Edington, Howard with Lyle Schaller, The Heat of the City

(Abingdon Press: 1996, 157 pgs. paperback. Available thru Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN 800-251-3320.

Few books cause me to cry, but this one did in several places. It is written with "practical passion." It not only tells the story of the turnaround of a dying, grand old downtown church, but it records the intense passion and commitment of both pastor and people. It is truly a testimony of a strong, lay driven church, with a strong, entrepreneurial pastor.

Don't let the title of this book mislead you. It is excellent reading for anyone in any church no matter where it is located because the mindset that it shares are applicated in most size churches. The principles shared are especially helpful to downtown churches. Pastors or laity who have lost their passion for ministry or who have lost the courage to take great leaps of faith will benefit from this book. I am so impressed by its overt and unashamed passion, that I am adding it to my recommended reading list with all four stars.