The Youth and Christian Education Department have announced the annual “Book of the Year” recommendation for the Advance in Ministry/Church Training Course for local churches. The title is No Church Left Behind – Your Church Can Be G.R.E.A.T. by Dr. Raymond F. Culpepper.
AIM/CTC is a program adopted by the Church of God in the 1950’s for local congregations. Through the years the program has spotlighted dozens of books and resources which churches use for training and worker enrichment. Upon completion of an outlined study curriculum, a certificate of completion is awarded.
A recent issue of Outreach magazine featured the 100 largest and the 100 fastest-growing churches in the United States. The list included both old and young churches. The article related how God is touching churches and divine energy across America with a new vision for numerical growth. Dr. Culpepper recognized this move and was spiritually prompted to write a book to assure every local congregation that it is God’s will that “no church be left behind.”
In his book, Culpepper outlines a “growth journey.” The word G.R.E.A.T. in the subtitle stands for grace, relationship, evangelistic, anointed, and tenacious. “When the Scriptural patterns outlined in these words are set in motion a church will experience transforming miracles and explosive growth,” Culpepper writes.
The “Ten Marks of a Healthy Church” in chapter seven will take the reader on a fascinating case study of the church at Antioch. This journey, which includes spiritual gifts, personal stewardship, worship, vision, and authority form a structure for internal enrichment and external evangelism and expansion.
Elmer L. Towns, co-founder of Liberty University and dean of the School of Religion, made this statement about No Church Left Behind. “I believe Raymond Culpepper was anointed by God to write this book. This is not your usual book on building a church or church growth principles. This book is about the presence of God in your life and the power of God in your ministry. When I read the story of the pledge Raymond’s dying father asked him to make, I was deeply touched by God, and I believe you will be touched by God also.”
G. Dennis McGuire, general overseer of the Church of God said, “As you read this book, you will be led along a clear path a keeping the Holy Spirit fresh which results in GREAT local churches?vibrant, missional-centered, and spiritually contagious.”
No Church Left Behind can be ordered from Pathway Press by calling 423-476-4512 or (for church order only) 1-800-553-8506. The Web site is www.pathwaybookstore.com where the book and related materials, including a media packet, can be ordered.