The church monster--according to Bixby--is the personification of ""a wide variety of problems which have arisen in local churches as a result of the heightened levels of conflict and anxiety with which they are dealing."" His goal is to help pastors--as well as laity--to challenge the church monster by dealing with conflict and working through issues that are causing stagnation, early dismissal of pastors, and other discord that detracts from the mission and vision of the church. Bixby invites churches as well as shows them how to be open to the genuine and exciting possibilities that emerge from two core principles: downsizing and centralizing church government and developing a radical commitment to congregational decision making. This means fewer meetings, more ministry and less conflict, more community. He also offers fresh new ways for churches to function so that mission and ministry can once again become priorities, and people can begin to feel their time and energy are being used for something other than adding fuel to the fire of conflict within the congregation. ""If Bixby is right, when people complain about 'organized religion, ' they're really complaining about 'over organized' or 'poorly organized' religion. If that diagnosis rings true, savor the wise and practical insights offered in this helpful, needed, concise, and well-written book."" --Brian McLaren, pastor, speaker, and author of The Secret Message of Jesus Douglas J. Bixby earned an MDiv degree from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. He is the pastor of Salem Covenant Church in Washington Depot, Connecticut.