Estimates are that as many as three-quarters of mainline Christian congregations are located in small towns or rural areas -- and many of these areas are diminishing in population. So is it inevitable that small town and rural churches will decline in membership and close in the next few decades?
"Not necessarily " says Gary Exman. During his years as the pastor of a small-town parish, his congregation reversed the trend and grew dramatically. By applying the principles of the "church growth" movement, Exman's church revitalized a dying Sunday school, increased average worship attendance by 50 percent, and quadrupled church offerings.
"Get Ready... Get Set... GROW " is a practical handbook that shows how you can achieve results like that in your congregation as well. Exman identifies the unique problems facing small town and rural churches, and in this book he offers proven strategies for conquering the cancer of declining membership and building stronger congregations.
There is untapped potential in the small towns and open country of our land -- and "Get Ready... Get Set... GROW " can help you discover it.
Gary W. Exman is the pastor of Stonybrook United Methodist Church in Gahanna, Ohio. A speaker, evangelist, and church growth consultant, Exman has also served as the president of the United Methodist Church's Council on Evangelism. He is a graduate of Taylor University, Scarritt College, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary.

Jesus' resurrection is a time for setting earthquakes shaking in the soul. The seven excellent Easter messages in this book will help to make that happen in your congregation. Leonard Budd and Roger Talbott have combined well-crafted stories, most of them imaginative fiction pieces, with solid exposition of texts from Old and New Testaments. These messages will provide preaching resources for the entire Easter season.
Two additional resources expand the usefulness of this volume:
- Prayers and readings for each Sunday follow each message.
- There are study/discussion questions for an adult forum group which can assemble following worship, or in the week following, to discuss the message. Each set of questions is preceded by "group-builder" get-acquainted and growth exercises.
Leonard H. Budd is pastor of Lakewood United Methodist church in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. Roger G. Talbott is a United Methodist pastor in North Madison, Ohio.

Enter this provocative collection of inspirational and often amusing anecdotes, one-liners, poems, and parables, and share in the "Inspirations of Artichokes" and "The Strength of a Child," learn to recognize "A Living Thief" and a "Burma Buddhist," and experience the self-realization of "The Gossiping Preacher."
These 201 gentle lessons in faith, love, and Christian living will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone.
The volume includes a handy topical index, and is perfect for pastors and laypersons who need a humorous or poignant anecdote, an illustration for a sermon or speech, a short message for a bulletin or newsletter -- or a ray of sunshine on a rainy day.
Charles W. Byrd is manager of Cokesbury Books and Church Supplies, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a division of the United Methodist Publishing House. He attended Berea College and the University of North Carolina and is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Duke Divinity School.