Estimates are that as many as three-quarters of mainline Christian congregations are located in small towns or rural areas -- and many of these areas are diminishing in population. So is it inevitable that small town and rural churches will decline in membership and close in the next few decades?

"Not necessarily!" says Gary Exman. During his years as the pastor of a small-town parish, his congregation reversed the trend and grew dramatically. By applying the principles of the "church growth" movement, Exman's church revitalized a dying Sunday school, increased average worship attendance by 50 percent, and quadrupled church offerings. Get Ready... Get Set... GROW! is a practical handbook that shows how you can achieve results like that in your congregation as well. Exman identifies the unique problems facing small town and rural churches, and in this book he offers proven strategies for conquering the cancer of declining membership and building stronger congregations. There is untapped potential in the small towns and open country of our land -- and Get Ready... Get Set... GROW! can help you discover it. Gary W. Exman is the pastor of Stonybrook United Methodist Church in Gahanna, Ohio. A speaker, evangelist, and church growth consultant, Exman has also served as the president of the United Methodist Church's Council on Evangelism. He is a graduate of Taylor University, Scarritt College, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary.