Description
Book SynopsisIn recent years a new buzzword has appeared on the church scene - Revitalization.
Unlike marketing buzzwords this concept carries with it real substance and stands to make a lasting impact on the church. This idea, used specifically about the local congregation, carries with it the hope of renewed vigor; redirected purpose; restoration of healthy growth and the refreshments of the Holy Spirit over the entire life of the church.
It is Mike Ross's premise that churches in need of revitalization need revitalized pulpits. The challenge is for Pastors to lead the revitalization of declining congregations through the primacy of the pulpit. Why? - because Church revitalization can never be maintained unless it is the product of a Biblical pulpit.
Mike perceptively examines historic and contemporary preaching and assesses which changes are necessary for church revitalization. He then proposes practical steps that can be taken to 'rebirth' the local church through revitalized preaching.
Trade Review'Not many books on church revitalization these days see preaching as crucial, at least not expository preaching. So it is both a relief and blessing to listen to wise, tested counsel from a minister of the Word who has put his method into practice...'
-- J. Ligon Duncan III, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi (Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary)
'This excellent book argues that church revitalization can never take place and be maintained unless it is the product of vital expository preaching. As evangelicals, have we lost confidence in pulpits, preachers and preaching, reducing the proclamation of the living Word of God to mere explanation? The bottom line is that the revitalizing of the Church necessitates first a revitalization of preaching. We either heed the call or drift.'
-- Robin Sydserff, The Proclamation Trust, London (Minister, Chalmers Church, Edinburgh)
Preaching for Revitalization is a long overdue guide to reverse the slide of the Church into spiritual slumber.
-- James C. Bland (Coordinator, Mission to North America Presbyterian Church in America)
'A clarion call on the need for biblical preaching by a seasoned and effective preacher designed to encourage preachers to preach better, to God's glory and with a view to seeing the Holy Spirit pour forth blessing. I highly recommend it as vital reading for every preacher.'
-- Derek W. H. Thomas, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi (Senior Minister of Preaching and Teaching, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina)
"He takes us into the heart experiences of those who hear the revitalising Word, and humbly describes the congregation of trinity Church 'Often people weep during the sermons. Some have lingered long after the services in a spirit of prayer. And still others have been moved to confession of sin and to seek counselling for help in troubled areas of their lives' Others have left the church!
Ten of the twenty chapters in this thoroughly commendable book refer to Christological, ecclesiastical, missiological, doctrinal, and ethical themes, with a strong appeal for preaching with deliberate balance. But the first step in revitalisation is said to be a discovery of Christ and what he has done. Then the flame of love for him which burns in the heart of the preacher will ignite the church with similar devotion. According to this book there is real hope for dying churches. This much needed news is worth reading"
-- Timothy Alford, Stowmarket, Grace Magazine, January 2007
'...both readable and extremely helpful. Michael wonderfully affirms Biblical preaching and does not allow cultural fads to diminish our confidence in God's promise to save men and women through the "foolishness of preaching," he does point out the appropriate ways to connect to the culture without being conformed by it.'
-- Harry L. Reeder, III, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama ((1948 – 2023) Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama)
