As a Church Consultant, several excellent books about helping churches and pastors are worth reading. Perhaps one of the most essential books on church consulting is Lyle Schaller’s “The Interventionist.”
“The Interventionist” is a thought-provoking book that explores the concept of active intervention in the life of a congregation and its surrounding community. Published in 1997, this work remains highly relevant as it addresses the challenges churches face in engaging with their members and the broader society.
Schaller begins by highlighting the significant shifts in society and culture that have impacted churches over the years. He emphasizes that many traditional approaches to ministry are no longer effective in reaching and engaging modern-day individuals. He proposes a more proactive and intentional approach, which he calls “interventionism.”
According to Schaller, interventionism involves identifying and addressing specific needs within the congregation and community rather than relying on passive maintenance and routine programs. He argues that churches must embrace change and adapt their practices to meet the evolving needs of their members and society at large.
One of the critical concepts Schaller introduces is the idea of the “interventional pastor.” He asserts that pastors must lead in identifying and implementing necessary changes. This includes being willing to challenge established traditions and programs that are no longer effective and being open to new ideas and approaches.
Schaller also emphasizes the importance of congregational involvement and collaboration in interventionism. He suggests that churches should actively seek input from their members and engage them in decision-making processes. By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the congregation, the church becomes more responsive to the needs of its members. It is better equipped to bring about positive change.
The book discusses various areas where interventionism can be applied, including worship, education, evangelism, and community outreach. Schaller argues that churches must reevaluate and revamp their worship services to make them more engaging and relevant to contemporary audiences. He also stresses the need for lifelong education within the church, where members are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the modern world.
Regarding evangelism, Schaller suggests that churches should shift from passively waiting for individuals to come to them to actively going out into the community and engaging with people where they are. He encourages churches to develop intentional strategies for reaching the unchurched and making the gospel accessible to them.
Furthermore, Schaller emphasizes the importance of community engagement and social responsibility. He advocates for churches to actively address social issues and partner with community organizations to bring about positive change. By becoming a visible and contributing force within the community, churches can demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ in practical ways.
Throughout the book, Schaller provides numerous examples and case studies of churches that successfully implement interventionism. These examples illustrate how interventionism can be applied and the positive outcomes it can produce.
“The Interventionist” challenges traditional notions of church ministry and offers a compelling argument for a more proactive and intentional approach. It serves as a call to action for pastors and church leaders to embrace change, engage their congregations, and actively intervene in the lives of their members and communities. Schaller’s insights and practical advice make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to revitalize and transform their church for the better.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
