Can a Church Live Again?: The Revitalization of a 21st-Century Church.

Can a Church Live Again?: The Revitalization of a 21st-Century Church. By Ronny Russell. Macomb, GA: Smyth & Helwys, 2003. x and 134 pages. Paper. $14.00.

Russell, Senior Pastor of Mission Baptist Church in Locust, North Carolina, tells the story of moving his rural congregation from a program-based church to a mission-focused, disciplining church. While recovering from a heart attack at age 46 Russell reassessed his call to ministry at Mission Baptist. He realized that his current ministry and leadership style--"pastor as handy-man"--was a major factor in his stress and the lack of growth of his congregation. He moved from ministry governed by the three B's--budgets, bodies, and buildings--to ministry governed by "Does it make disciples? If it doesn't, it needs to be dropped or changed" (p. 27).

A recurrent theme is that transition ministry can be done only by a pastor who is clear that his or her call to that particular site is a divine appointment for the long haul. The cost to the pastor will be mental, emotional, and even spiritual fatigue. One can't go it alone. Pastors need to be surrounded by coaches--other mission pastors, good authors, and lay leaders who support the ministry as well as those who are opposite minded. Chapter 6 is devoted to Russell's intriguing and unique claim that each pastor and transitional ministry site needs a prophet. The prophet cannot be the pastor because of the complexity of the multitude of relationships.

What do missional congregations look like? It is clear that they have absolutely no function other than to make disciples. They do not have members, only ministers who are actively engaged in outreach. They are "maturity-oriented" (p. 57), that is, they look to the identified needs of the community, especially the marginalized, rather than primarily the needs of members. One makes this transition by bubbling-up leaders who can think outside the box and then supporting their inherent passions for ministry. Russell reminds us that at times we may also need grenade tossers who will upset the status quo.

Of course, these actions will lead to conflict. Old issues will resurface. Some members will leave. Some naysayers will stay and wear the battle as a sign of honor. Pastors must count the cost and be sure they can bear them for the long haul. They also must be clear about their priorities: "Choose carefully the hills you are willing to die on or you will die a thousand deaths" (p. 50). Also, to choose to not work for discipleship will create a long, painful death.

The title Can a Church Live Again? is derived from the Job verse "If a man dies, can he live again?" Russell reminds us that ultimately that decision belongs to God. However, we, like Job, need to faithfully respond, "All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come."

Unlike most authors of books on congregational transformation, Russell serves an established denominational congregation rather than a new mission start and can address the gifts and struggles inherent in such a setting. This is major benefit of the book. Its story format makes it an easy read. He quotes a great deal from Easum, Bandy, and Bill Hull.

This work would be strengthened by a bibliography of books referenced. And at times, the heavy male language and Russell's form of piety are off-putting.

Sr. Sheila Murphy, O.P.

Chicago Archdiocese