High Impact Church book report

The High Impact Church: A Fresh Approach to Reaching the Unchurched
Linus J. Morris
Zondervan (1993)

Thesis and Argument of the Author:
Morris provides a practical roadmap of an integrated church model usable by new churches or by those interested in the revitalization of existing churches for the purpose of making a community impact through reaching and disciplining the un-churched. The intentionality of the model, which is principal centered, strives to make a societal impact in our communities and throughout the world.

How the chapters present the argument of the Author:
Easy straight forward reading, highlighted comments, graph and charts make this an easy to devour book packed with concepts and practical suggestions. Morris’s methods look at a combination of spiritual leadership, group dynamics, service ministry and meaningful worship while connecting through the Holy Spirit to do what God expects the church to do within our communities.
The book is divided into four parts that walk the reader through the process of reaching the un-churched. Beginning with a discussion of need whether it is a dying church, a lack of relevancy or simple out of the box thinking, he offers pathways for change. He then looks at the core and substance of the high impact church, its spiritual vitality. Morris continues to focus on the church suggesting it being purpose centered, values driven and vision directed. He identifies churches focused in this direction will become what he describes as a high-impact church. Lacking a purpose centered approach Morris explains churches slip into becoming focused on people (social issues), programs, property and problems (131). The last section focuses on the exterior view and seeker oriented approaches and how to address plateaus that are encountered. Each chapter is followed by questions allowing for personal reflection on what has been offered. Morris uses an approach that is biblically based, contemporary in nature and carries threads of practical application which can be transferred in a wide variety of cultural contexts.
In the section on strategic steps to reaching the city, Morris discusses Type A & B unbelievers, those near and far from salvation, or open versus negative towards salvation. To reach these folks Morris suggests the key is to first build relationships and then move towards meeting their felt needs. A common theme in building community and following the manner in which Jesus taught, caring about the people individually and personally and addressing their felt needs.

Transferable principles that can be applied to my context:
As I began to read, I was skeptical as to how this book could apply in my context since I do not plant or pastor a church. Each chapter became a teaching tool overflowing with ideas, and applicable concepts that can be used in many ministry settings. This was a surprise for me.
Morris suggests that a loss of purpose causes a church to loose vitality and often it dies (130). I heard this reflected in Ron Ruthruff’s lecture about the street youth he ministers to and it is often seen in individuals who are struggling and have lost their purpose for which God made them. Once found they flourish, so it is for individuals, churches and people.