A brief resumé of my co-authored book ‘How to Close your Church without even Trying’! If I had to summarise ten churches’ best practices, I would include:

1. Handling diversity well

2. Encouraging shared, team ministry

3. Developing genuine, biblical servant leadership

4. Fostering good administrative practices

5. Having a vision for growth

6. Using relevant methods of communication, and doing it well

7. Basing the ministry on biblical, Christ-centred truth

8. Making small groups the basis for healthy networks and support

9. Constantly developing and training members at every level

10. Relating to all models of ‘family’ and relationships And for good measure:

11. Having a real pastoral heart

12. Making commitment essential

13. Evangelising, good-newsing, gossiping the Gospel – using words if you have to!

14. Making mission central, not an optional add-on for the keen ones.

15. Serving the community where you are

At least that’s a start…

Shalom, brother,

David Cohen

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