Many mainline congregations have experienced loss of participants due to many factors. One of the attractive features of this short book is the no-nonsense approach of its authors. The prescription for renewal involves a clearly stated journey. It involves defining a mission, taking the contemporary communication culture seriously, and organizing to implement the mission selected. Piazza and Trimble argue that the key to renewal is for a congregation to become a transformational community where lives are changed and the community is served. It involves a sense of being “born pregnant” - the clear expectation of growth. But, it also involves a serious understanding of contemporary stewardship, transformational leadership skills, transformational mission engagement, and transformational worship. This easy to read book could be used as an all-church study or leadership guide. Included is a small group study guide. Michael Piazza is senior pastor of Virginia-Highland Church in Atlanta; Cameron Trimble is executive director of the Center for Progressive Renewal.

Reviewed by Brian Witwer