Leading the Comeback Church: Help Your Church Rebound from Decline

his book is more about motivation and fortitude than seven steps to turning around a congregation. Many ministers deal with declining congregations, and this book opens some doors on helpful insights into changing this pattern. It is not a easy book to read, not because of word usages but because of the pain associated with the message. To boil it down "It is hard, hard work." It is not easy work, people will sabotage your progress, attack you personally, but the author has been there, in not easy situations, and has overcome. There was some jealousy towards the author for me, the author turned around numerous congregations, I wish I was that talented. If you are struggling with this situation, here is a book that may help. Here are three points in the plan. 1. Hire more staff now. 2. Develop outreach not inreach programs. 3. Prepare for the decline before the incline. (Maybe this is the hardest work for leaders)

David Nixon is the district superintendent for the Dallas district of the Church of the Nazarene and has served for 32 years at various Nazarene churches of various sizes. In this short 158 page work, Nixon gives his own advice on how to lead comeback churches (or declining churches). The book offers insights into how to lead your church off a plateau, developing a strategy for growth, overcoming financial challenges, and focusing on spiritual growth. The negative drawback to this book is Nixon's belief (as with most church growth books) that growth can be manipulated and developed by natural talents and strengths. While I agree that it is the duty of the Church to present the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16) I cannot agree with Nixon's belief that growth is a human agency and not divine (Acts 2:47; Colossians 2:19). Salvation is a sovereign work of God (Jonah 2:9; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 1:1-2) while preaching of the gospel is the work of men (Matt. 9:37-38; 28:19; Romans 1:16; 10:14-17; 1 Cor. 3:5-9). However I do recommend this book from much of the practical imputes that Nixon gives to smaller churches while still disagreeing with some Nixon's goals.