Professor Andrew Root, Carrie Olson Baalson Chair of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, is author of “Churches and the Crisis of Decline: A Hopeful, Practical Ecclesiology for a Secular Age,” which was published in March by Baker Academic. The book addresses the crisis of decline in churches and the importance of remaining open to God’s presence.

In his book, Root argues that instead of being concerned over the loss of resources in churches, such as members and financial contributions, we should instead focus on loss of life—life that can only be found in relationship with God. In exploring this idea, Root draws on the works of both theologian and pastor Karl Barth and philosopher Charles Taylor.

Mandy Smith, pastor of St. Lucia Uniting Church in Brisbane, Australia, and author of “The Vulnerable Pastor,” writes, “An engaging and creative work which draws us aside from the church’s current crisis to plant us back in it with new vision and hope. I looked up from this book no longer feeling surprised by the crisis and my inability to solve it, no longer ashamed that I need the power of God to lead this church. I closed this book with a new imagination for what God can do in the crisis if we reach outside our own small efforts, over and over again. Andrew Root dares us to live and to lead as if God is actually alive and still cares about the world and the church.”