It Only Takes a Spark
Several pastors have told me they have read the original book several times. This second edition is, as Richard described it, “hard to put down.” He ordered over 50 copies for his pastors and received a 50% discount. I am not a theoretician; rather, a practitioner. You will find “a mixture of stories and principles,” writes Doug Small in the Foreword. “You will not find hype here, no mere motivational fluff. Here, David grapples with real church issues and shows you a path God revealed to him that he believes will be helpful to you.”
Not until the second edition came out did I learn some of the incredible stories about the impact of the first edition, Leading the Comeback Church. Neilford Chase, Guyanese pastor shared his story. “I was pastoring one of our Nazarene churches and things were really difficult. There were clashes with members of the leadership team and there were lot of challenges trying to help the church navigate to where GOD was leading. It was frustrating and draining because this was a church that was without a pastor for years. Given all that was happening I was ready to quit the pastorate and ministry however, I was given a copy of Leading the Comeback Church and in that book what you shared was exactly what I was going through. It was as though you were right there seeing what I didn’t see and were offering advise and counsel. Your writing refreshed my spirit because I understood then that GOD had prepared me for that assignment. I felt a fire bursting on the inside of me and my passion was reignited. Today, our ministry is growing and GOD is adding new people and new ministry opportunities. Today, I work/mentor other pastors beyond Church of the Nazarene who are also leading comeback churches.”
Another small church pastor wrote this: Bro. David, I sent you a friend request, and just wanted you to know that the book “Leading the Comeback Church” has been such a blessing to me. I went to a Church of 9, 14 years ago and we have continued to grow. We are in a community of 300 and run 77, your practical insight and encouragement continues to help us.” If you have any interest in seeing your church return to growth and vitality, It Only Takes a Spark is for you. There are no quick-fix gimmicks to spur a declining church back to growth, but I assure you, it is not wasted effort. It won’t be easy and it is definitely messy. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Turn to the God of miracles who is able to reverse a rapid decline and help your church rebound to health and viability.
I have taught the principles of this book in Leadership and Pastors’ Conference on four different continents. I stopped counting when I reached a thousand students. If you are interested in discovering the secrets and strategies for successful Christian leadership in a plateaued or declining church, It Only Takes a Spark is for you. Topics include Steps to Church Health, Mistakes that Leaders Make, Winning Strategies for a Thriving Ministry, and even a bonus chapter on The Person of the Pastor/Leader. If you lack skills in the art of conflict resolution or confrontation you will find handles to hold on to. And remember, the task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you. The buck stops with you. No one except God himself can tell you what needs to be done in your situation. Friends and colleagues may try to tell you what to do, but you’re the one on the front lines. Listen to advice, but consent to do only what God tells you to do. You must cultivate intimacy with God by daily communing with Him.
And soon the third edition will be printed. Don’t be tempted to think It Only Takes a Spark is just another book for pastors. Lay people long for growth and vitality at the church they call home. My veterinarian friend, Ken wrote, “Just finished reading (your book). Enjoyed every chapter. Thanks for writing so we laymen as well as clergy can understand! The record of real life happenings in churches today, brought into clear focus the needs and solutions for problems churches are currently facing. May God use this book to initiate and promote healing and revival in His church.” Thank you, Ken. Sometimes a spark is all that’s needed to ignite the flame of growth. God is looking for an army of spiritual arsonists across the land. Step number one may be as simple as activating extraordinary prayer. You can’t do everything, but you can do something. That something is pray.
To order click on Alivepublications.org 
