From Surviving to Thriving
A Practical Guide to Revitalize Your Church
John H. Krahn

For years, Rev. Dr. John H. Krahn has been one of his denomination's most successful interim pastors whom God has used to save many dying churches. He shares his proven methods for helping churches which are barely surviving to once again thrive. Whether your church is on life support or is doing quite well, this book shares ways and insights which will strengthen your church and its ministry. Unlike other books on church growth, From Surviving to Thriving -- A Practical Guide to Revitalize Your Church, is a hands-on approach that will assist you and your church greatly. Dr. Krahn believes that no church should fail. He has written this book to help your church once again thrive.

Inside you will find a good measure of practical advice, pressed down, shaken together and running over with experience and good sense. There are not many suggestions that cannot immediately be put into practice by pastors and members of congregations alike. Pastor Krahn has done what he recommends and seen the results of intentional missional ministry in more than one context. The book is overflowing with good stories and examples of excellent ministry. He draws richly from the pastoral imagination of other settings. We all know that the current culture does not necessarily support our congregational revitalization, but rather than simply analyze the situation and describe the problem, the author proposes concrete and effective practices in worship, finances, and programs that he has seen work. There are no silver bullets to address our challenges but a comprehensive approach including, among others, getting the church's financial house in order, practicing good stewardship, developing a strategic plan and vision, marketing the church in new and old ways, and developing an evangelism program. Here is a book by a veteran pastor who knows how to revitalize a congregation that is long on hope and short on excuses.

Some chapters included:
Stop Making Excuses and Start Doing Something
Get Your Church's Financial House in Order
Reclaim Your Inactive Members
Reach the Unchurched in Your Community
Remove the Roadblocks That Impede Thriving
Expect God's Miracles


Rev Dr. John H. Krahn has been in the pastoral ministry for forty-eight years. He was pastor of the largest Lutheran church in New York for twelve years with a staff of fifty people. Dr. Krahn earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia Senior College (Fort Wayne, Indiana), and his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri). He earned his Masters in Education and Theological Studies from Union Theological Seminary, his Masters in Curriculum and Teaching from Columbia University, and his Doctor of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary (all in New York, New York). He has been the Executive Director of the United Lutheran Appeal, the Director of Recruitment at Long Island Lutheran High School, an Army Chaplain, owned a Christian group travel business and traveled all over the world. Krahn is a professional fund raiser, has been a lecturer, taught high school, served as interim pastor at five floundering Lutheran churches, and continues to work as a paid church consultant. He is the go-to-guy in his synod to turn around dying churches, and sometimes refers to himself as the "pastor of lost causes". Dr. Krahn is also a much sought after speaker. In 2016, he will be conducting seminars throughout the church on the subject matter contained in this book. He has been married for forty-nine years, and has two daughters and three grandchildren.