Much has been written on redefining the structure of mainline churches-but the one factor that is most critical to church renewal is the most neglected. That factor is how people join the church. It is the integrity of the membership-and not the number of members-that determines the life and witness of the church. Jan Linn challenges us to change the way we define church membership and to view it as a spiritual discipline with a commitment to spiritual growth and development. He introduces “covenant membership,” an outlook which more fully reflects the meaningful ties that can be created when persons choose to become part of a community of faith and tradition. Chalice Press, softcover, 120 pages.