The Blessed Church by Robert Morris

I read the Blessed Church, in exchange for review from Blogging for Books. The book was written by Robert Morris and published by Waterbrook Press. I have heard of Robert Morris's church before, concerning their programs and conventions, but never read a book by him before. I also know Pastor Morris is a pastor in Texas.

About the Author (copied from Amazon)

Robert Morris is the founding senior pastor of Gateway Church, a multicampus, evangelistic, Spirit-empowered church in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Since it began in 2000, the church has grown to more than twenty-four thousand active members. He is featured on the weekly television program The Blessed Life, broadcast to approximately ninety million homes in the United States and more than two hundred countries around the world.

Robert holds a doctorate of literature and serves as chairman of the board of The King’s University. He is the best-selling author of nearly a dozen books, including The Blessed Life, From Dream to Destiny, The Power of Your Words, and The God I Never Knew. Robert and his wife, Debbie, have been married more than thirty years and are blessed with one married daughter, two married sons, and grandchildren.

Why I chose the book:
I seen the book before on a few websites, but was not sure whether or not to buy it. I wasn't sure if the book was for me, a regular, church-goer, with no ministry--yet. I don't even know what my ministry is yet. I have done administration for a church before, but felt used at times.

For example, I worked on a church program for a revival for two weeks. I did this project on my own--at home--using my printer, ink, and paper, while tired from working Third Shift. On the day of the revival, there was a last minute change, concerning the guest speaker line-up. They wanted me to reprint all the programs over again with the new speakers name, without appreciation for the work I already done. I told them, they can scratch out the old name and write-in the new name because I worked too hard on this project. I also did the project out of the goodness of my heart. I don't have the time or patience or paper or ink to reprint based on one name change. It ended up being multiple name changes. None of the original guest speakers showed up. When I got to the one service, I could attend, the secretary did her own programs, filled with spelling errors, which made me more upset. I ended up leaving the church--after a few incidents, which had me questioning the administration. but I digress------------

The book talks about how we--no matter how role in the church--should want church growth. Growth does not mean numbers only--but reaching people and bringing them to Christ. Numbers don't mean anything if members are not growing in the Lord. The church will be growing exponentially, but will have a immature congregation, instead of having the members grow more mature in the Lord.

The book starts out with the story of Gateway Church and how the church grew. People wanted to know the secret to the church's growth. They wanted the how, but not the why--the purpose behind it. The author even stated how he wasn't sure whether or not to write the book because he didn't want to brag about the church's accomplishments. Great sign of humility. I also loved how Pastor Morris chose the name of the church. I also liked how he wanted the church to align with God's vision, instead of his vision. He sought out Godly counsel through other pastors, his wife, and of course God. Many people were confirming God's vision for the church.

Next, throughout the book, Pastor Morris provided keys to a blessed church such as don't succumb to disappointment. Things will happen. During disappointment, still seek out God and Godly counsel. Chapter four discusses how it is ok to have a vision for the church, in addition to wanting church growth. Other topics in the book include leadership, ministry, relationships (with staff), and church culture. Loved reading this book