Are you interested to know how 300 churches changed from being in a state of decline to one of health and vitality?

The attendance of the churches ranged from 18 to 7000 with 65% having under 200. The majority were SBC churches but the study also included churches from 10 different denominations.

Dr. Ed Stetzer, Director of LifeWay Research, and Dr. Mike Dodson, pastor and church strategist teamed together in researching the 300 churches that made the change.

Their book Comeback Church - How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can Too offers challenging and practical insights for church leaders and members to consider. Here are some exciting samples from their book. 

Churches That Turn It Around

1. More than half of the churches had pastors that preached verse by verse from the Bible.

2. The worship moods of comeback churches are celebrative, orderly, informal, contemporary and expressive.

3. Church growth factors of comeback churches: a) Strong leadership, b) Vibrant faith, c) Mobilizing laity,

d) Increase or change in evangelism, e) Small groups / S.S., f) Facilities, and g) Marketing.

4. The top 3 helpful books other than the Bible to the pastors of comeback churches: a) The Purpose-Driven Church; b). The Purpose-Driven Life, both by Rick Warren, and c) Surprising Insights from the Unchurched by Thom Rainer, CEO of LifeWay.

5. The top 5 various factors that changed for the comeback churches were: a) Prayer, b) Children's ministry, c) Evangelism, d) Youth ministry, e) Leadership.

Get a copy of these resources to your church leaders and pray for God to bring renewal to you and your church!