In this study of church growth and membership retention, Smith argues that if a church is to survive, it must concentrate on keeping its present members as well as attracting new ones. Interviewing people from 600 churches of various sizes and reviewing the causes of membership decline and retention in those churches, Smith asserts that churches must meet members' needs in order to attract and keep them.

Over a period of years, Donald Smith probed, analyzed, interpreted, and reinterpreted data pertaining to what makes for effective ministry. Through all his research, one fact kept emerging: Pastors who focus on empowering others are recognized as the most effective in their ministry. Empowering Ministry distills the best information about cultivating an effective ministry stance from the voices of several hundred highly effective congregational leaders, offering readers the benefit of many lifetimes of pastoral experience. Smith deals extensively with how pastors empower others, as well as with how they have been and continue to be empowered themselves. He also discusses the requisite skills needed for motivating and energizing others. The book offers a realistic look at life in the ministerial pressure cooker and confronts the issues of stress and burnout. Specific steps the reader can take to grow and nurture an effective ministry are included. Empowering Ministry is for pastors who are enriching their work, for the seminary student preparing for ministry, and for anyone working closely with their pastors in a quest for maximum pastoral effectiveness.

A communications specialist discusses communication in the local church--advertising, talking with the media, communicating with members, and utilizing technology. Includes helpful forms, checklists, and examples from cutting-edge churches.

Reach Me with Smiles is a useful resource that will enhance teacher effectiveness, merging six approaches that can be used in any teaching context. How do you teach a lesson that will assist with growth? Teachers and leaders stimulate, motivate, involve, love, encourage, and strengthen students. The concept is recommended for teacher development to improve existing skills for independent or group study: Examine how to equip persons who make disciples of others, a core value of Christian ministry Keep lessons fresh as you remain equipped and updated with what God has called you to do Consider unique characteristics of Gods creationyour students Discover how to be intentional about teaching others how to demonstrate their faith Distinguish between disciple and disciple maker as a part of increasing effectiveness Examine processes to assist Christians with equipping the body of believers Explore how to escort church members toward becoming more mature Christians Equip servants to build strong foundations for transformational ministry in the church and community Uncover practical strategies for the local church or in service to the community The user-friendly layout considers teacher preparation as a process, offers suggestions to help teachers self-evaluate regularly, and provides a ready reference for specific skills with confidence. The investment of teaching, training, and equipping saints enriches and empowers Christian education. Reach Me with SMILES is a handy source for developing and nurturing spiritual growth, changing lives, and winning souls for the kingdom. Teachers, leaders, or anyone exploring teaching will be edified and empowered to sail away, reaching others for Christ.