When God Builds a Church: 10 Principles for Growing a Dynamic Church (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Rusty Russell (Author) "Several months before we moved into our new church building in 1998, our ministry staff met at the new site for a special staff meeting..." (more)
Key Phrases: things with excellence, new choruses, relocation project, Jesus Christ, God's Word, Holy Spirit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

• Can the church truly be the "city on a hill that cannot be hidden" that Jesus talked about in the Sermon on the Mount?
• Can it grow large enough to attract throngs of seekers and yet be loving enough to care for each individual that comes?

Bob Russell, pastor of Southeast Christian Church -- one of the largest and fastest growing churches in America -- says that it most certainly can. But it can only be done when we are submissive to God's will and allow Him to build that church. In the pages of this far-sighted, uncompromising book, Bob Russell and his son Rusty share the ten principles upon which this remarkable church was founded. Throughout the book, you will see God's mighty power at work in a church that began in 1962 with only 50 members and has now grown to over 14,000 and has become a bustling "city on a hill" whose beaming faith powerfully impacts its community and the world. This book shares not only the story of one of the most amazing churches in America but also the story of what your church can become as you follow these ten time-tested principles and allow God to build your church.

About the Author

God has blessed Bob Russell with a life much different than one he could have ever imagined. As a young man growing up in northern Pennsylvania, Bob had intended on becoming a high school basketball coach in his hometown. During his senior year of high school, however, Bob realized a desire in his heart to enter the ministry. Soon thereafter, he enrolled in Cincinnati Bible Seminary where he graduated in 1965.

At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Today that small congregation of 120 members has become one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend.

Bob and his wife Judy have been married for forty years. They have two married sons who live in Louisville and are active at Southeast, and six grandchildren with whom they enjoy spending their time.

An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books. He also has a weekly column in The Lookout, a magazine printed by Standard Publishing. A highly respected speaker, Bob is heard weekly on the Living Word, a nationally syndicated radio program. In his leisure time he enjoys playing golf and is an avid University of Louisville basketball fan.

Bob Russell's gift of humor and insight, along with his unyielding commitment to honesty and integrity, will inspire the hearts of those who listen to consider Biblical truths as they relate to life in contemporary culture.

Rusty Russell is an associate minister at Southeast Christian Church, where his father, Bob Russell, is senior minister. As a member of the preaching staff, Rusty works behind the scenes in sermon preparation, research,and writing. He is a graduate of Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary and is pursuing a master of divinity at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before coming to the staff of Southeast, Rusty served as a preaching minister, teacher, and Christian school administrator.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158229125X
• ISBN-13: 978-1582291253
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #332,811 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vision Inspiring, Faith Challenging and Real Life Practical, July 31, 2000

By	Todd Hudnall (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're looking for a church growth book containing new innovations, slick marketing techniques or cutting edge theory, "When God Builds A Church" is not the book I'd recommend. Instead, Bob Russell relates ten basic principles for healthy church growth that have been tried and proven extremely effective in the laboratory of the local church. Southeast Christian Church is a church Christ is using to make a big difference in their community and one other churches should learn from. Though Bob argues for his personal preference in worship style and church government, the emphasis of the book is a presentation of universal principles for effective church ministry. Within the ranks of Bible-believing Christians, "When God Builds A Church" is very inclusive and non-sectarian. The book is vision inspiring, faith challenging and "real life" practical. The best thing about the book is that it leaves you believing if God can do something great through Bob, He can do something great through me. I highly recommend the book to all pastors and church members wanting to grow a healthy and effective church.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Principles for Consideration, December 21, 2002

By	Leo Lauffer "leonlauffer" (Keizer, OR United States) - See all my reviews

In this interesting and highly readable book, the author identifies and discusses "ten principles for growing a dynamic church." They are:

1. Truth: Proclaim God's Word as Truth and Apply it to People's Lives
2. Worship: Worship God Every Week in Spirit and in Truth
3. Leadership: Develop Christ-Centered Leaders Who Lead by Example
4. Excellence: Do Your Best in Every Area of Service
5. Faith: Be Willing to Step Out with a Bold Faith and Take Risks
6. Harmony: Maintain a Spirit of Harmony
7. Participation: Expect the Congregation to Participate in Every Area of Ministry
8. Fellowship: Continually Practice Agape Love for One Another
9. Stewardship: Give Generously of God's Resources as a Church and as Individuals
10. Evangelism: Commit Enthusiastically to Evangelism as Your Primary Mission

The author devotes a separate chapter to each of these principles in which he describes its scriptural basis and discusses its implementation in real life settings. This discussion includes a wealth of very practical information and advice on how to apply the principles effectively, and how to avoid or overcome stumbling blocks and problems.

Although one may disagree with the precise way in which the principles have been applied in the author's own "mega-church," the principles themselves appear fundamentally sound and can profitably be adapted in other congregational settings.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When God Builds A Church, July 20, 2000

By	Barry Cameron (Arlington, TX, USA) - See all my reviews

If you liked the Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren, you're going to love WHEN GOD BUILDS A CHURCH by Bob Russell. This is destined to be a classic and a "must-have" book for every pastor and church leader in America. After you've read the book you'll want to visit the Southeast Church in Louisville. But, be prepared...you'll never be the same again.