The Book of Church Growth: History, Theology, and Principles

by Thom S. Rainer

The Church Growth Movement has divided devout Christians. Even though Rainer is an advocate, his aim here is to present an objective view of the movement--its history, the theology associated with it, and the principles which seem to separate churches that grow from those that don't.

Genres: Leadership, Ecclesiology, Church

351 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

Thom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers and Executive Director of Revitalize Network. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he received his degree in business administration. He received both the master of divinity and the Ph.D. degrees from Southern Seminary.

Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. He is the former president of Rainer
Group consulting. He served for twelve years as dean at Southern Seminary and for thirteen years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Çhristian Resources.

Dr. Rainer has authored or co-authored 33 books. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and eleven grandchildren.

Reviews

[David Bronson]

Two stars purely for Rainer's good writing ability.

This is, admittedly, a fascinating read for someone twenty years on from Rainer's analysis. On one hand, his history of the movement is good, if a little shallow. And he adequately covers the critiques of the movement, usually fairly (though there are some exceptions!). But when he begins to cover the movement's theology and methodology... good heavens. It's like reading a hitlist of every practice that has put the American church in its present anemic condition.

[Heidi Leatherland]

I read it for school. Please don’t waste your time on it.

[David J. Harris]

Not great.

[Kevin]

This a a well written book on the history, theology, and principles of the church growth movement...as of 1993 at least. Positives: Good resource on the background of the movement. Simply presents the principles many advocate. A pastor, church leader, and church member can utilize some of these principles. Informative on the theology and positions of C. Peter Wagner and the development of Fuller Theological Seminary as an advocate for "power evangelism." The negatives: Somewhat dated now (1993). At the very least, Rainer is sympathetic to "power evangelism," also known as the charismatic Third Wave. He has a bias to Wagner because of mentor-ship.

[Brian Reagan]

The book is excellent for developing an holistic theology of church growth, and for maintaining balance. Otherwise it may be boring if a reader is looking for flash-zoom church growth methods.

[Stephen]

READ OCT 2012

Nice overview of the church growth movement. Also nice treatment of specific strategies that can be implemented today. Overall, this was a balanced treatment of this topic.

[Mawia]

Really inspiring

[Tyrone Steele]

Another excellent work by Rainer. However, the writing was not as readible as his other works.