For this month's Book Review, we welcome Major Everett Barrow, Corps Health Director with his review of Sam Rainer's book, "The Church Revitalization Checklist: A Hopeful and Practical Guide for Leading Your Congregation to a Brighter Tomorrow." As the Corps Health Director for THQ Corps Mission, Major Barrow supports congregations towards spiritual vibrancy with a focus on revitalizing, mergers, and new initiatives. Read his review below!

Picture of book cover

“Your church (corps) has the opportunity of a lifetime. The world has shifted, and a new, brighter tomorrow awaits. God has placed you exactly where He wants you. But let’s be honest. If you’re leading a church, it isn’t easy.”

Through this very practical book, there is a deeper understanding of where pastors lead in this current culture and where to go from here. In his book, Sam Rainer talks about priorities, pace, perspective, people, place, purpose and pathway and unpacks these in a very understandable way in each chapter. Learning to lead into an era of renewed optimism and great hope for the future is a real win from this read.

If you are praying about revitalization, this would be a great read.


Do you have a book that inspired you and brought new insights and ideas to your ministry? Would you be interested in sharing a short review with your colleagues? If so, we would love to hear from you! Please email corps.mission@salvationarmy.ca with your book and our team will be in touch.