The problem of decline in thousands of small Protestant churches perplexes not only pastors of those congregations but also denominational leaders who often make the assumption that the only course of action is to close them. Church merger consultant Jim Tomberlin (with co-writer Warren Bird) makes the case that there are a number of alternatives to closure, particularly mergers, restarts, and other forms of renewal. In this new book, they provide a complete, practical, hands-on guide for church leaders at all levels so that they can understand the issues, develop strategies, and execute a variety of forms of merger and renewal to reinvigorate declining churches and give them a "second life."