How the Mighty Fall By Jim Collins Whether large or small, How the Mighty Fall sets out the silent creep of impending doom lurking at the door of every organization. I argue his research, observations, and record of reversing downward trends is acutely apropos to the church. Jim Collins of Built to Last and Good to Great fame spells out the five stages of decline which leaders must avoid at all cost. The stakes are particularly high for pastors and church leaders as they lead the greatest institution on earth. All pastors must deal with the hubris born of success. Those who acknowledge the temptations of pride and success, whether through events or numbers, must nip it now or face the beginning of the end as articulated by Collins. Pastors always want more, or at least they should want more, for the sake of reaching more lost people with the Gospel. Wanting more to look good on next year's report to the denomination is not the goal. Denial of the risks and perils surrounding decisions and directions that are grounded in the "we can do no wrong" mentality leads to the grasping for salvation no organization ever wants. Collins notes any church that faces these stages of decline can recover and find new hope for the future. At the same time, those that don't won't. If any organization on earth should be built to last and be great, it is the local church. Every church leader needs to read How the Mighty Fall to make sure the Built-To-Last-Good-to-Great local church they serve never falls or declines. As the church increases, always nip pride. If it ever declines, never give up.