Bob Russell and Rusty Russell, When God Builds a Church: 10 Principles for Growing a Dynamic Church. Howard Books, 2000.
Referenced in: Research and Case Studies on Effective Churches
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Bob Russell is one of the most respected ministers in America, and understandably so. This is not only because of his success as a minister, but for his personal integrity. In this book, Russell describes the principles that played out over the 30-plus years he served the Southeast Christian Church in Louisville. In that period of time, the church grew from 125 to over 16,000, went from an annual budget of eighteen thousand dollars to eighteen million dollars, and navigated five building programs and two complete relocation projects. His belief is that if any church is characterized by the same ten principles that were instrumental in the Southeast story, regardless of the methods one chooses to implement them, God will bless their efforts as well.
Russell’s characteristic humility is seen in the caveats he offers toward the beginning of the book. He is careful to point out that the methods implemented at Southeast Christian Church may not work for everyone, yet he believes that the timeless principles that undergird the methods should be enlisted by every congregation that intends to glorify Jesus Christ. He also affirms that not every church will experience explosive numerical growth, as the real measures of effectiveness are faithfulness to the Word, conformity to Jesus Christ, and ministry to those in need.
Any church leader will be better reading this descriptive account of how God has worked in the ministry of the Southeast Christian Church, and to hear it through the heart and soul of a seasoned and dedicated servant whom God used in such a powerful way.
From the Publisher
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 Authors
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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