Twelve Keys to an Effective Church

A thoroughly revised and updated edition of one of the most trusted and authoritative strategic resources for church leaders

In this second edition of his groundbreaking book, Kennon Callahan identifies the twelve essential qualities of successful, growing churches and offers all congregations a way to unlock their potential for effective ministry. The Twelve Keys program balances practical planning with theological understanding to help churches function more effectively as they seek to grow and better serve their members.

• Shows church leaders how to claim and expand upon their church's strengths and become a mission growth congregation
• Explores each of the twelve keys in depth, from mission to visitation to worship to relationships to programs to details of facilities maintenance
• Based on a time-tested approach that has been used by hundreds of thousands of churches
• Now incorporates the planning guide (previously a separate publication)

The book includes solid, practical guidelines and tools to help any church become a strong, healthy congregation.

A Prayer viii

Part One: The Basic Qualities

Grace 3

Strengths 12

Compassion 21

Excellent Sprinters 30

Act Swiftly 37

Part Two: The Twelve Keys

1. One Mission Outreach 53

2. Shepherding Visitation 69

3. Stirring, Helpful Worship 84

4. Significant Relational Groupings 105

5. Strong Leadership Team 123

6. Solid Decision Process 139

7. One Major Program 148

8. Open Accessibility 161

9. High Visibility 174

10. Land, Landscaping, and Parking 184

11. Adequate Space and Facilities 205

12. Generous Giving 223

Conclusion: Mission, Sacrament, Grace 239

Appendixes

A Twelve Keys Celebration Retreat 249

Charts 253

Twelve Keys Action Plan 257

Acknowledgments 261

Special Acknowledgments 263

About the Author 267

Books by Kennon L. Callahan 269

Index 273

Kennon L. Callahan, B.A., M.Div., S.T.M., Ph.D. — researcher, professor, and pastor — is one of today's most sought-after church consultants and speakers. Author of many books, he is best known for his groundbreaking Twelve Keys to an Effective Church, which has formed the basis for the widely acclaimed Mission Growth Movement.

Since it was published in 1983, the first edition of the original Twelve Keys to an Effective Church has benefited thousands of congregations from across the world. Now completely revised and updated, the second edition is even more useful and inspiring for congregations.

The second edition of Twelve Keys to an Effective Church includes excellent suggestions on the five basic qualities for growing strong, healthy congregations and contains new possibilities and resources for implementing the Twelve Keys. It includes new material, wisdom, and insights on such important topics as mission, sacrament, and grace. Based on Kennon L. Callahan's many years of consulting with churches all over the world, this new edition will help leaders grow into strong, healthy congregations.

This important resource can also be used to help build an effective, successful business, develop a strong non-profit grouping, advance an effective college or university, and create a strong, healthy family.