The Suburban Church: Practical Advice for Authentic Ministry (Westminster John Knox, 2008)

— Neal Plantinga, President and Charles W. Colson Professor of Theology, Calvin
Theological Seminary

"Following God's call and the urging of five brave families, Arthur DeKruyter founded and then built Christ Church of Oak Brook into one of the largest, most vibrant suburban churches in North America. His story is a compelling one, surprisingly understated, as he outlines the lessons he learned and the mistakes he made along the way. Pastors and church leaders who find themselves in suburban settings will want this new book for insight and inspiration."

— Douglas J. Brouwer, First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan

"Arthur DeKruyter is a rare breed — a thoughtful writer about the church who hasn't just dreamed it — he's done it. I am glad his wisdom is now available to everybody."

— John Ortberg, Pastor and Author, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

"These reflections on church health and renewal from a creative and faithful pastor will inspire pastors and laity to revitalized ministry and deeper service. Volunteers, money, preaching, staffing, buildings, social issues--it's all here, from the heart of an experienced pastor testifying to partnering with the Holy Spirit in the building up of God's people for the sake of God's Kingdom."

— Rev. Patricia Farris, Senior Minister, First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica

"Significant insights that can help churches and leaders reach the American suburban culture with the love of Christ, from someone who has "been there and done that" successfully."

— Rev. Peter Semeyn, Senior Pastor, Faith Reformed Church, Traverse City, MI

"The message in The Suburban Church is a must read for believers who care about the church, urban or suburban, especially if they are church builders (a church, not a building). Art DeKruyter shares it because he did it."

— Rich DeVos, Co-Founder Amway and Owner Orlando Magic

"In addition to his authenticity, fairness, loyalty and other outstanding leader characteristics, what impressed me the most about Art DeKruyter in the 19 years I served with him at Christ Church of Oak Brook is his principled procedure in decision-making. Consistently in our staff meeting deliberations he would lift up before us the relevant biblical, theological, and philosophical principles that would, together with the Holy Spirit's help for which we prayed at the beginning of the meetings, enable us to construct the most effective approach to the issues before us. Those key principles and how he facilitated their application in founding and building the church are in this book."

— Rev. Edward D. Seely, Ph.D.

"The unique challenge of suburban ministry is a subject that has long been neglected--and when not neglected it has often been treated with vague generalities. In this important and inspiring book Arthur DeKruyter corrects the situation by sharing wisdom forged by his own creative efforts in founding and leading one of the great suburban churches in North America."

— Richard J. Mouw , President, Fuller Theological Seminary

Read a book-related suburban newspaper interview with Rev. Dr. Arthur H. DeKruyter (pdf format).