Best Books
Every congregation longs to flourish, yet many settle for less than what God intends. Instead of pursuing God’s extraordinary vision, they often default to what feels familiar, comfortable, or easily attainable. In Soaring with Faith: The Difference Maker for Congregations, author George W. Bullard Jr. invites churches to exchange mediocrity for a Spirit-led pursuit of exceptional mission and ministry.
Bullard begins with a foundational truth: congregations are living organisms, not static organizations. They grow, change, adapt, and shift through seasons of stability and seasons of challenge. Because they are always in motion, no congregation is ever stuck—not permanently. With the right guidance, churches at any point in their spiritual and strategic journey can rediscover their God-given potential and learn what it means to “soar with faith.”
With more than 50 years of ministry experience, Bullard stands as one of the most trusted voices in congregational vitality. A respected speaker, teacher, consultant, futurist, and conflict-mediation expert, he has devoted his life to helping Christian leaders and their churches embrace faithful, strategic, and effective ministry. His academic background—spanning degrees in history, sociology, divinity, theology, and a Doctor of Ministry—has shaped his ability to see both the spiritual foundations and strategic realities that influence church health. Bullard’s influence extends across the Protestant landscape. Throughout his career, he has served in numerous local, regional, and national Baptist roles, and he spent seven years leading North American Baptist groups connected with the Baptist World Alliance. His consulting and mentoring work has impacted more than 1,000 congregations and more than 50 denominational families, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Assemblies of God, Presbyterian, Brethren, Evangelical Free, Wesleyan, Mennonite Brethren, and many others. This wide lens gives Bullard a rare, comprehensive perspective on how churches function—and how they can thrive.
In Soaring with Faith, Bullard categorizes congregations into five types based on their mission clarity and alignment: Soaring, Strong, Stumbling, Struggling, and Spiritless. These categories are not labels of judgment but tools for honest assessment. As several endorsers note, Bullard is both courageous in diagnosing a congregation’s true condition and hopeful in pointing toward a better future. Pastors, church boards, denominational leaders, and network partners will find practical steps, real-life examples, and Biblically grounded strategies to help them move from wherever they are toward Spirit-empowered vitality. Endorsements from respected leaders underscore the book’s impact. David Emmanuel Goatley reminds congregations that they do not need to surrender to mediocrity or cultural conformity. Others describe the book as a “wormhole” to new possibilities, a gift to pastors seeking clarity, and a practical map for navigating the complexities of modern ministry. Each affirmation highlights the same truth: Soaring with Faith offers both courage and direction for churches seeking renewal.
Soaring with Faith is more than a guide; it is an invitation. An invitation to rediscover God’s preferred future. To embrace exceptional instead of average. To step out in faith—and soar. Visit shop.ironstreammedia.com to learn more. †
