| reviewed by Dr. Randy Hardman
Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church
by Ron Crandall
Abingdon Press, 1995
With a strong interest in small-membership church needs throughout my ministry, I was drawn to Dr. Ron Crandall's book, Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church. Published in 1995 by Abingdon Press, Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church is one of the books in Abingdon's "Effective Church Series."
Dr. Crandall, a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, previously worked with small churches as an evangelism director for the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.
Dr. Crandall's is one of the best books written about turnaround strategies. He begins with an overview of the many strategies that have been identified by turnaround pastors. He noted that these strategies are found in different combinations throughout the many churches that have become turnaround churches. He noted that the top three skills — though not always in a one, two, three order — were (1) loving people, (2) having people skills, and (3) preaching.
Dr. Crandall explains that the most important role of the pastor is that of visionary, followed closely by enabling, facilitating, and spiritual leadership. With these strategies in mind, Dr. Crandall moved his attention toward the process of beginning the turnaround. He talks about four areas of turnaround:
- Turning toward the Spirit;
- Sidestepping the obstacles;
- Turning toward others; and
- Developing disciples.
The four chapters that follow the areas of turnaround strategies help the church look to ministry. These chapters are best for pastors who are sensing a need for a turnaround in the churches they are serving. While a lay leader could benefit from reading this work, it would not be as helpful for the congregation.
To evaluate the need for turnaround strategies, Crandall suggests that readers consider:
- Congregational confidence
- Concerns for unreached people
- Effective pastoral leadership
- Loving atmosphere
- Vision
- Spiritual renewal
- Inspirational preaching and worship
- Growth
- Prayer emphasis
- New programs
- Willingness to take risks
If any of these ministries — or a combination of them — exists in the negative, this book could be a significant help to a pastor and congregation.
(August 18, 2000)
Please see "Using Publications to Reflect on Ministry in Your Congregation" for ideas about using this resource in a study group.
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