The U Turn Church

You don't need to tell pastors that the majority of churches in America are in a state of stagnation or decline. Most of them are ministering in such a church. Now two pastors who turned their churches around show leaders how they can help usher in a new season of health, faithfulness, growth, and vision in their churches. The U-Turn Church walks readers through the roadblocks of tradition, lack of vision or leadership, structural problems, and concerns about denominational distinctives to forge a new way forward into a hope-filled future. Through the stories of two churches that have experienced healthy transformation, readers will see that there is not just one right way to reverse decline. They will receive practical help and wisdom born of experience as they begin their own U-Turn journey.

Two experienced pastors who have led church turn-arounds help leaders guide their churches out of decline and into a vital, growing future. Now in paper.

Combining current research with the authors’ trademark insight and analysis, U-Turn gives readers a unique view of the moral and spiritual condition of Americans and provides specific insights into how we can turn our nation around

Drawing on hundreds of case studies, a look at the psychology of major midlife U-turns examines the life-transforming phenomenon from a philosophical, literary, scientific, and psychological perspective to explain why it occurs.

Two young friends in love, separate unhappily after high school graduation. One to pursue his dream of wealth and prestige as he seeks the glitter of big city America. The other to remain in her beloved hometown on the banks of the Yellowstone River in southern Montana. Almost a lifetime later, their divergent pathways come together surprisingly in connection with the homestead cabin in which they had played as children. The struggles and twists in their life journeys eventually bring about a convergence of their two pathways. But can this convergence, after so many years, bring the changes in values and goals needed to align their lives once again? What will come of these U-turns in their roadways? And incidentally, what happened to the homestead cabin?

Beyond the Broken Church is a collection of heartfelt learnings from Sarah Cunningham, a young adult raised in the faith, about the church she's not always sure she wants to be part of. The book engages concerns of a disillusioned generation head on and offers hope and honest, practical ideas for moving beyond one’s frustrations. In the end Beyond the Broken Church tells a story that will be familiar to many: the journey of overcoming disillusionment and staying the course. This revised and expanded version of the popular book Dear Church revisits the existing book with additional chapters, fresh statistics, new insights into why people are leaving the church, and a resource guide for those who care about the disillusioned and want to understand them better. Beyond the Broken Church will be a breath of fresh air to others who have experienced frustration in church as well as an insider’s guide for those seeking to understand current trends in church attendance, particularly among the younger generation.

This book suggests that drastic reforms are required to reverse the ever-increasing size of the state, a trend experienced in most western nations. The report proposes a reassessment of the scale of government to achieve a reduction in taxation and spending.

In a world where we tend to be over-cautious about, well, nearly everything, it's no surprise that our obsession with safety can carry over to how we live our faith in the world. But it's always been risky to follow God, and Kevin Harney believes we are missing a vital part of our faith when we play it safe. In this energizing book, he challenges readers to count the cost, take a chance, and live a reckless faith for the entire world to see. With a focus on "responsible recklessness," Harney shows readers how to develop a faith that others notice, always supported by prayer, wisdom, the direction of Scripture, and insightful counsel from other believers. He outlines how to be reckless in our love, generosity, service, relationships, prayers, and speech. Perfect for pastors, small groups, or anyone who is tired of feeling domesticated and docile, this book will lead readers into a fresh devotion and dynamism in their faith.