Historical Drift is a book for leaders. As a pastor, missionary, professor and president of one of Canada's fastest growing denominations, Arnold Cook defines historical drift as the tendency of churches to, over time, move way from their original moorings, with the result that vision dims, core values shift and passion fades.The idea of historical drift is not new. John Wesley decried the continual decay of pure religion, and one unidentified bishop suggested that all Christian organizations should be scrapped every 100 years.But why focus on the darker side of the Church? With no ambivalence about the triumphant future of the Church -- capital C, Cook's concern is for the earthly reflection -- churches, small c. What options are there for survival in the seemingly unstoppable currents that push and pull them?Obviously, one response, notes Cook, would be to celebrate drift, to bring on the new wineskins. That option, in his opinion, conflicts with certain basic scriptural ideas. The other response would be to recognize the eventuality and to set in place those things that would impede such a current.Cook's call is for leaders who understand their times will move Christ's Church forward with strength and spiritual integrity.Generously illustrated with vignettes from around the world, Historical Drift presents a thorough, scholarly yet realistic perspective on how to define, diagnose, detect, impede and reverse historical drift that Church leaders of every level will welcome.