“For over fifty years, church leaders have searched for the key to reviving, renewing, or revitalizing local churches. They have asked for, prayed for, that one intervention that can turn a church from stagnation or decline to growth and new life.
Since stagnation has multiple roots, turnaround requires multiple interventions. This book unpacks seven such change efforts—which are needed in over half of North America’s churches.”
—George G. Hunter III, Dean and Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of World Mission and Evangelism, Asbury Theological Seminary
“Addressing the tension between congregational health and missional action, Dr. Kent Hunter issues a clarion call—healthy churches thrive! They thrive by focusing on the Great Commission—proclaiming Jesus and making disciples that make disciples. Kent has made a helpful revision to the way we’ve thought about church as a movement versus institution, addressing the ever-changing realities of the twenty-first century. Vital communities of faith must become flexible and adaptable to apply the good news of Jesus Christ to the rapidly shifting landscape in which we are Jesus’ apprentices and everyday missionaries.”
—R. Kevin Murphy, Senior Leader, Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, Walnut Creek, California
“Kent Hunter and Tracee Swank have clearly identified seven ceilings to church health and how to break through each. A much-needed volume, this is one of the most practical books on the market for helping a church break through from maintenance to mission.”
—Bob Whitesel, Wesley Seminary, Indiana Wesleyan University
“When you open this book, you will find the key building blocks for a healthy church. I have known Kent Hunter not only as a friend of many years, but also as a dynamic forward thinker and missional pioneer whose lifelong vision is for healthy churches to grow and multiply. This latest book by Kent and Tracee will play a key part in stimulating the Kingdom narrative of a radical discipleship culture being at the heart of healthy church. It’s the Jesus way! I highly recommend this book to you.”
—Mick Woodhead, Team Rector of St. Thomas Crookes, Sheffield, England
“Not just another how-to book, Kent and Tracee guide you in a biblical process to break through seven ceilings that may be holding your church below its potential. Read this book, and let the authors help you develop a kingdom culture in your church this year.”
—Gary L. McIntosh, Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“Leading any organization is a difficult task. Leading a church in the middle of a cultural and social upheaval is doubly difficult. In this book, Kent and Tracee take us on a journey on how to thrive as churches and as leaders. Through encouraging biblical teachings and practical research, Kent and Tracee challenge seven of the principles and practices that can put a ceiling on our effectiveness. I love books that have deep spiritual wisdom, relevant research, and practices to help me serve better both as a leader of a membership organization of Christians and as an elder of my church. I recommend this book for everyone who wants to be part of a healthy church. Be ready; it may be you who is challenged to change!”
—Brad Hewitt, CEO of Thrivent Financial
“Kent Hunter and Tracee Swank offer insights from over thirty years of observing, researching, and consulting local churches. They use these experiences and research to help Christians and churches reconnect to God’s call and vision for fulfillment of the Great Commission. Many churches pray, ‘Thy will be done on earth as in heaven’—this book will help you diagnose your church. It offers clear insights, steps, and tools to move toward living out Kingdom culture. A must-read for those who want their church to be healthy, thrive, and have eternal impact in our culture.”
—G. Scott Pattison, Lead Pastor, Sonrise Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana
“If you believe that your church has great potential to impact your city and beyond, you are not alone. Literally millions of others in America would agree, but the lingering question is: how? Kent Hunter believes that the foundation for making this happen is a healthy church. I agree, and I’m glad to affirm that this book will set you on the right track. Read it, and you will find yourself reaching a new level of vision and effectiveness.”
—C. Peter Wagner, Vice President, Global Spheres, Inc., Author of The Great Transfer of Wealth
“This is an inspiring and unusual book by two ‘Church Doctors’ who have helped a huge number of individual churches move significantly forward. By quoting a very large number of examples from churches located in both the UK and US, it gives practical advice and HOPE that situations can change. Grapple with these helpful analyses. Focus on the relevance of quality culture—and what it means for Christians! Sort out key issues—God’s way! Thoroughly recommended.”
—Peter Brierley, Brierley Consultancy, Tonbridge, England
“Holy Spirit genius! If you lead a church and have holy discontent about the way it is versus the way it could be, you need to read this book. If you lead a church and don’t have a holy discontent, you need to hit yourself on the head with this book, and then open it and make notes on every page!”
—Anthony Delaney, Strategic Leader, Ivy Church, Manchester, England
“Is there anything more important than the church of Jesus becoming all it’s meant to be? I love Kent’s heart and commitment to seeing this happen, and I love this book. Buy one for yourself and one for each of your church leaders. You won’t regret it!”
—Andy Hawthorne, The Message Trust, Manchester, England
“Who Broke My Church? has hit the bull’s-eye of the church’s greatest need, fulfilling the Great Commission of making disciples! This book by Church Doctors Kent Hunter and Tracee Swank provides a Bible-based explanation of what the modern church must do to break through all hindrances to healthy biblical activity and growth. Every concerned Christian should read this book.”
—Dennis L. Kutzner, General Overseer, CMIGLOBAL, Fort Wayne, Indiana
“When you are reading a book and you find yourself having difficulty putting it down, that means you are reading a really, really GREAT book! That’s exactly what happened to me as I read Who Broke My Church? I am going to make Kent and Tracee’s book required reading for all of my church leaders.”
—Walt Kallestad, Lead Pastor, Community Church of Joy, Glendale, Arizona
“In this book, Kent Hunter provides a necessary corrective with the concept of ‘thriving.’ A healthy organism displays a comprehensive picture of growth. The authors explore the essential dimensions and provide welcome research data to demonstrate the progress made by churches that embrace the concepts. A further welcome contribution is a stress on joyful engagement in the Kingdom of Christ rather than a response to church program challenges and demands!”
—Eddie Gibbs, Author of The Rebirth of the Church: Applying Paul’s Vision for Ministry in Our Post-Christian World
“Kent Hunter is a personal friend, a mentor, prolific author, leader, entrepreneur, and a Kingdom thinker. He has helped pastors, Christian leaders, and churches all over the world become more effective in the Great Commission.
As I look at the congregation I serve, as well as others all over the country, I find myself asking the question: Who DOESN’T need a breakthrough? If you and your church need a breakthrough, what are you waiting for? Start reading now…and get ready. Breakthrough is on the way! If you desire to see God’s Kingdom advance, dive into this book and expect a BREAKTHROUGH!”
—Mark Zehnder, Senior Pastor, King of Kings Lutheran Church, Omaha, Nebraska
“Kingdom culture changes everything. That’s what Kent Hunter taught me in his new book, Who Broke My Church? I’ve been learning from Kent for a long time, and this master teacher is at his best in his latest book. If you are ready to move past mediocrity, sameness, and survival mode, this new book is for you. Filled with insights and challenging lessons, we are reading this book as a staff, and I’m recommending it to all my coaching networks.”
—Nelson Searcy, Lead Pastor, The Journey Church, and Founder, www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com
“Kent Hunter is indeed the ‘Church Doctor.’ I know of no one more adept at bringing clear diagnosis and field-tested prescriptions to the challenges churches face. A full decade of research has been distilled into this latest book, Who Broke My Church? Ten years of research, implementation, and workable solutions from a world-renowned authority—how can one overemphasize the value of that? This book is indeed Kent’s magnum opus. No matter how difficult your church’s situation, you can and will experience heaven-sent breakthrough—if you heed the Church Doctor’s advice!”
—David Shibley, Founder and World Representative, Global Advance
“Kent Hunter is known as an effective church consultant and has written many helpful books to revive and grow your church. His latest book, Who Broke My Church?, is the result of many years of working with local churches to overcome growth barriers and expand their outreach.”
—Elmer L. Towns, Cofounder and Vice President, Liberty University
“In this book, Kent Hunter’s love for the church emanates from every page. As I read the book, I was once again convicted and challenged to make my life count as a multiplying disciple of Christ. Although focusing primarily on the US church context, the principles and biblical worldview presented have global application. I am certain that God will use this book to motivate Christians around the world to renew our passion and desire to see the bride of Christ thrive in our generation.”
—Tim Tucker, CEO, The Message Trust, South Africa“
“Dr. Kent Hunter’s newest book simply sizzles with brave insights and hope-filled faith for the church. As one of the world’s top church consultants, Dr. Hunter also offers meticulously studied and practical insights for bringing spiritual health to the local church. This is an essential resource for all church leaders.”
—Dr. Arlen Salte, Author and Founder, Break Forth Ministries, Break Forth Canada
“I have known Kent Hunter as a friend and mentor for thirty years. I have been personally blessed by his theological insights and pastoral heart. Kent’s passion for the Great Commission has produced a treasure trove of theological insights, administrative principles, and strategic ministry concepts. This book is the culmination of Kent’s wisdom, experience, and giftedness. These ideas work! My congregation and personal ministry are living proof that these strategies can change everything!”
—Robert W. Shriner, Senior Pastor, St. John Lutheran Church, Kendallville, Indiana
“Our church has used Kent Hunter and the Church Doctor ministries as a consultant over many years and in many, many circumstances. There is no one more knowledgeable about the state of the American Church and the various ways congregations can adapt to our changing culture. Our congregation has profited many, many times from the experience and wisdom Kent shows in this new book.
For years, Kent has had a burden for helping congregations grow and overcome persistent roadblocks to growth. In this new book, Kent shares seven ‘Breakthrough Strategies’ that can help your church experience a new level of health and vitality.
We live in a time when the Christian church is experiencing new and difficult challenges. America is now a post-Christian nation. We Americans more than ever need the wise counsel that Kent brings in this new work of love for the church in America. I recommend it to every serious student of church health and growth.”
—Chris Scruggs, Senior Pastor, Advent Presbyterian Church, Cordova, Tennessee
“A missional masterpiece! Praise be to our Lord for His wisdom shared through Kent and Tracee. As many Western Christians bemoan the rapid decline of Christianity, Who Broke My Church? explains that we now have a wonderful opportunity to embrace the Kingdom culture that we were always meant to have. I encourage all congregational leaders and members to read, study, discuss, pray over, and implement the invaluable wisdom shared in this book.”
—Jon Vollrath, Pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Eyota, Minnesota
“As I read this book, I could not put it down. I have had the privilege of knowing Kent for many years. I attended a church that used Church Doctor Ministries to do an assessment two different times while I attended there. Later God called me to do a church plant, and I implemented all of Kent’s recommendations that I possibly could. IT WORKS! After six years of ministry, we have slipped into a slow fade. Kingdom culture and discipleship have slid downhill drastically. There are seven strategies that change everything, but you have to be willing to implement them. I can’t wait to rekindle the fire and repair our broken church. Thanks, Kent and Tracee.”
—Mike Albaugh, Pastor, Destiny Family of Faith, Kendallville, Indiana
“In this excellent book, Dr. Hunter points out the symptoms of church illness. He does more than simply point out what’s wrong; he goes into great detail on how to build a Kingdom culture that is healthy and thriving. This book will be a blessing to those who sense something is wrong and yet aren’t quite sure what it is or what to do about it. His guidance on building a Kingdom culture is invaluable.”
—Dr. Michael Hiller, Senior Pastor, Peace With Christ Lutheran Church, Aurora, Colorado
“When Kent Hunter writes a book, I read it immediately! His latest release uniquely equips us to connect our culture with Christ.”
—Mitch Kruse, Author, Street Smarts from Proverbs: How to Navigate through Conflict to Community
“I am not much of a reader, but when I get into a book, I stay with it until I finish it. That was the case with this book. I feel it is the best work of Kent to date. It speaks to today. It gets at the heart of being a church member as spectator or as participant. It is one thing to talk about the Great Commission; it is totally another thing to be involved in it. I believe Who Broke My Church? speaks to almost every Christian church today. And it not only speaks to each one, it gives practical research on identifying what is holding your church back from being a Great Commission church and how you can move your ministry and people forward. I highly recommend this read.”
—Norm Koy, Senior Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica, Michigan
“Kent Hunter is Jesus’ gift. He is a disciplined disciple and a spiritual scientist. He studies church mysteries sagaciously.
I have observed Kent Hunter’s ministry for over twenty years. His outreach spans across Africa, England, and America and is spreading globally.
Church leaders need to read and benefit from these timely nuggets. His faith-filled zealousness is very contagious.
Those who read, interact, and practice the revealed insights will become forewarned and forearmed.”
—Prophet Oged Orekyeh, Watchman on the Wall, Messiah Christ Mission, Lagos, Nigeria
“As one who has served overseas most of my adult life, I was privileged to observe Kent when he taught in the Japan Church Growth Institute for denominational and national Japanese pastors. He has both a scholar’s invaluable insights and a pastor’s compassionate heart. This dual lens brings tremendous focus and direction to his latest book, Who Broke My Church? In an age when so many believers are unknowingly following the idols of their cultures, this timely book is a loving prophetic call to recover and boldly live out our Lord’s Kingdom culture. Not just for churches in the West, but may all pastors and church leaders worldwide boldly ask our Lord to send His Holy Spirit to use this book in order that we all can thrive, and not just survive.”
—Rob Gill, Founding Executive Director, Japan Church Growth Institute, Refocusing Cross-Cultural Leaders Network
“Dr. Hunter’s success in diagnosing and treating these common church maladies speaks for itself. Kent has distilled years of research and experience into this book, and the pearls of wisdom it offers are priceless. As a pastor of both a very large and very small church, I find the tools he provides equally applicable.”
—Wendell Stavig, Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Magnolia, Texas, and Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring, Texas
“Kent Hunter is a longtime friend, consultant, and prayer partner. He has a love for the Lord and a great passion for helping churches grow. This book is the culmination of his many years of experience and research and will help anyone who reads it to experience some holy discontent. There is a great hope and a future for the local church – as we let the Holy Spirit lead in God’s direction for transformation into a people alive in the fullness of Christ. May everyone who reads it find a confidence to get out of God’s way and let His Kingdom work!”
—Gerry Hartke, Pastor, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Oregon, Ohio
“Once in a while, a book comes along that challenges the boundaries of popular thought. Who Broke My Church? is one of those books. It’s a game changer for the health, vitality, and future of the local church… your local church. Do yourself a favor and put this one on your must-read list.”
—Rev. Alan Chandler, Consultant, Church Doctor Ministries, Ordained Elder, Free Methodist Church USA
“For the parish pastor who is in the trenches every day with the gnawing feeling that the church could and should be more for the Kingdom, Who Broke My Church? is a must read. Dr. Hunter gives words and knowledge to the discontent that pastors feel. He also provides breakthrough strategies, based on solid research, that can and will bear fruit. These insights have led Christ Church through dramatic growth, with individuals experiencing the life-changing power of Kingdom culture. Who Broke My Church? can make a difference in your church. It has in mine.”
—Rev. Robert D. Suhr, Pastor, Christ Church, Mequon, Wisconsin
“The longer I focus my efforts on congregational transformation, and observe others who do, I am passionately convinced the long view is absolutely necessary to understand true solutions for congregations rather than short-term fixes.
In Who Broke My Church? you can experience the insights of practitioners who have observed, connected with, and continually learned about what makes congregations healthy and thriving. The book you hold in your hand or see online is a treasure of wisdom. Do not just flip through it. Do not just read it. Ingest it into your soul.”
—George W. Bullard Jr., www.BullardJournal.org
“CAUTION: This book will cause you to become so fired up, it may keep you awake at night! Certainly, it will make you rethink everything you’ve ever thought about your church.
Hunter’s new book is one wild ride, bringing the energy, the excitement, and the mindset of the Church as Jesus envisioned it – a timeless, unstoppable, irrepressible movement.
Based upon decades of experience and volumes of research, Hunter shows us the seven ‘Breakthrough Strategies’ that will enable us to smash through the ceilings that limit the health and effectiveness of our churches. Moreover, Hunter communicates in a clear, inspiring, and even – dare I say it – entertaining style that makes the reader want to shout, ‘Go get ’em!’
I highly recommend this to anyone ready to take a fresh look at what it takes to truly make one’s church fire on all cylinders. The Church Doctor has truly given us the right diagnosis and prescription.”
—Dr. Jeff King, author and host of the nationally-syndicated radio show Everyday Encouragement
“I LOVE this book! Who Broke My Church? is one of those books that you need to keep on your bookshelf. I know I will continually reread this book to keep me focused on the important tasks of the church. Kent and Tracee have shared from their years of experience helping revitalize churches. Each of the seven ceilings are areas that I have struggled and still struggle with as a pastor and leader. This will be required reading for my students as well.”
—James Cho, President, Great Commission Research Network, English Track Director and Professor, Grace Mission University, Missions Pastor, Community Christian Center, Los Angeles, California
“Having traveled with Kent and Tracee and seeing firsthand what God is doing in England, I know that God revives His church, and I pray revival will soon come to the United States. They have their fingers on the pulse of the movement, and this book will help the church break through barriers that have hindered the great work of God. We need to know what we are up against, and we need the strategies in this book to break down these barriers.”
—Ron Pennekamp, Senior Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lakeland, Florida
“The organized church in America has reached a tipping point. Kent Hunter has predicted this for quite some time. This book not only diagnoses the problems that churches are facing but systematically lays out the solutions that are needed to help them thrive in this twenty-first century.”
—Pastor Jon Bjorgaard, Director of Ministries, Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church and School, Scottsdale, Arizona
“Who Broke My Church? is not an autopsy for dying churches. In this day of great spiritual and social upheaval, it is a game-changing reminder of how Jesus continues to build his church today. As Kent and Tracee have done for me and the churches where I served as pastor over the past thirty-six years, I know they will do for you in this book. This book brings fresh hope, courage, and know-how to thrive in both your personal and church life.”
—Jon Trinklein, Lutheran Pastor
“Every American Church faces the challenge of unimaginable ethnic diversity right around it, including Muslims who need the Good News. Using inspiring examples, Dr. Hunter and Tracee speak about the holy discontent and encouragement about how we can reach people. Who Broke My Church? provides direction about how it can be done — through low control, loving, serving, showing hospitality — as we allow the Holy Spirit to be the real controlling factor. Dr. Hunter and Tracee tell us what can happen when the average Christian becomes a cross-cultural missionary in his or her own front yard. It’s a blessing to see this holy discontent as many Americans can reach Muslims in the simplest of ways, trusting God for multiplication of disciples.”
—Khurram Khan, Leader, People of the Book Ministries International, Outreach to Muslims
“To say that my friend and mentor Kent Hunter knows churches is an understatement. To say that he has the answers to help churches is also an understatement! This book is a must-read to ‘un-break’ the local church and restore Kingdom culture!”
—Dr. Barry L. Kolb, Teacher, Consultant, and Missionary, Branson, Missouri
“Kent Hunter and Tracee Swank have given the church a great gift: seven ceilings churches face and seven strategies for health and growth. They provide a word of hope in challenging times with a solid biblical foundation. Thanks, Kent and Tracee, for inspiration for God’s great work.”
—Richard Burkey, Senior Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, La Mesa, California
“The potential of your church can be unleashed by following the writings of Dr. Hunter. His years of research and help for thousands of churches represents a great work for Christ. If you want your church to thrive, read this energizing book.
Your church can become a Kingdom culture church. God can change your church by applying the principles found in this book. Get ready for your church to be transformed.”
—Dennis Kruse, Indiana State Senator, Auburn, Indiana
“Warning! This book may create significant pain. That’s because it’s always painful to learn that the things you thought would make you and your church better may actually be making them worse. But fear not! In this incredible book, Hunter and Swank assess, then address, the biggest challenge that keeps the church from becoming all that God intends it to be. They reveal the challenge our churches face isn’t the lack of a program but rather the lack of a Kingdom culture. These guys offer real hope and real help for those of us ofttimes war-weary pastors in the trenches by advancing a spiritual approach to a spiritual issue. You’re gonna love this.
After pastoring North Ridge for twenty-one years now, I can truthfully say I love this church now more than ever and want desperately for it to become so much more of what God wants it to be. I look forward to sharing what Kent and Tracee are teaching me with our leaders.”
—Mike Burnidge, Lead Pastor, North Ridge Community Church, Cave Creek, Arizona
“Having successfully used Dr. Hunter as a consultant for our church, I thought I had sponged-up all the knowledge he could offer. I was wrong. In this book there is an underground river of fresh concepts that I’ve tapped into and I’m happily using them to water the landscape of our ministry.”
— Pastor Larry Gember, St. James Lutheran Church, Greenfield, Indiana
“Who Broke My Church? by Dr. Kent R. Hunter is a dynamic tool to guide us here in Cambodia. I thank God for a servant like Dr. Hunter, who is gifted in a special way cross-culturally.”
—Setan Aaron Lee, President and CEO, TransformAsia
“Dr. Kent Hunter gives hope to pastors and Christians that the very real, inviting, Gospel-centered, Holy-Spirit-filled dynamism/life of the early Church may be known and lived by Christ’s disciples today. Years of research and experience, coupled with a diligent study and knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, have given Kent and Tracee a powerful perspective into the DNA of healthy congregations and how these churches thrive! I am thankful that Kent and Tracee have not only consulted with several churches in the Michigan District, which I serve, but have also lent their wisdom, research, and experience in a variety of helpful and engaging workshops. If you want your church to reach people for Christ, they truly are passionate experts. Who Broke My Church? is a must-read for church leaders who care about their congregations and desire to be faithful followers of Christ. Here is undeniable, practical, and powerful truth that will convict, heal, and transform.”
—Rev. David P.E. Maier, President, The Michigan District, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
“Remarkable insights, penetrating critique, surgical precision. This book is one that many of us have been waiting to read for a very long time. Kent Hunter and Tracee Swank have put into words what many of us have thought about, and felt, but didn’t know how to describe. I don’t know anyone, or any agency, that has done this kind of work that represents the vast majority of congregations in America.”
—Rev. Mark Vander Tuig, Service Coordinator, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ