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chelshopkins's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
jakesutor's review
5.0
This book is a very thoughtful, ground up analysis of the church. One of my main takeaways was thinking of how our modern definition of the church is confined to one or two weekly meetings, but the church as God defines it is a way of life, which includes loving our brothers and sisters unconditionally. If we have been saved by a God as big as the God of the universe, how can we let our relationship be just shown in weekly meetings?
Other interesting thoughts: how much more impact could our tithes have if we didn’t need fancy buildings and meetings? If I am not mentoring or leading in some way, am I doing something wrong?
Other interesting thoughts: how much more impact could our tithes have if we didn’t need fancy buildings and meetings? If I am not mentoring or leading in some way, am I doing something wrong?
micklz24's review
5.0
So much food for thought. I’m impressed with Francis Chan and his honest commitment to scripture even when that means confessing that he’s gotten it wrong in his own life many times. This book is a refreshing perspective on how church was meant to be, and is chock full of scripture. It’s humbly written and a worthwhile read for everyone seeking to grow in humility and in faithfulness to Christ’s commands.
chellyokelley's review
3.0
3.5 - This book calls out the consumeristic Church of the West. But rather than focusing solely on the issue of consumers within the Church, Chan calls out the structure and leadership of the Church for creating church models so unlike what God purposed the Church to be. He dresses down the typical Western church model, explaining why it’s problematic point by point. He uses several metaphors to underscore his point, saying that many churches operate like massage therapists rather than personal trainers. At one point he likens the Western Church to a zoo—constantly keeping its congregants safe and fed in their habitats rather than equipping them to hunt and thrive in the wild.
I really strongly agreed with many of Francis Chan’s points in this book. His conviction and urgency bleed through each page. There are a few areas where I diverge from his opinions and where I thought he was being a bit too simplistic or blunt, but I thought the book was well thought out.
I really strongly agreed with many of Francis Chan’s points in this book. His conviction and urgency bleed through each page. There are a few areas where I diverge from his opinions and where I thought he was being a bit too simplistic or blunt, but I thought the book was well thought out.
queenbethie's review
4.0
Definitely a thinker type book. This book was recommended to me, and not to just read it, but to read it with others and have discussions. I’m glad that recommendation was given to me as I am now ready to meet with my friends and talk about Chan’s ideas and challenge our own assumptions and actions about what the church is.
gracefig's review
4.0
I first decided to read this book when I read the question on the back: "If God had his way, what would our churches look like?" I figured it would be a book that validated all my feelings toward the current church. Francis Chan affirmed my thoughts, but also convicted me along the way.
Chan digs deep to reveal how the American Church is no different than the culture it lives in. It is made from the foundation of consumerism and comfort, which goes against so many biblical truths that are preached to us. As we work to make the church appealing to the public with flashing lights, 90 minute services, and the occasional service opportunity, we begin to push out God. How different would the church be as a group of people sitting in a house with nothin more than some bread, a cup of wine, and the bible? How unstoppable would we be if we were to welcome sufferings and persecutions with joy that does nothing but strengthen our reliance on the Lord? Chan elaborates on these points and more in a book that will make you rethink the sacred church that we have morphed for our own comfort.
This book will challenge you in a way you wouldn't think, and I think you should let it.
Chan digs deep to reveal how the American Church is no different than the culture it lives in. It is made from the foundation of consumerism and comfort, which goes against so many biblical truths that are preached to us. As we work to make the church appealing to the public with flashing lights, 90 minute services, and the occasional service opportunity, we begin to push out God. How different would the church be as a group of people sitting in a house with nothin more than some bread, a cup of wine, and the bible? How unstoppable would we be if we were to welcome sufferings and persecutions with joy that does nothing but strengthen our reliance on the Lord? Chan elaborates on these points and more in a book that will make you rethink the sacred church that we have morphed for our own comfort.
This book will challenge you in a way you wouldn't think, and I think you should let it.