Prepare Your Church for the Future

by Carl F. George

By analyzing the present-day church and examining societal trends, Carl George presents a model that can mobilize your church for outreach.

Genres: Church, Leadership, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1991

Reviews

[Ken Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I progressed through this book, I found myself wanting to be annoyed with it as Carl George kept introducing various "meta-church" acronyms and vocabulary that he seemed to want all his readers to adopt. I don't want to start using a whole new language in order to experience church growth! But as I kept brushing all that aside, like a determined hiker pushing annoying branches out of his face, I began encountering what felt like vital concepts and compelling perspectives that I knew I needed to consider. I kept underlining statements and putting stars in margins where I wanted to retrace my steps because his points felt important. This book certainly feels dated, but not outdated. The impact it had on me was not just because of Carl George's emphasis on small groups, which isn't at all new to me, but was because of his clarity on how vital and central small groups ought to become in our typically Sunday-centric approach to church life -- both in terms of care and of outreach. This book left me really wanting to explore that as I consider how to implement some important models presented in this book.

[Jakob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good suggestions, some of which are also known from other church growth concepts. Also explains very well why good small group work is essential if the church is to grow. That's probably the best about this book. What is completely missing is a discussion of the disadvantages of the system - there are always disadvantages and difficulties.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and resource. Even though this book was written in 1991, it maintains that in order for churches to carry out the Great Commission, especially in very large churches, small groups are a must to create disciples and servants and for shepherds to care for the people. Since our God is a God of order, this book suggests a structure that is orderly and encourages accountability.

[James Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pioneering work in the early days of the meta-church. The principles are still true today.

[Jasonlylescampbell · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is foundational for Redeemer in NY. There were things to learn. Ultimately, it just comes down to whether the super-structured cell model of church really works ... I think it is hard to untangle what is long-standing truth vs. what is the prog-rock version church growth ... and since all my other reading has spoiled me on the dazzle of progress. This book definitely has a lot of that language.

BUT structure is huge when you are trying to understand discipleship in the context of a church our size (700-800). It was helpful to be reminded how important empowering leaders is and then building a system of regular and intentional support.

[Caleb McEntire · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this in essentially one sitting. I obviously did not care for it. It is the common unbiblical fare for people wanting to grow their church at the expense of truth and doctrine. Very little scripture was used, and what was was discounted as not applicable. Joel Osteen would love it..... Enough said.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful book, especially if you're looking to do small group ministry in your congregation. It's not the best writing, not super-engaging, and old enough to feel outdated due to gendered language and old cultural references. But the information about how to do small groups is helpful.

[Michael Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that helped shape my thoughts about and philosophy of small groups ministry. I don't necessarily agree with everything, but if you like or need systems for your small groups ministry, check out this book.

[Jeff Noble]

Prepare Your Church for the Future by Carl F. George (?)

[Michael Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent work on the cell church model.