Randy Pope, The Intentional Church: Moving From Church Success to Community Transformation. Moody Publishers, 2006.
Referenced in: Strategies for Congregational Renewal: Diagnostic/Prescriptive
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This describes a philosophy for church transformation Pope developed through the ministry of Perimeter Church in Atlanta. It revises and repackages his previous volume, The Prevailing Church. In both texts, Pope challenges church models that are based on cultural accommodation. He proposes the idea of the transformational church, defined as “a place where God’s power is demonstrated with such force in its people that the community it serves is marked with an indelible spiritual imprint, transforming the lives of worshipers and those whom they contact.” (20) This church fulfills Christ’s original intent that the church reflect such strength that the power of Satan may not “prevail” against it (Matt. 16). Indeed Christ pictures the church as “attacking and laying siege to Satan’s strongholds,” eventually breaching the gates of hell itself. Contrary to this, he argues that today’s church assumes a “hunkered down in a defensive posture rather than an army in full counterattack mode?” In fact, “we allow Satan to keep the gates of hades wide open and in full operation in this world!” As evidence, he cites the prevalence of same-sex marriages and anti-Christian bias in our schools and universities to the thousands of lives lost to abortion every year and the tolerance of divorce within our own fellowships.” It is also seen in “social clubs, neighborhood gatherings, medical societies, libraries, judicial court systems, and political parties.” This is because the church has failed to take its role seriously, shrinking from “imposing our values” on others, and becoming more hesitant and precautionary than prevailing,
The solution is not simply another “church-in-a-box” model, but a vision of each congregation as an original, authentic “workmanship Jesus Christ accomplishes in a specific missional setting – your church in your community with your people.” There are indeed “underlying patterns and consistent structural elements in a church that is transformational.” But more importantly, these churches are simply more intentional about their congregation’s functioning. The leadership team continually asks: “Are we consciously seeking to be a transforming church?” One might say that The Intentional Church is a process by which leaders may become a prevailing church.
The remainder of the book describes The Seventh Factor planning process of disciple-making. The “seventh factor” is an effective ministry plan, which Pope believes is the most often overlooked component that is necessary for a church to have long-term effectiveness. The first six are: a biblical theology and polity; spiritual renewal dynamics toward a way of life that is both God-honoring and god-blessed; spiritual, discerning and gifted leadership; spiritual and ministry-oriented laity; adequate property, facilities, and parking; and adequate financial resources. There are ten principles in the process:
The first five help to clarify the purpose and vision of the church:
- God-honoring purpose
- Faith-oriented purpose
- God-given vision
- Well-prioritized values
- Well-defined mission
The next five are concerned with building and effective ministry plan to accomplish the vision through making mature, equipped followers of Christ:
- TEAMS – Biblically-based job descriptions for deacons, elders, pastors, and laity
- Strategically defined infrastructure
- Culturally relevant strategies
- Well-developed goals and plans
- Ongoing measurement
This is an excellent example of a prescriptive planning process that it is biblically, morally, and socially conservative. It is also targeted at moving away from a “membership” to a “discipleship” understanding of church participation. Also, the church where it originated is quite effective in ministries of evangelism and social compassion, reaching the unchurched culture without compromise.
Editorial Reviews
“This book is literally jam-packed with practical tips on being an effective leader. Using down-to-earth, real-life examples from Perimeter Church, my friend Randy has given us a great gift in this collection of wisdom, insight, and ideas. We’ll all be more effective as a result.” -Rick Warren, Author, The Purpose Driven Church
“This book has the potential to transform your leadership as well as your church.” -Andy Stanley, Senior Pastor, North Point Community Church, Alpharetta, Georgia
“This is a detailed description of the ideal model for the church of the twenty-first century. Read it!” –Lyle E. Schaller, Church Growth Consultant, Naperville, IL
“Randy Pope’s book makes an important contribution – and his ministry, Perimeter Church, sets an inspiring example – of what a prevailing church can look like today.” – Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, Barrington, IL
“This is a dynamic book – surely a key to what’s coming in the next wave of church development in America. A must read for church leaders written by a true innovator.” -Bob Buford, Founder of Leadership Network, Author, Halftime: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance
“Randy Pope presents a blueprint for planning that can be invaluable to churches, pastors, and leaders as to how the church can succeed in glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.” -Dr. R.C. Sproul, Chairman and President, Ligonier Ministries
From the Publisher
Randy Pope has created a blueprint for pastors and church planters with The Intentional Church. Such an organization must model a dynamic spirit of worship and servanthood that will cause it to become a magnet for people needing help. Part of the blueprint involves having a God-honoring purpose, a faith-oriented commitment, a well-defined mission, a biblically-based job description, and more.
About the Author
Randy Pope is Senior Pastor of Perimeter Church in Duluth, Georgia, a church devoted to reaching the unchurched of north Atlanta and the world. Besides planting nineteen churches in the Atlanta area, Perimeter has helped start 6 training centers worldwide to facilitate church planting, partnering with nationals in 11 countries to help train leaders for the church. Randy has taught seminars for church leaders in China, Japan, Mongolia and South Africa. He has also been a guest lecturer at Denver Seminary and a guest professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando and Covenant Seminary. His first book, The Prevailing Church, was published in 2002.
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