Contact: Pam Sparks, .W Publishing, 719-362-5237, publishing@wholelifeoffering.com; www.wholelifeoffering.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., April 5, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- George Barna's new book, "Maximum Faith: Live Like Jesus," claims that there is little correlation between genuine spiritual growth and church participation. According to author and pastor Rev. Eric Foley, this finding presents a particularly enticing temptation for those already skeptical of the spiritual effectiveness of the local church.

"One thing's for sure: what's happening in church on a weekly basis just isn't producing mature disciples of Christ. But if we're not careful, many of us will fall prey to the belief that we should leave the church and go it alone. Nothing could be more misguided."

Foley notes that many turn their attention toward new programs designed for serious Christians to grow individually. The problem with this approach, he says, is that the Bible rejects it outright. "Ephesians 4:11-13 is clear," says Foley. "God has designed growth to fullness in Christ to be a church-wide, communal pursuit." What he recommends, instead, is for evangelical churches to adopt a liturgical calendar designed to help Christians hear the Word and then do it.

Foley's new book, "The Whole Life Offering: Christianity as Philanthropy", offers such a calendar. Formed around ten Biblical causes -- called "Works of Mercy" -- Foley outlines a comprehensive discipleship process that roots each cause in seven internal spiritual disciplines -- called "Works of Piety" -- in order to demonstrate that maturity in Christ is not only possible, but God's intended purpose for every Christian. He calls on ministry leaders to lead the way in this endeavor.

"The only way our members will experience genuine spiritual growth is if leaders in churches and nonprofits use their gifts and position to lead them there. It's time we stop asking the Body of Christ to support our work and instead equip them to do the same work we've been trained to do -- if not greater things. Leaders are called to be shepherds of the sheep, not ministry specialists."

"The Whole Life Offering" releases later this month and will be available for purchase as a paperback through Amazon; copies may be pre-ordered by visiting www.wholelifeoffering.com. Rev. Foley is available for interview; contact .W Publishing at publishing@wholelifeoffering.com for more information.