Acknowledgments

I never expected to write a book about death, whether the subject would be the death of humans or the death of churches. I am hopeful and optimistic by nature. Death and dying, frankly, are subjects I would rather avoid.

But then I wrote a post called “Autopsy of a Deceased Church” on my blog at www.ThomRainer.com. I was amazed at the response. It became and still is my most viewed post. Even months later, people still read that article daily. I knew I had struck a chord.

I first express appreciation to the community of readers at my blog. I know some of you by name, but with millions of viewers a year, I can’t know all of you. Thank you, every one of you, for taking time to read what I write. I am still amazed that anyone wants to read my works.

I owe a great deal of appreciation to the B&H team, one of the most capable and excellent teams in publishing today. I wish I could name each of you individually. Thank you Jennifer Lyell and Devin Maddox. You are superb editors, dynamic leaders, and persistent encouragers. And thanks to the two top leaders of B&H: Selma Wilson and Cossy Pachares. You have taken a sleeping giant and turned it into a mighty force in Christian publishing.

There are no words adequate to thank “Team Rainer” in the president’s office. I love having “A” players on my team. I am blessed to have three “A+” players: Amy Jordan, Amy Thompson, and Jonathan Howe. They are the brains and hearts behind my social media, my organizational life, and all that I write. Thank you, team.

If you know me at all, you know I love my family. I love my wife, Nellie Jo. I love my sons, Sam, Art, and Jess. I love my daughters-in-law, Erin, Sarah, and Rachel. And I love my seven grandchildren whose names are at the forefront on the dedication page. I fully expect more grandchildren will be on the way by the time this book is published. No pressure.

Though I stand amazed that any of you readers would actually read my publications, I thank you for it. And though I don’t know what expectations, hopes, or burdens you bring to the reading of this book, I pray God will use it greatly for you and your congregations.

Ultimately, my greatest gratitude goes to my Lord. This book is about His church. He cares about His church. He loves His church. I pray that my simple words will be used in some small way to help His churches in His power and strength. And if this tome is used in such a way, I know where the credit will go and to Whom the glory belongs.