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Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry
Why the Endless Pursuit of "More" Won't Save the ChurchIn an era of church decline, pastors and...
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Why the Endless Pursuit of "More" Won't Save the Church
In an era of church decline, pastors and ministry leaders face intense pressure to grow--more attendance, more influence, more reach, more budget. But what if this relentless pursuit of "more" is actually a form of modern idolatry?
In Baal and the Gods of More, leading practical theologian Andrew Root challenges everything you thought you knew about church growth and success. You'll discover how to
● identify the hidden idolatry embedded in modern church growth strategies and learn why bigger isn't always better in God's kingdom;
● understand the historic roots of America's church growth obsession through economic theory, cultural philosophy, and the industrial revolution's lasting impact;
● break free from toxic comparison and the exhausting cycle of innovation, influence-seeking, and numbers-driven ministry that's burning out church leaders;
● rediscover biblical wisdom from 1 and 2 Kings that reveals how ancient Israel's fertility god worship mirrors today's church growth addiction; and
● embrace a radical alternative focused on divine action, relational encounter, and theological depth.
Root reveals how Protestant churches have become dangerously dependent on growth-driven stabilization, a mindset inherited from the industrial revolution's golden era. He draws striking parallels between ancient Israel's worship of Baal and other fertility gods and the contemporary church's obsession with expansion. Just as the Israelites turned to false gods promising abundance, today's church often looks to secular methodologies, innovation strategies, and growth techniques as saviors.
This provocative book argues that creativity, innovation, and endless strategizing won't save declining churches. Instead, Root calls the church back to dependence on divine action and genuine relational encounter with the Word of God.
Perfect for pastors, church leaders, students, and anyone concerned about authentic ministry in a post-Christian culture, this book offers a theologically grounded path forward that trades growth metrics for God's presence.
Author: Andrew Root
Publisher: Baker Academic
Published: 04/21/2026
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.86lbs
Size: 8.94h x 6.10w x 0.72d
ISBN: 9781540970060
About the Author
Andrew Root (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He writes and researches in the areas of theology, ministry, culture, and younger generations. Root is the author of Evangelism in an Age of Despair, the six-volume Ministry in a Secular Age set, and more than a dozen other books. He also serves as staff theologian at Youthfront, is a frequent speaker, and cohosts the Ministry in a Secular Age podcast.
In an era of church decline, pastors and ministry leaders face intense pressure to grow--more attendance, more influence, more reach, more budget. But what if this relentless pursuit of "more" is actually a form of modern idolatry?
In Baal and the Gods of More, leading practical theologian Andrew Root challenges everything you thought you knew about church growth and success. You'll discover how to
● identify the hidden idolatry embedded in modern church growth strategies and learn why bigger isn't always better in God's kingdom;
● understand the historic roots of America's church growth obsession through economic theory, cultural philosophy, and the industrial revolution's lasting impact;
● break free from toxic comparison and the exhausting cycle of innovation, influence-seeking, and numbers-driven ministry that's burning out church leaders;
● rediscover biblical wisdom from 1 and 2 Kings that reveals how ancient Israel's fertility god worship mirrors today's church growth addiction; and
● embrace a radical alternative focused on divine action, relational encounter, and theological depth.
Root reveals how Protestant churches have become dangerously dependent on growth-driven stabilization, a mindset inherited from the industrial revolution's golden era. He draws striking parallels between ancient Israel's worship of Baal and other fertility gods and the contemporary church's obsession with expansion. Just as the Israelites turned to false gods promising abundance, today's church often looks to secular methodologies, innovation strategies, and growth techniques as saviors.
This provocative book argues that creativity, innovation, and endless strategizing won't save declining churches. Instead, Root calls the church back to dependence on divine action and genuine relational encounter with the Word of God.
Perfect for pastors, church leaders, students, and anyone concerned about authentic ministry in a post-Christian culture, this book offers a theologically grounded path forward that trades growth metrics for God's presence.
Author: Andrew Root
Publisher: Baker Academic
Published: 04/21/2026
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.86lbs
Size: 8.94h x 6.10w x 0.72d
ISBN: 9781540970060
About the Author
Andrew Root (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He writes and researches in the areas of theology, ministry, culture, and younger generations. Root is the author of Evangelism in an Age of Despair, the six-volume Ministry in a Secular Age set, and more than a dozen other books. He also serves as staff theologian at Youthfront, is a frequent speaker, and cohosts the Ministry in a Secular Age podcast.
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