Let’s see, I have read: Comeback Churches, Planting Missional Churches, Simple Church, Breakout Churches and…. no, I think that’s it. I have read a lot of books by Ed Stetzer and Thom Rainer. This new book, Transformational Church “creating a new scorecard for congregations” feels more like the duo’s “latest album” than it does a brand new book.

Right off, let me say that I liked it, it was a good read – but in a lot of ways it seemed to take the same approach Comeback Churches did. As researchers they set perimeters and then had churches qualify based on those. Next they sent them a questionnaire and compiled the research. A Transformational Church was one that grew by 10% in five years; and had a significant number of those attending involved in some type of ‘small group’ activity. Of those churches that responded the authors concluded that there were 7 key areas of focus (and you probably already know what they are):

1. Mission

2. Leadership

3. Relation

4. Prayer

5. Worship

6. Community

7. Evangelism

Now, of course I have simplified it, and the book goes into much greater detail as to how those keys play out, but that is pretty much the gist of it. All in all I read through the book pretty fast. I nodded in agreement to much of it, but didn’t really underline anything. I would say, if you have books by these guys, you might not need to pick this up (unless you just have to subdue your new book fix, in which case I understand), but if you have not read any of their books this is certainly the one to pick up.

I think the resources that come out of this study and the church diagnostic tool, the retreats and curriculum will be more of a benefit in the long run for churches, and so I will certainly watch with interest how those pan out in the coming months. ( )