{"product_id":"baal-and-the-gods-of-more-rescuing-church-growth-from-idolatry-9781540970060","title":"Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry","description":"\u003cb\u003eWhy the Endless Pursuit of \"More\" Won't Save the Church\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 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?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eBaal and the Gods of More\u003c\/i\u003e, leading practical theologian Andrew Root challenges everything you thought you knew about church growth and success. You'll discover how to\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003eidentify the hidden idolatry\u003c\/b\u003e embedded in modern church growth strategies and learn why bigger isn't always better in God's kingdom;\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003eunderstand the historic roots\u003c\/b\u003e of America's church growth obsession through economic theory, cultural philosophy, and the industrial revolution's lasting impact;\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003ebreak free from toxic comparison\u003c\/b\u003e and the exhausting cycle of innovation, influence-seeking, and numbers-driven ministry that's burning out church leaders;\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003erediscover biblical wisdom\u003c\/b\u003e from 1 and 2 Kings that reveals how ancient Israel's fertility god worship mirrors today's church growth addiction; and\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003eembrace a radical alternative\u003c\/b\u003e focused on divine action, relational encounter, and theological depth.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRoot 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfect 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Andrew Root\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Baker Academic\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 04\/21\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 272\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.86lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.94h x 6.10w x 0.72d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781540970060\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAndrew Root\u003c\/b\u003e (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 \u003ci\u003eEvangelism in an Age of Despair\u003c\/i\u003e, 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 \u003ci\u003eMinistry in a Secular Age \u003c\/i\u003epodcast.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"booksdeli.com","offers":[{"title":"Andrew Root \/ Paperback \/ English","offer_id":48229123948701,"sku":"9781540970060","price":35.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5648\/9373\/files\/img_f4b69e59-c985-461a-ab86-0d54f260ccf8.jpg?v=1778575814","url":"https:\/\/booksdeli.com\/products\/baal-and-the-gods-of-more-rescuing-church-growth-from-idolatry-9781540970060","provider":"booksdeli.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}