You Only Have to Die: Leading Your Congregation to New Life

Book Review
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Book Summary The author illustrates how the Christian life is about death and resurrection. He posits that the willingness to die brings forth a new life and hope for a better future. This transformation should start from the local church and spread worldwide. He notes that “new life comes from the ground up…” However, the transformation of the world requires the input of both newly-established and long-established congregations, provided they are all willing to die to rise to new life. He also reiterates that the problems facing today’s congregations are deeply rooted and cannot be fixed through superficial approaches. They require similarly deep-rooted transformations that begin with listening to the congregation’s heart to identify the things that are not working as they should. It also involves identifying the problem and asking for help from people who have experience transforming their congregation in the right direction. Further, it requires ensuring the congregation's survival before the issue can be thoroughly addressed through a spirit-filled prayer life among the congregants. Once the problem has been addressed, the congregation must be willing to change their ways to support the new life. Harnish discusses the importance of following God's calling by focusing on what lies ahead rather than what is behind. He reiterates the importance of being obedient to God. He also emphasizes that a healthy transformation in the congregation requires sharing "…a vision of the future that is better than the past," especially when the past has been glamorous. He further discusses congregational cardiomyopathy, characterized by a lack of a common, unifying vision that contributes to a future death. He further explains how pastoral leaders can define a vision and mission for their church; by listening to God's spirit for guidance. He also discusses the challenges of transformation to new life, including conflicting perspectives and the departure of some long-time church members, all because of a “hardness of heart” among the congregants. He also shares his leadership shortcomings and successes during the transformation period. The author illustrates the importance of vision and how allowing the congregation to take ownership of the vision is the key to powerful transformation in the church. He also shares practical steps for establishing a shared vision. He highlights the importance of considering a congregation's past, especially when defining the vision for the future. He further discusses the importance of centering transformation to a new life around persistent, obedient prayers guided by God's purpose for the world. Additionally, the author shares insights on how leaders can help their congregation live a transformed life. Questions such as “how will the church model the vision it has created for its future" arise. The book finally describes the habits of a healthy church, which include, but is not limited to, disciplined prayer and worship, a shared mission, and the love and grace of God. As he reflects on his journey, he allows other church leaders to refle...