Why Churches Die: Diagnosing Lethal Poisons in the Body of Christ

by Mac Brunson, Ergun Mehmet Caner

We are all too aware of the damage poisons can have on our bodies. These ailments find their way into us, invading us, infecting us, and spreading throughout us until the illness is felt all over. There are spiritual poisons that work this way as well, except these ailments invade another kind of body-the spiritual body of Christ. Like the diseases of our physical bodies, these diseases slow the body down, crippling it to function at less than capacity. They limit what the body can do and the effectiveness it can have. If not treated, these diseases can lead to death.Why Churches Die looks at the body's diseases and reflects on the corresponding spiritual ailment. Mac Brunson and Ergun Caner practice the science of spiritual forensics to prevent churches from unnecessary illness and premature death.

Genres: Christian, Church

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jared Criswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book as I have recently taken interest in Church Health and related issues. It wasn't what I thought it would be (was hoping for something more practical along the lines of Thom Rainer's Autopsy book), but a simple reading of the back of the book clarified the purpose. My one critique is that many of the chapters do not seem to have an explicitly tie-in to church health, and deal more with the individual Christian. A more accurate title would be "How Individual Church Member's Issues Cause Churches to Die." But that's even more disheartening than the original title.

[Adam Callis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Great insights, lots of real-life illustrations, and tons of Scripture. Very well written. Some quotes:

"Like the Israelites, Christians learn that manna which was fresh and nutritious yesterday becomes moldy today. Each and every day must be marked by a fresh confrontation with the Lord. The sad fact, however, is that moldy manna is an acquired taste for too many of us" (33).

"When you do not learn to forgive people for the wrongs they have done to you, you become a victim a second time" (103).

[Chet Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential for church leaders, ministers, teachers, etc. so many principles that relate to real-life ministry. I was greatly encouraged by it, and plan to teach a future Bible class based on it.

[Matt Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading this book for the second time. I am convinced we must evaluate our attitudes within the church. This is a must read for anyone in leadership of a local church.

[Andy]

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