This book offers a lifeline to struggling pastors and declining churches that is based on insightful analysis of our culture’s malaise and drift away from the church, sound biblical and theological reflections on the mission of the church, and a sociological study of churches in the Atlanta area. DeClaisse-Walford, himself a pastor, offers specific, practical steps any church can take to transform its congregational ethos, engage its community, and develop a holistic ministry grounded in biblical principles. Need immediate help? Read Part 3. Want to know why it will work? Read the rest of the book!

—R. Alan Culpepper
Dean, McAfee School of Theology

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“Why can’t our church reach this community?” That question is probably asked thousands of times across the nation in church after church. So many programs have been tried often with little result. It is no wonder that laypersons and pastors alike seem to be at a loss. Yet the answer is not in new programs. The answer is contained in the core of Steve de Claisse-Walford’s assertion that only those who believe totally in the gospel, who view the truth of the gospel as intrinsic to their faith as breath is to life, can hope to challenge effectively the world around them. Churches that are holistic live out the gospel in just such a way. And as a result, they radiate health that touches all of life. With meticulous research, Dr. de Claisse-Walford has examined churches that live and breathe the gospel and found in them a significant key to growth and holistic ministry that changes lives. He carefully outlines the key components that are essential if the church is going to be anything other than just a gathering place on Sunday mornings. And what he suggests is not the mad rush of religious activities but a new definition of what the church’s mission is to be-immersed within the community ever moving outward to the world.

—Ronald W. Johnson, Th.D
Professor of Mission and Evangelism
McAfee School of Theology
Mercer University

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Missional themes in books have become almost popular. Holistic missional theology, however, is not popular. It is as expensive as being crossbearers and followers of Christ and involves the continuing conversion of churches. Steve’s book is a welcome and thoughtful contribution to help us understand the challenge, the joy, and the way towards being and becoming holistically missional. This book will help congregations discover the core of what it means to be and to become missional. Holistic churches, as described in the book, are indeed the “only possible hermeneutic of the Gospel.

—Prof Dr Malan Nel
Director Centre for Contextual Ministry
University of Pretoria, South Africa