Dead Church Walking: Giving Life to the Church That Is Dying to Survive

by Jimmy Dorrell

Overview

Most everyone recognizes that the traditional Western way of doing church is in deep trouble and has been struggling for years to survive. While the successful rise of some new, non-traditional churches often take the sting out of the demise of the average church, the truth is that God still can renew congregations that have a rich history but are struggling to adjust in today's postmodern culture. In his new book, Dead Church Walking, author Jimmy Dorrell offers both Biblical and social principles with clear suggestions for congregations willing to significantly change to become a body of believers that proclaims God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. While there are no easy fixes, this book addresses underlying symptoms of broken models that often perpetuate terminal illness stopping the church from doing God's work on earth. Dorrell says our churches don't need new missions statements or re-structuring but a fresh wind of God's spirit. We don't need charismatic leaders but compassionate, Christ centered leaders. He shows us how to embrace change, overcome the obstacles to change, and focus on kingdom growth instead of church growth. This book is hopeful and encouraging, bringing fresh ideas to ignite the fire of churches and put them on the road to recovery.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830856329
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	09/08/2011
Pages:	164
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Jimmy and Janet Dorrell moved into a lower income neighborhood in 1977 where they have been involved in church renewal and Christian community development. They founded Church Under the Bridge and Mission Waco in 1992 and have been leading these innovative ministries ever since. Jimmy has degrees from Baylor University, an M. Div from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Dr. of Ministry from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Church in Renewal for Mission. Dorrell passion is to motivate churches toward a more holistic missional ecclesiology that offers new life for struggling churches in America. He and his wife have four children and three grandchildren.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introduction Considering Change 3

Chapter 1 Process 17

Chapter 2 Presuppositions 35

Chapter 3 Purpose 59

Chapter 4 Places 79

Chapter 5 Power 93

Chapter 6 Pain 109

Chapter 7 Pitfalls 121

Chapter 8 Possibilities 135

Appendix Does Your Church Need to Change? 147

Bibliography 155