Unmasks the hidden "worldviews" that stand in the way of congregational vitality and mission.

They are problems with which every pastor is familiar: dwindling attendance in Sunday school classes; high levels of gossip and dissatisfaction; widespread apathy; weak financial support; inability to reach out to the unchurched. These and similar difficulties confound congregational leaders every day. Why are they often so difficult to address? Why do the programs put in place to remove these problems sometimes wind up adding to them? It is because these are not the problems themselves,...

In this helpful book, Kent R. Hunter provides clear, practical guidance not only on how to diagnose the difficulties a church is experiencing, but also on how to implement simple, direct strategies for change. He outlines the basic questions a church must ask itself if it is to identify its problems and opportunities for growth, and--most importantly--offers direct suggestions on how a congregation's leaders can move and motivate its members to hear and follow the call to a deeper experience of mission and discipleship.

Move Your Church to Action will help readers...

Generational differences are nothing new in church. There have always been groups and subgroups within a congregation, divided according to age. Yet with the possible exception of their educational programs, congregations have generally practiced a "one-size-fits-all" approach to ministry and worship. Whichever group is dominant--generally the older members, although it can be the younger--sets the tone for musical styles, preaching emphases, and outreach focus. Frequently the non-dominant groups grow restless and dissatisfied, leaving the church to find better opportunities of service and...

Those Christians who work in missionary settings among non-Christian groups learned an important lesson long ago about communicating the gospel. You can build the church, ring the bell, and hope that folks will find their way to your doorstep. Or, you can immerse yourself in the culture, build relationships, and minister to people where they are. Needless to say, it is the latter route that bears the greatest fruit--and the greatest similarity to Jesus' own practice of proclaiming the gospel.

As churches in North America seek to grow and minister more effectively, they would do...