Assembly Autopsy: Why Brethren Churches are Dying and How to Revive Them

Since the Second World War, over 1000 Brethren churches have ceased to exist in the United Kingdom, the historic
heartland of the Brethren movement. Decline is happening in other Western countries too. Yet God is also working
powerfully in many places.

God’s Word teaches us that the causes of church decline are spiritual and so is the cure. ASSEMBLY AUTOPSY identifies
four causes of spiritual sickness that need to be remedied, and outlines six principles of how God works by His
Spirit to bring blessing and growth for His glory.

Review by Frank Seeley, Elder, Seaton, South Australia: Thank you so much for this amazing book! This is, I would judge, the most even-handed account of the Brethren history from its inception, until now.

However, it’s much more than that, in that it so simply and clearly identifies the reasons for the Brethren’s long, drawn-out, continuing pathway towards demise. Neither does it stop there, but, all-importantly, it sets out, in the clearest and simplest terms, not just a solution for survival, but an uncomplicated, biblically-endorsed pathway to REVIVAL - NOT only for Brethren, but also for everyone else - regardless of denomination, who follows it.

For the first time in over 20 years, I see the possibility of revival for our once-God-fearing nation, if enough practising Christians embrace the truth, conviction, and simplicity, which this book contains.

Review by Dr. Alex Kurian, Dallas, Texas, USA: I praise and thank God for the realistic and honest approach to the decline of the assemblies and suggesting Scripturally based remedial measures. ASSEMBLY AUTOPSY elaborates on what I have briefly pointed out in my online article, The Decline of the Assemblies. I was so excited to read it. The diagnosis we have made seems to be very identical. May the Lord make this book a blessing to many.

Endorsement by Bill Forward, missionary and Bible teacher
By God'[s grace I have been given the privilege of serving Him as a missionary in various places since 1963. I have seen the power of the Gospel save souls and have witnessed the establishment and rapid growth of assemblies in these places. However, since my wife Gladys was stricken with Alzheimer’s Disease, my ministry has been limited to assemblies in Australia. After she was called home to glory in October 2022, I have ministered to regional assemblies in Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and in New South Wales. I am sad as I noted that there was clear evidence of decline in the numbers of believers attending – just 8 in one assembly, 10 in another and even more distressing has been the closure of many once vibrant fellowships.

Some time ago I came to know Andrew Wilson and noted he is also concerned by these things. After wide ranging research in the UK and elsewhere, he wrote a most challenging book of about 200 pages giving the history of assemblies since 1826. In it he also identifies the main reasons for this decline and presents a positive road to reverse the trend.

I have personally presented a copy of this book to the elders of the assemblies I have visited and to those from other assemblies who have attended meetings I was taking. I am wholeheartedly endorsing Andrew’s desire to ensure every church’s elders should have a copy to share and to consider what might and should be done to recover the testimony in their places. I sincerely pray that you take note of this opportunity, looking to our Lord to pour out His Spirit afresh upon us all.