Church leaders across the country are searching for ways to revitalize their congregation and motivate the members into action. With no hype or fanfare, Dennis Phariss goes straight to the heart of the issue - why churches become stagnant or lose members and what can be done about it. He leads readers to the mirror where they can have an honest look at themselves, their beliefs and the ways they have gone wrong. He brings his audience back to what the Bible says is the purpose of the church and the signs of spiritual health. He addresses the body of Christ with steps toward recovering a strong pulse where it has been weakened or even stopped by misunderstanding and misplaced motives. When doing the right things the right way you will find yourself in a church designed by God that is thriving, not just surviving.Dennis Phariss is a graduate of Angelo State University and Luther Rice Seminary. He has served in smaller membership churches for more than 20 years, first as a minister of music and now as pastor. Dennis almost became a ministry statistic. He was asked to resign from his first pastorate. Three years into his second pastorate he was ready to throw in the towel. Now in his third pastorate, God has confirmed his call to the ministry, renewed his passion for building the church according to God's design, and burdened his heart for small church pastors struggling in their ministry. He now shares his experiences and lessons learned with other pastors with the prayer that he can provide words of hope and encouragement that God can lead them through the desert to a grand oasis.