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CAN YOUR CHURCH BECOME ONE...?

It was 1 A.D. The place...Gethsemane.

In the purgatorial garden of remembrance, his eyes glanced towards heaven. His lips shivered as he uttered those heartrending words of prayer...

That the Church be One.

In reminiscence of the benediction of power upon the apostle Peter as Christ started His church, we look upon the world around us in this day and age. Where is the unity which Jesus longed for? Where is the power which He spoke of?

Breakout Churches is the tale of thirteen churches who dared to dive into the deep and the leaders who moved them from stagnancy to growth and from mediocrity to greatness. Drawing on one of the most comprehensive studies ever on the church, this book reveals the process of becoming a "breakout" church, and the factors that lead to this spiritual and ecclesiastical metamorphosis.

Eighty percent of the approximately 400,000 churches in the United States are either declining or at a plateau. It is almost mirror-like almost anywhere else in the world. Denominational conflict, theological sectarianism, simplistic dogmatism, spiritual arrogance, etc. Is there hope for the church? Is there hope for the world to see the Bride of Christ in her fullness and glory?

This timely book offers a resounding "yes!" and seeks to offer specific examples and principles to help you and your church become more effective.

Learn about:

• The "chrysalis" factor that generates transformation
• 8 keys to Acts 6/7 leadership
• The ABC wakeup call that begins the process of turning a church around
• How to find the right people and develop the right infrastructure
• The VIP factor of visionary churches
• The importance of nurturing a culture of excellence
• Embracing innovation in creative and productive ways
• Creating momentum instead of allowing erosion

ISBN: 0310266106

Thom S. Rainer (Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is president of Church Central (www.ChurchCentral.com). A frequent conference and seminar speaker, he has served as a pastor and interim pastor in ten churches and is president of Rainer Group Church Consulting. His twelve books include Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them and The Unchurched Next Door.