Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing: How Leaders Can Overcome Costly Mistakes
- ISBN13: 9780310285304
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Based on interviews with pastors of growing churches, as well as personal experience, this book identifies the most common mistakes pastors make that keep otherwise healthy churches from reaping the harvest God has prepared. Each chapter spotlights a common mistake, gives real-life examples, uses a generous dose of humor, and provides a practical course of action to recover from the error. The book draws from the experience of Seacoast Church as well as pastors such as Craig Groeschel, Chris H
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Blog Review,
So I am sure your first question is are there really only ten? If anything I bet Surratt really listed 10 big categories with tons of stupid ideas and mistakes that every church does. As a Campus Minister in campus ministry some of these mistakes are not so applicable yet still many are all too familiar. About a month ago Geoff Surratt offered a free copy of his most recent book “Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing” to the first 10 people responded. Whenever I see something free offered I always jump at it. I will read a book that has nothing to do with anything I care about and review it if it is free. Though I do not work for a church per se this book was still applicable in campus ministry to really have myself and our staff ask if there is anything we are doing to hinder the opportunity for growth.
The book breaks down 10 core areas where people in ministry hinder growth. Surratt refers to them as stupid because once you read his thoughts its easy to laugh how stupid they yet convicting at the same time when I see how I have done and still do some of these things in my area of ministry. The ten things that Surratt lists are
Leaders do it all
Establishing Wrong role for the pastor’s family
Second rate worship experiences
Low quality children’s ministry
Promoting talent over integrity
Clinging to bad location
Copying another Successful Church
Favor discipline over Reconciliation
Mixing ministry and Business
Letting committees steer the ship
Right off the bat I knew I would like this book when Geoff mentioned his love for diet coke. The stupid mistake that hit home with me the most was my control issue. The idea that I can lead everything and at a better level than others. As I type this it sounds ridiculous but it is so true. As I read the chapter on leaders doing it all I felt like a mirror was being held up to my face. Geoff really hit it home with me when he explained that the role of the leader is to equip those around us to do works of service (Ephesians 4). Doesn’t sound too profound does it? When it became an “aha moment” to me was when he explained that when a leader does it all he is not just doing his biblical role because he or she is taking all the works of service. This has been a major humbling for me as I look at how I direct CCF. Humbling yes indeed but even more freeing than humbling.
Another strength of the books was Geoff’s use of input from other great visionaries such as Perry Noble, Craig Groeschel, Mark Batterson and many others. This input through interviews at the end of each chapter was also very valuable. What makes this book different from many others is that it is not a blue print to be another Seacoast Church (where Geoff pastors). I feel like a lot of the time books on church planting and “success” are all about imitation. The most encouraging moment to me was when Geoff explained that without God’s power and presence that no church has a chance at growth. Geoff even makes it clear that it is not about imitating other churches rather leading and how God has created you and your church to be under a God given vision not a Bill Hybells or Rick Warren vision. The good and the bad news is that this book does not tell you what to do rather gives you questions (at the end of each chapter) to examine your area of ministry and discuss as a staff. I am thankful for a book that does not give answers rather leaves you examining the way you lead your ministry and sends you to God for a clearer vision and the way to go about it.
http://michaelmears.com/2009/05/05/10-stupid-things-churches-do-geoff-surratt/
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|http://bradpost.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-have-recently-finished-reading-ten.html,
I have recently finished reading Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches From Growing by Geoff Surratt. I have been a diligent reader this year in the areas of church growth, leadership development, parenting and marriage. I will have to say that this book is in my top two books I have read in the area of church growth. I would compare this book to It by Craig Groeschel. Let me tell you why; Geoff has a great sense of humor and it is evident throughout the book. I really like his sense of humor and it reminds me of Craig’s writing.
Geoff does an amazing job with his resources and research. You can tell that he has done a ton of research on this subject and he has the references throughout the book to back it up. At the end of each chapter he does a great job at introducing other successful pastors in the ministry and asks them a series of questions in relation to the subject written in each chapter.
My suggestion is for every church leader to read this book and even go through it as a staff. The insight you will get from this book will help you to make great decisions in the future and minimize mistakes in the future.
At the end of each chapter he also has a series of questions to ask yourself and even discuss with other leaders in your church. I really think Geoff has done an amazing job in writing this book. I am a huge fan and can’t wait to read more of his stuff.
Great job Geoff!!
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|Not Just for Pastors,
“Ten Stupid Things” is a great book that WILL help pastors recognize and avoid pitfalls that will keep their churches from growing. This is great, but since I am not a Sr. Pastor I was a little skeptical about the book’s relevance to my life and walk. As a volunteer worship leader, though, I quickly learned that I was making some stupid mistakes
About halfway through the first chapter I realized that this book would be one that I would keep within arms reach, like a handbook for not being stupid in ministry. I have already used some of Geoff’s advice to improve our weekend service experience.
Don’t be stupid. Get this book and buy an extra copy for somebody who you love. (and who knows you well enough to know that you aren’t calling them stupid) You will laugh, as Geoff is a very witty writer, but you will also be challenged and you will take a look at how you do ministry.
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