnout (especially in high-capacity people)
- Maintain impactful discipleship and teaching
The more established the church, the more plates are spinning - and the easier it is for a church's impact to fall off or regress.
To prevent that, it's important to keep a fresh flow of ideas, inspiration, and vision. To that end, I've gathered some of the best books about church revitalization for pastors and church leaders. They'll help you discover and learn about technology, strategies, and philosophies of church growth that you can bring to your leadership team.
13 Best Books on Church Revitalisation Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best books on church revitalization I think are worth reading in 2024:
- The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren
- Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Come Alive Again by Andrew M. Davis
- Comeback Churches by Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson
- Can These Bones Live? by Bill Henard
- There's Hope for Your Church by Gary L. McIntosh
- Biblical Church Revitalization by Brian Croft
- The Church Revitalization Checklist by Sam Rainer
- Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom S. Rainer
- Anatomy of a Revived Church by Thom S. Rainer
- I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church by Paul Nixon
- For a New Generation by Lee Kricher
- Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
- Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger
Find more details about each book below.
Overviews of the 13 Best Books on Church Revitalisation
1. The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren
Summary:
The Purpose Driven Church explores how churches can grow while maintaining their core mission and values. Rick Warren provides practical advice on structuring church programs, reaching the community, and nurturing spiritual development without sacrificing authenticity or purpose.
What You’ll Learn:
Grow a church by integrating worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship into all activities, ensuring a balanced, purpose-driven approach while maintaining core Christian values.
Why You Should Read It:
This book offers a proven framework for church leaders looking to grow their congregations effectively while staying true to their mission. It's beneficial for those seeking a balanced approach to expansion.
Quote From The Book:
"The church unwilling to change will eventually become a museum piece, displaying the last era’s way of doing things."
About The Author:
Rick Warren is a well-known pastor, author, and founder of Saddleback Church. He has written several influential books on church leadership and spiritual growth. To connect with Rick Warren, follow him on Twitter and visit his website.
2. Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Come Alive Again by Andrew M. Davis
Summary:
Andrew M. Davis offers a biblically grounded approach to revitalizing struggling churches. The book provides practical insights and strategies from scripture to breathe new life into congregations facing decline.
What You’ll Learn:
Encourage spiritual growth and engagement by focusing on prayer, strong leadership, and a clear vision grounded in Christ and the teachings of the Bible. Address revitalization challenges with practical solutions inspired by Jesus' example and biblical principles.
Why You Should Read It:
The Revitalize book is valuable for pastors and church leaders who want to apply biblical teachings to revitalize their ministries and address common challenges in church growth and renewal.
Quote From The Book:
"Revitalization begins with a fresh encounter with the gospel. When churches return to their first love, they discover renewed power and purpose."
About The Author:
Andrew M. Davis is a pastor and author focusing on church health and revitalization. He is the lead pastor at First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina. Visit Andrew Davis on his personal website.
3. Comeback Churches by Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson
Summary:
Ed Stetzer explores the stories of churches that have turned from decline to growth. He provides insights into the factors that contributed to their revival and offers practical advice for churches seeking a similar transformation.
What You’ll Learn:
Comeback Churches highlights the need for a strong, foundational vision, effective leadership, and good community outreach to revitalize a healthy church and engage its members.
Why You Should Read It:
It offers hope and practical strategies for churches in decline, showing how transformation is possible with the right approach and leadership.
Quote From The Book:
"Every church has the potential for a comeback. It’s not about the size of the church but the size of the vision and the strength of the leadership."
About The Author:
Ed Stetzer is a well-respected church planter, researcher, and author. He serves as the Dean of the School of Missions, Ministry, and Leadership at Wheaton College. Connect with Ed Stetzer on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, and visit his personal website.
4. Can These Bones Live? by Bill Henard
Summary:
Bill Henard delves into replanting and revitalizing declining churches, offering practical and theological insights rooted in church history. The book provides strategies for leaders to engage church members and implement effective revitalization practices.
What You’ll Learn:
The revitalisation book offers practical steps for assessing your church’s health, strategies for boosting spiritual growth and engagement, and methods for crafting an inspiring vision and plan for the future.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for church leaders who need a comprehensive guide to understanding and addressing the challenges of church revitalization. Henard’s practical advice is rooted in theological understanding and real-world applications.
Quote From The Book:
"Revitalization is about more than survival; it’s about breathing new life into the church and rediscovering its purpose."
About The Author:
Bill Henard is a pastor, consultant, and author with extensive experience in church revitalization. He provides valuable insights into effective leadership and church renewal. To connect follow him on Twitter.
5. There's Hope for Your Church by Gary L. McIntosh
Summary:
Gary L. McIntosh provides a hopeful and practical guide for struggling churches. The book outlines steps for assessing and revitalizing church health and offers encouragement and strategies for overcoming challenges.
What You’ll Learn:
The book offers a comprehensive guide to assessing your church's health, identifying areas for improvement, engaging with your community, and implementing strategies to foster growth and renewal. This book review highlights its relevance for those involved in church planting and revitalization efforts.
Why You Should Read It:
Perfect for church leaders aiming to revitalize their congregations, it provides practical advice and real-world examples. McIntosh’s insights help restore hope and provide a clear path to revitalization.
Quote From The Book:
"Even the most troubled church can find renewal if its leaders are willing to embrace change and pursue a vision of hope."
About The Author:
Gary L. McIntosh is a highly respected church consultant, author, and speaker with over thirty years of expertise in helping churches flourish. As a Talbot School of Theology professor, he has authored numerous essential church growth and leadership books. Visit his personal website and other platforms.
6. Biblical Church Revitalization by Brian Croft
Summary:
Brian Croft offers a biblically focused approach to church revitalization, emphasizing the importance of shepherding and biblical principles. The book, available on Kindle, provides practical solutions for leading a church through a renewal period.
What You'll Learn:
The Biblical Church Revitalization book offers techniques for assessing your church's health and pinpointing areas for improvement, step-by-step guidance on applying biblical principles to revitalization, and methods for cultivating a vibrant community through effective leadership and pastoral care.
Why You Should Read It:
Full of engaging examples and practical tips, it offers a compelling, scripture-centered approach to revitalizing churches, perfect for leaders looking to make a meaningful impact.
Quote From The Book:
"There is a unique and special power and testimony in not just a vibrant local church full of life, but an old historic one that had lost its way, was on life support, and into which God saw fit to breathe life once again."
About The Author:
Brian Croft is a pastor, author, and church revitalization expert. He founded Practical Shepherding and has extensive experience in church leadership. To connect with Brian Croft, visit his website and follow him on Twitter.
7. The Church Revitalization Checklist by Sam Rainer
Summary:
Sam Rainer provides a practical checklist for churches seeking revitalization. This book systematically assesses and improves various aspects of church life to foster growth and renewal.
What You’ll Learn:
The Church Revitalization Checklist book provides strategies for reassessing and reprioritizing church tasks, managing and improving church facilities, and fostering an outward-focused congregation.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is valuable for church leaders needing a structured revitalization approach. The checklist format makes it easy to identify and address critical areas of improvement.
Quotes From The Book:
"Revitalization requires a thorough assessment of your church’s current state, followed by a strategic plan that addresses strengths and weaknesses."
About The Author:
Sam Rainer is a leading church revitalization expert, speaker, and author. He is the president of Church Answers and the co-founder of Rainer Publishing. For more insights and resources, follow him on Twitter and visit his personal website.
8. Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom S. Rainer
Summary:
Thom S. Rainer explores the common factors leading to churches' decline and eventual death. Through case studies and analysis, he provides insights into what causes churches to fail and how to prevent it.
What You’ll Learn:
The book provides essential insights and solutions by addressing the warning signs of church decline, common causes of closures, and strategies for preventing issues and ensuring church health.
Why You Should Read It:
Offering critical insights into the reasons behind church decline and proactive solutions, this book is an essential resource for church leaders seeking to understand and reverse trends leading to closure.
Quote From The Book:
"Understanding the reasons for church decline is the first step in reversing the trend and ensuring the vitality of your congregation."
About The Author:
Thom S. Rainer is a church consultant and author with expertise in church revitalization and leadership. Connect with Thom Rainer on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter and visit his website.
9. Anatomy of a Revived Church by Thom S. Rainer
Summary:
In his book, Thom S. Rainer explores the key factors that lead to a thriving church revival. He provides practical guidance and shares examples of churches that have achieved substantial renewal and growth.
What You’ll Learn:
Key traits of revived churches, practical ways to renew your church, and how to implement effective revitalization practices.
Why You Should Read It:
For church leaders aiming to revive their congregations, this book offers a clear roadmap and valuable insights into the factors contributing to successful church renewal.
Quote From The Book:
"Revival in a church is not an accident; it results from intentional actions and commitment to revitalizing core elements of church life."
About The Author:
Thom S. Rainer is a church consultant and author with expertise in church revitalization and leadership. Connect with Thom Rainer on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, and visit his website.
10. I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church by Paul Nixon
Summary:
"I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church" by Paul Nixon provides practical strategies for revitalizing stagnant or declining churches. Nixon emphasizes the need for innovative thinking and offers real-life examples to help churches transform and thrive.
What You’ll Learn:
You’ll discover strategies for revitalizing your church, see examples of successful transformations, and learn why embracing change is crucial for growth.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is perfect for church leaders who want to overcome stagnation and make their churches vibrant and impactful again. Nixon’s insights and examples will inspire you to innovate and lead effectively.
Quote From The Book:
"The church that refuses to innovate and adapt is destined to become irrelevant."
About The Author:
Paul Nixon, author of several books on Christian leadership, is the president of The Epicenter Group in Washington, DC. His organization coaches around 100 church leaders annually, focusing on new faith community planters and innovative mainline Protestant churches. To learn more about Paul's work, visit the Epicenter Group website.
11. For a New Generation by Lee Kricher
Summary:
Lee Kricher's “For a New Generation” provides practical advice for church leaders on modernizing their congregations to appeal to younger generations. It highlights how to make necessary changes while maintaining core beliefs ensuring churches remain relevant and engaging.
What You’ll Learn:
How can you update your church to better connect with younger people while maintaining its core beliefs? This course will provide practical strategies for making your church more relevant and appealing to today's culture.
Why You Should Read It:
The book offers practical tools to help your church thrive and stay relevant in today’s changing world. It is a must-read if you want to connect tradition with the needs of younger generations.
Quote From The Book:
“Effective church leaders must be willing to embrace change while remaining anchored to unchanging truths.”
About The Author:
Lee Kricher is a pastor and leadership consultant known for revitalizing churches. Andy Stanley, Senior Pastor of North Point Ministries, calls him “the expert I point people to with questions about transitioning a church.” Lee focuses on helping churches stay relevant while keeping their core beliefs. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
12. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Summary:
Jim Cymbala's Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire tells how prayer transformed the struggling Brooklyn Tabernacle into a thriving church. The book emphasizes relying on God's power for genuine spiritual revival.
What You’ll Learn:
You’ll learn the transformative power of prayer and how it can revitalize your church and deepen your faith. The book shows why trusting God's power is essential for spiritual renewal.
Why You Should Read It:
This book will inspire you to see the impact of prayer in a new light and encourage you to rely more on God's power in your life and church. It's a must-read for anyone seeking spiritual renewal and growth.
Quote From The Book:
“God is attracted to weakness. He can’t resist those humbly and honestly admitting how desperately they need Him.”
About The Author:
Jim Cymbala has been the pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle for over 25 years and the author of best-sellers like Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Fresh Faith, and Fresh Power. He lives in New York City with his wife, Carol Cymbala, who directs the Grammy-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
13. Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger
Summary:
The book outlines how leaders can adapt their strategies to navigate uncertain times, emphasizing flexibility, innovation, and resilience. Bolsinger uses lessons from historical expeditions and modern challenges to offer practical guidance for leading with courage and vision in uncharted territory.
What You’ll Learn:
In “Canoeing the Mountains,” you'll learn to adapt leadership strategies for uncertainty, embrace flexibility and innovation, and lead with courage and vision.
Why You Should Read It:
You should read the book to gain practical insights on adapting leadership strategies for unpredictable challenges, embrace flexibility and innovation, and lead with confidence and vision in uncharted territory.
Quote From The Book:
“The real challenge of leadership is not the ability to lead in the familiar, but the ability to lead when everything has changed.”
About The Author:
Tod Bolsinger is a leadership consultant and author who helps leaders navigate change and uncertainty. He is the Senior Director of Vocation and Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary (one of many renowned evangelical seminaries). Visit his website for more information.
Looking for a boost for your church leadership?
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- TheLeadPastor.com's Collection of Short Offering Messages
- Church Grants: Why, How, and When to Apply
- The Best Newsletters to Help Sharpen and Elevate Your Preaching Style
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