Thom S. Rainer Boeken

The simple revolution is here. From the iPod design to Google’s uncluttered homepage, simple ideas are changing the world. Multi-awarded #1 national bestseller Simple Church guides Christians back to the simple gospel-sharing methods of Jesus. No bells or whistles required. Based on case studies of 400 American churches, Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger prove the disciple-making process is often too complex. Simple churches thrive by taking four ideas to Clarity. Movement. Alignment. Focus. Simple Church examines each idea, clearly showing why it is time to simplify.

How are we doing as a church? Traditionally, success has been measured by "bodies, budget, and buildings," focusing on attendance, offerings, and physical space. However, this narrow scorecard overlooks critical aspects like accountability, discipleship, and spiritual maturity, leading to fewer transformed lives and diminishing Christian influence across North America. It’s time to rethink our metrics. Ed Stetzer and Thom S. Rainer emphasize that while the declining American church is often highlighted negatively, we should also focus on the God of hope and transformation. Their research, based on a comprehensive study involving over 7,000 churches and numerous interviews with pastors, reveals thriving congregations where life change is the norm. The authors stress the significance of disciple-making through active biblical engagement, prayerful dependence on God, and intentional participation in mission and ministry. As churches embrace these principles, the result will be more individuals following Christ, believers deepening their faith, and churches positively impacting their communities. The journey of transformation begins now.