From his pen, the Reverend Dr. A. W. Dock has provided us with a comprehensive study of attrition, assimilation and the retention of new members within the church community. While this study was primarily confined to his own congregation, he has gathered data from pastors of other denominations and traditions in order to give creditability and expose the limits of his findings. This book will be helpful to both pastors and lay persons alike who are faced with the never-ending reality of attrition, assimilation and retention of new members. Reverend Dr. Clayton D. Furlow, Author A Theology of Preaching In the African America Context Philadelphia, PA Reverend Dr. Albert W. Dock has helped us to put the issues surrounding the retention of members on the front burner of ministry as we seek to slow down the "revolving door" syndrome. This book helps both ministers and church leaders understand how better to move new members into the mainstream of church life from membership to discipleship. Reverend Dr. J. Wendell Mapson, Pastor Monumental Baptist Church Philadelphia, PA Pastor Dock gives the reader strategies which were arrived at through careful gathering of data, and through meticulous evaluation and analysis of that data - so that the results presented to us are practical, believable, and doable. Reverend James T. Betts, Planter/Pastor Saint James Community Baptist Church Philadelphia, PA The Reverend Albert Wilson Dock has pastored Philadelphia's Berean Baptist Church since 1984. He has pastored previously in Georgia and South Carolina. He earned his undergraduate degree (magna cum laude) from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA/(Center for Urban Theological Studies), Philadelphia, PA., his Master of Divinity Degree and Doctor of Ministry Degree were earned at Palmer Theological Seminary, Wynnewood, PA.