Product Information

Overcoming Barriers to Church Growth | Proven Strategies for Taking Your Church to the Next Level 

(This work is an expanded version of Leadership Transitions for Growth, 2003 by Michael Fletcher)

Author / Michael Fletcher

Foreword by / C. Peter Wagner

ISBN / 9780764206870

Publisher / Bethany House Publishers (a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Publication Date / 2006

Format / Paperback (Softcover)

Language / English

Number of Pages / 144

Dimensions / 21.2 x 14 x 0.9 cm

Weight / 180 g

Author Description

Michael Fletcher is the senior pastor of Manna Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and leads Grace Churches International, a network of more than 300 churches in 43 countries. Since Michael became pastor of Manna in 1985, it has grown from 350 to 5,000 active members. He has a passion to see other pastors step beyond their current leadership barriers and watch their churches become all God intends for them. He and his wife, Laura, and their family make their home in Fayetteville. 

Product Description

Passionate about church growth, Michael Fletcher understands the obstacles pastors and church leaders face as they reach 100/200 and 700/800-member barriers. In clear language he lays out practical steps churches can follow to achieve the growth they desire. His strategies have proved effective not only in his church, which has grown dramatically, but also in the churches of Grace Churches International, a worldwide network of 315-plus churches that he leads. 


From the back cover of the book

"The best guidebook for pastors today." —from the foreword by C. Peter Wagner

Every growing church will hit certain numerical barriers, causing increased tension among the leadership as well as the congregation. This can stop the church in its tracks. In this practical book, Michael Fletcher skillfully defines the differences from one stage of a congregation's life to the next and gives clear, insightful steps on implementing key leadership strategies to bring new life and growth to any church.

You will learn

• The points where active membership ordinarily stalls out
• The changing roles of pastors and leadership teams at each growth stage
• How to facilitate strong relationships within the congregation...and more

Contents

Introduction: God Has a Plan for You and Your Church!

1 / The Power of Vision

2 / Every Stage Requires Change

3 / Church Growth Dynamics and Breaking Barriers

4 / Tension Points Produced by Growth Barriers

5 / Tension Produced by Improper Alignment

6 / "So, What About..?" (Frequently Asked Questions)

7 / What If the Church Is Not Growing at All?

A Final Word: Church Life Is a Team Sport