Perhaps it’s ironic that this book starts with a chapter on church growth. After all, lots of other things are normally on the front burners for vestries: financial stability, church attendance, pledging, buildings and grounds.

Truth be told, we’re taking our clue here from Jesus. Like bookends, his words and actions inviting others into the Christian life opened and closed his earthly ministry. So we figure there can’t be a better starting point.

Have courage. Have fun. And most of all, have faith.