Description
Renowned for preaching, and the growth of his church, Cathedral International, from 125 members to over 7,000 today, Bishop Donald Hilliard shows church leaders how to grow spiritually healthy congregations. Among the topics covered:
• an understanding of healthy vs. unhealthy church growth
• the mega-church phenomenon
• satellite, extension churches and new church plants
• prophetic preaching
• purposeful prayer
• having the right foundation for growth, including: vision
• the centrality of Christ
• biblical preaching
• the priority of holy living
• sound doctrine
• being people-oriented rather than program-oriented
• the importance of tithing
• good Christian education
Completing the resource is a list of ideas for programs and activities that, based on his experience, will enable churches to become all that God wants them to be.
Reviews
"Donald Hilliard has written a useful, and approachable book that addresses church growth from a number of angles. The book could be considered a vital component of any pastor's toolkit, but in addition it is useful for members of church administration and even people who may be looking for a church home. The author did a wonderful job supporting his opinions on the topic with scripture references and presents numerous ideas that will be useful for churches looking to improve their organizational structure." —Stacey Seay, The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (as posted on Amazon.com)
"Church Growth From An African American Perspective is Pastor Donald Hilliard's charge to active church groups to adopt and integrate a healthy Christian/biblical model for congregation growth and development. Senior pastor of Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Pastor Hilliard posits the value of the three basic L's for growth: love, lift, and liberate. The power of the church to love, lift and liberate people through the truth of the gospel will sustain and propel them to become what God intends them to be. Pastor Hilliard differentiates between healthy and unhealthy growth in a church. He advocates purposeful prayer and preaching the whole word of God, not just favorite Scriptures. He believes that people matter more than programs, and that programs exist only to meet people's needs. At the end of each chapter of explanation there are a series of action steps that will lead to a full and healthy development of the practical dimensions of a powerful African American church. Church Growth From and African American Perspective has many sound principles to recommend it to all congregations." —Midwest Book Review
"An indispensable resource to have in any library or church office for the pastor and other officials, this book features appropriate instructions that will ensure a church's growth (spiritually and numerically), no matter what its size may be." —Ida D. McGhee, Univ. of Rhode Island, Multicultural Review, Fall 2006
"Rate this book from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) on these criteria: Practicality (5); Insight (4); Theological depth (4); Readability (5)" —from a review of Church Growth from an African American Perspective in Ministry Today, July/August 2006
"Hilliard's wise, clear, and simple guidance through the complexities of change and growth in modern-day congregations can apply to any cultural or ethnic group." —Dr. Henry Mitchell, Visiting Professor, Interdenominational Theological Center
Author Bio
Donald Hilliard Jr., MDiv, DMin, is senior pastor of Cathedral International, now ministering in three New Jersey locations: Perth Amboy, Asbury Park, and Plainfield. He is the presiding bishop and founder of the Covenant Ecumenical Fellowship and Cathedral Assemblies, Inc. In this role he serves as the spiritual advisor and mentor of several pastors and churches across the United States and West Africa. Bishop Hilliard also established the Safe Harbor Clergy Leadership Conference where innovative leaders from different denominational backgrounds gather to confront and minister to various issues faced by clergy daily, as well as to expand their theological and social horizons. Dr. Hilliard is the author of seven books, including Church Growth from an African American Perspective (2006).