Any church, whether growing numerically or not, faces the basic question: Are we healthy? The following books suggest ways to measure and improve the effectiveness of the church.

Banks, Robert. Paul's Idea of Community: The Early House Churches. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1980. A study of the differences of the priorities of Paul's churches versus the priorities of the contemporary church.

Carroll, Jackson W. Small Churches Are Beautiful. New York: Harper and Row, 1977. A compendium for effective ministry for the small (attendance under 200) local church.

Chaney, Charles and Ron Lewis. Design for Church Growth. Nashville: Broadman, 1978. Outlines diagnostic factors by which the effectiveness and healthiness of a church congregation can be measured.

Cook, Jerry and Stanley Baldwin. Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. Glendale, Calif.: Regal, 1979. How a church can demonstrate its authenticity and a congregation be equipped to share the ministry. A penetrating look at the atmosphere and relationships ...