"We don't want our church to die."
The congregant's concern matches reliable data that shows the North American Church is, in fact, shrinking. The general adult population of the United States may have grown by a predictable fifteen percent in recent years, but the number of unchurched adults has also, meanwhile, increased by a more shocking ninety-two percent (source: The Barna Group).
Perhaps you've noticed: large church buildings that were filled in the 1950s and 60s now hold a fraction of their capacity. And recent research suggests that the perceived church growth of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s had more to do with a redistribution of believers than reaching the unchurched.
Overall, our churches are stagnant, in need of a return to healthy evangelistic growth.
Leading missiologist Ed Stetzer sheds new light on a crucial issue in Comeback Churches. Coauthored with pastor Mike Dodson, their exceptionally researched book reports on more than 300 formerly declining congregations across ten different denominations, ringing the bell about what it takes today to revitalize a weakened body of believers.

Ed Stetzer has served churches for 20 years, served as a seminary professor, and now is senior director of the Center for Missional Research at the North American Mission Board where he researchers churches and culture for more
effective ministry. He holds two masters and two doctoral degrees and has written dozens of articles and books including Breaking the Missional Code: Your Church Can Become a Missionary in Your Community.

Mike Dodson has served as a pastor and church planter strategist for more than ten years. He lives with his wife and children in Meadville, Pennsylvania.