A river, especially a desert river, according to Arnold, is a good metaphor for the importance of vital worship for a vital congregation. When a river flows free and full, it nutures all kinds of life along its banks; but step a few yards away from a desert river, and that life can't survive in the hard rock and sand. In the same way, life dries up when as individuals or faith communities we get too far away from the source of life God offers us in worship. Arnold graciously shares her current congregation's remarkable success story during her leadership: membership has more than doubled; programs in children's and youth ministry and adult education are flourishing; worship services are offered both in Spanish and English and signed for the hearing imparied; the physical facilities have been revitalized; and the financial base has been stabilized. In addition, she offers functional strategies to lead worship, information on how to develop as a spiritual leader, ways in which the congregation can understand the importance of worship, and much more.
