Revitalizing the Declining Church

“I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Barrett’s book and would recommend it to all pastors and anyone interested in kingdom advancement. How encouraging and inspirational are the stories of the pastors and local congregations seeking to find new life as well as transformational hope. I encourage you to read these stories and ask God how he can touch your hearts as we all seek to see congregations revitalized. I appreciate the emphasis on prayer included throughout the book. Thank you, Dr. Barrett, for this encouraging and hopeful book!”


—Ron Blake, District Superintendent, Indianapolis District, Church of the Nazarene





“A window into the spirit of kingdom building and the kingdom builder. Dr. Desmond Barrett’s new book journals the stories of ten congregations, their decline and revitalization in a changing culture, opening a picture of God’s continued creative redemptive plan in the body of Christ. Pastors and leaders, this is a must-read in an age of church decline. Dr. Barrett’s summary for each congregation opens windows to prayerfully consider as the Lord seeks to renew his church in this day and hour. My heart was encouraged and inspired by these kingdom-building pastors and congregations, the strength of God’s calling in very challenging circumstances, and the Holy Spirit’s extraordinary intervention.”


—Paul R. Hartley, District Superintendent, Alaska District, Church of the Nazarene





“Dr. Barrett is one of the most positive and visionary leaders I know. God has given him the unique ability to see things as possible that others see as unattainable and even hopeless. This short book on revitalizing the declining church will set a confident tone in any leader’s heart and give them a can-do spirit, which is an absolute necessity in today’s church climate. The words in this book not only come from his sincere heart, but also from his experience, which is rich with both disappointment and great success. I highly recommend this resource and the leadership perspective it provides to the local church.”


—Bret Layton, District Superintendent, West Virginia South District, Church of the Nazarene





“We have long needed a practical and insightful resource that provides hope and help for the church's revitalization. Dr. Desmond Barrett has given us that very thing. Read this book if you would love to see the church experience revitalization!”


—Timothy Crump, district superintendent, Southwest Indiana District, Church of the Nazarene





“Dr. Barrett gives hope and encouragement to the discouraged pastor and struggling church. I wish I had my hands on this work when I started at my first church. It was a struggling and declining church much like described in the pages before you. Dr. Barrett reminds the bride of Christ that it needs to pray and seek God for wisdom through reaching those in the community. This book speaks to the majority of churches today. There is one thing in common: for every turnaround church that prayed and sought God’s guidance, the communities were affected for Christ and the church was strengthened again—a true turnaround.”


—Douglas S. Wyatt, district superintendent, Eastern Kentucky District, Church of the Nazarene





“‘Can these bones live?’ Yes! Revitalizing the Declining Church: From Death’s Door to Community Growth is an insightful and inspiring read I highly recommend for every pastor and church leader. Dr. Desmond Barrett writes with passion for Christ and from personal pastoral experience as he shares ten relevant revitalization stories of struggle and victory from leaders on the frontlines of ministry. This book is a great reminder that new life is always possible through God’s faithfulness and the power of prayer.”


—Kyle Poole, district superintendent, Georgia District, Church of the Nazarene





“Dr. Desmond Barrett's book is a must-read for pastors and local churches who have become dissatisfied with the routine and mundane—declining attendances and lack of inspiration and hope, as well as lack of influence in their communities. The ten short stories of revitalization are strong, spiritual proof that God still works in and through faithful pastors and church leaders who are willing to step up instead of shrinking back from their God-called assignment!”


—Daniel W. Cole, district superintendent, Nebraska District, Church of the Nazarene