American Society for Church Growth - Book Review
The Life Giving Church: Empowering Believers to Be Jesus‚ Hands in the World
Ted Haggard, senior pastor of the 7,000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs, is a leader in the Apostolic Church Movement. These churches are typically free from excessive control by denominations or church structures. Haggard's purpose is to give encouragement and support to pastors whom God has called to lead an apostolic church.
In the first chapter, "My Foundations," Haggard tells of his call to ministry. New Life Church was birthed to fulfill this vision through a church that is "simple, effective, innovating, and empowering." Many of the chapters give insights into the practical operations of New Life Church. The emphasis is on spiritual vitality in ministry through a simple organizational structure.
Fasting and prayer for God's direction are a common thread throughout the book."The Stages of Growth and Crisis" (chapter five), analyzes the stages of growth and the corresponding crises, which lead to the next stage of growth. "Etiquette That Sustains" (chapter six), gives practical suggestions on protocol for tenure, particularly for associate pastors.
Chapter seven, "Small Group Ministry in a Free-Market Society," explains how a philosophy of small groups is formed by understanding the social/economic strata of a church's members. Chapter 11 on youth ministry is a refreshing view on the significance of youth pastors for empowering the future of the church.
The final chapter gives New Life's By-Laws, which show the structure and accountability built into the New Life Church system. Haggard gives us a view of why New Life Church is effective in empowering believers.
Apostolic pastors will find encouragement, and established church leaders will gain a new appreciation for how God is working through apostolic churches.
Reviewed by Harold D. Hagglund, Church Consultant and Adjunct Professor at George Fox University, Newberg, Oregon.
This review was originally published in Strategies for Today's Leader.