Power Surge: 6 Marks of Discipleship for a Changing Church

Rating:
Summary: A book for all church "members"
Review: In a nutshell: Ever since the church received state sanction under the Emperor Constantine, Westerners became members largely because they were citizens in a Christian society. As Western civilization grew, so did the church. This membership mindset, according to Foss, is no longer viable in our post-Christian society. No longer does the church enjoy state, or even social sanction. And today, membership in organizations implies dues-paying for the purpose of receiving a benefit at best, and passivity at worst. Foss' answer is to replace our membership mindset with a discipleship mindset. While membership churches will lose steam in the decades ahead, discipleship churches will thrive. Foss then shares six marks he believes are central to discipleship.

This book is excellent because Foss puts clear words to the feelings that many of us have in our gut. I am using his book as the basis for a challenging Lenten sermon series in my congregation. My opening statement, "What if tomorrow we abolished the concept of membership at our church?" grabbed their attention and it has been held ever since. A large percentage of my congregation has purchased this book and is now reading it during our Lenten journey. I have received tons of positive feedback, and there is now a visible surge of passion for our congregation's future!

Rating:
Summary: At Long Last - Discipleship
Review: It was especially meaningful to note that this book was written by a Lutheran pastor. Power Surge is nothing less than a down-to-earth primer on how to go about becoming the kind of church Jesus had in mind. As a lifelong Lutheran who has found it difficult to watch his denomination in continual decline, Mike Foss' book provides a heartfelt glimmer of hope. It may not be too late for the mainline Protestant churches after all.

Power Surge discusses the church's decline, describes where we've been and explains why the old church membership model was doomed to fall short. Based on the practical, successful pastoral and discipleship experiences of the author, Power Surge outlines a dynamic and Biblical discipleship paradigm for the church. The essential aspects of leadership are explained, and the marks of individual and corporate discipleship are revealed and supported.

Power Surge moves beyond the theoretical, focusing on how to implement this fundamental shift within the life of a congregation, including the challenges and pitfalls to be encountered along the way.

In addition to presenting a needed discipleship vision for the church, each chapter provides questions for prayerful reflection. Power Surge works to renew the discipleship of each individual reader as well as each congregation.

A must read for every church leader!