Growing Spiritual Redwoods

Authors William Easum and Thomas Bandy argue that there are two types of churches in existence today--those that are perishing and those that are thriving. Growing Spiritual Redwoods pinpoints methods that sustain church growth and reveals how the archaic implementation of "dogma, doctrine, and historical knowledge" robs some churches from ministering to its members. According to the authors, putting aside "decision-makers" for "disciple-makers," church work for personal fulfillment, and hierarchy for organism are a few of the facets of change that will alter the leadership, worship, and methodology of any church, lending itself to further growth, evangelism, and outreach. While the authors are leading a growing trend of unconventional ways to church God's people, it is beneficial to remember that specific methodology is not necessarily capable of producing success--God's word has the capacity to change people no matter what the human motivation or program might be. Although Growing Spiritual Redwoods can seem like a business plan for church life, Easum and Bandy give substantial documentation and practical application for what works to make a strong 21st-century church. --Jill Heatherly