The book describes “a ministry as being effective when lives are transformed such that people are constantly enabled to become more Christ-like. Effective ministries foster significant and continual changes in how people live.” My, my, my, that’s getting to the bone! I was so impressed I called Cokesbury for a copy, only to learn that it’s not in stores yet. Not to be outdone, I contacted the Barna Research Group in Ventura, Ca. (805-658-8885), and had it delivered second day air. I mean, I was hungry for more!

Below is a gift of “The Nine Habits,” but I encourage you to buy the book for clarity. Highly effective churches:

1. Rely upon strategic leadership.
2. Are organized to facilitate highly effective ministry.
3. Emphasize developing a significant relationship within the congregation.
4. Invest themselves in genuine worship.
5. Engage in strategic evangelism.
6. Get their people in systematic theological growth.
7. Utilize holistic stewardship practices.
8. Serve the needy people in their community.
9. Equip families to minister to themselves.

I can almost hear it now, “such lists exist everywhere,” and I would be the first to agree. Just remember this, Barna’s books are among the few based on scientific research. If better is possible, good is not quite good enough. According to Barna, the bar that defines highly effective churches is high.