When I received my copy of, Ten Stupid Things that Keep Churches from Growing: How Leaders Can Overcome Costly Mistakes by Geoff Surratt, I was not sure what to think. However, as a brand new church planter I soon found a book that will be a key resource over the years to come. This is not a book of theory, but a guide full of practical "how to" advice. It is advice that covers everything from the role of the senior pastor's family to how to handle discipline in the congregation or with staff.

Each chapter ends with the key insight of a pastor that has successfully lived out the experience of that particular chapter and then followed by the "IQ Test". The "IQ Test" questions allow the book to become a workbook to provide a platform for discussion and discovery between the pastor and leadership team.

Surratt keeps a balance throughout the book by often reminding the reader that ministry is more than completing steps 1,2,3 etc, but it is a call that must have the anointing and direction of God. His sense of humor is an added bonus.

This book can be a useful resource for all pastors no matter what stage they are in ministry. But for a new or future church planter, it should be required reading.

Jon Stallings, Senior Pastor, Redeemer's Way Foursquare Church ( )

This was an interesting book. I have made some of the 10 mistakes in the ministry - but not all 10! I don't agree 100% with everything that Geoff says to avoid or fix the mistakes, but I will say the 10 mistakes are clearly mistakes that every church should avoid. Geoff is an interesting writer - he keeps things light-hearted but with an impact. It is not a dry textbook! The two chapters that spoke the most to me were "Providing a Second-Rate Worship Experience" and "Settling for Low Quality in Children's Ministry." These are areas of growth potential for our small, rural church. ( )