Those applauding the book are themselves leading lights in the field of practical ecclesiology, and we know that we can therefore expect a study that is theologically astute, as well as empirically grounded. James' book does not disappoint. * Martyn Percy, Ecclesiology: The Journal for Ministry, Mission and Unity * As a practical theologian, James engages the data with theological reflection to offer practical wisdom to church planters. Anyone who is closely monitoring ecclesiological trends in the U.S. church will find ample points of interest in this work... I can attest firsthand to the relevance the study contained in this volume. It is methodologically sound, and its findings are practically useful. Given the nature of a survey-based study, James's presentation is
accessible, and the reader is not buried in the minutiae of statistics. * D. Alan Blanc, Davis College, Johnson City, NY, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society * With the broad scope of the project and its methodological innovation, scholars of multiple disciplines will find this work helpful, including, but not limited to practical theology, sociology of religion, homiletics, liturgical studies, and missiology. Practitioners will likely be drawn toward the latter chapters in which James makes his practical constructive proposals. Overall, this book is well-conceived and executed. It deserves careful attention for classrooms,
churches, and theological libraries. * Nelson Cowan, Boston University, Boston, MA, Homiletic: The Journal of the Academy of Homiletics * Rather than lamenting the secularization of Seattle and the closing of churches, J[ames] presents rich data and bold advice to take advantage of what he sees and the opportunity for church growth presented by a progressive, secularizing, technologically driven, and proudly diverse society. * Kelly Colwell, Theological Studies * Missiologists well as church planters who are interested in launching faithful churches, and not just numerically large churches, will appreciate James' focus on both practice and theology... Church planters, as well as ecclesial leaders responsible for nurturing church planting movements, who believe that engaging an increasingly post-Christian U.S. is vital to missional faithfulness will find this book incredibly insightful and informative. * Jack Jackson, Witness: Journal of the Association for Evangelism in Theological Education * ... a great book, not just a good one. * Nigel Rooms, Church Mission Society, Oxford and The Queen's Foundation, Birmingham, UK, Practical Theology * Writing a list of must reads for a missional church or fresh expression this book should definitely be one among the top ten. One can read it alone as a page turner, but better results will appear while using it as a study tool discussing it with others. The latter would definitely be more in line with the author's purpose of writing the book. * Kristine Stache, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA, Ecclesial Futures * The author's weaving together of sociological and ecclesiological insights to describe and evaluate current models and offer proposals for church planting in a post-Christian context is exemplary. Hopefully it will stimulate others to do this kind of research and writing, something that the author facilitates by including his methodology and survey questions. * Richard Hibbert, Missiology * The strength of his work lies in his synthesis of work across different fields... James consistently shows not only answers, but a system for questioning and reconsidering established forms and practices. It allows his work to be applicable in multiple ways, and opens up an ecumenism that should be useful in the church's more general movement as well as specific locales. * Justin Cober-Lake, Englewood Review of Books *