Includes bibliographical references (pages 233-245).

Introduction : The great recession -- pt. 1. Six trends of decline. Inflated -- Hated -- Dividing -- Bankrupt -- Bleeding -- Sputtering -- pt. 2. Six solutions for recovery. Re-valuing -- Good -- Uniting -- Solvent -- Healing -- Re-igniting -- Conclusion : The moment of decision -- Appendices : "Is the author's church declining? Maybe that's why he's pessimistic ; "Aren't there positive things happening in evangelicalism, too?" ; Defining "evangelical."

"In 2006, few Americans were expecting the economy to collapse. Today the American church is in a similar position, on the precipice of a great spiritual recession. While we focus on a few large churches and dynamic leaders that are successful, the church's overall membership is shrinking. Young Christians are fleeing. Our donations are drying up. Political fervor is dividing us. Even as these crises eat at the church internally, our once friendly host culture is quickly turning hostile and antagonistic. How can we avoid a devastating collapse? In 'The Great Evangelical Recession, ' award-winning journalist and pastor John Dickerson [a recent Phoenix Seminary Graduate] identifies six factors that are radically eroding the American church and offers biblical solutions to prepare evangelicals for spiritual success, even in the face of alarming trends. This book is a heartfelt plea and call to the American church combining quality research, genuine hope, and practical application with the purpose of igniting the church toward a better future."--Publisher description.