Reimagining Church: Pursuing The Dream Of Organic Christianity

Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity

Rate Points :5.0
Binding :Paperback
Label :David C. Cook
Manufacturer :David C. Cook
ProductGroup :Book
Studio :David C. Cook
Publisher :David C. Cook
EAN :9781434768759
Price :$13.99USD
Lowest Price :$7.99USD
Customer ReviewsAwesome!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
A fresh look at the Bible w/o all the traditions of man. This was an awesome, paradigm-shattering, sacred cow-BBQing book! Most of all - freeing!!! Thanks for your boldness, Frank!

Perhaps the Best Book on Church Practices
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
Ive read a lot of books on church renewal and church reformation, but this one is probably the best. Each chapter explains that the practices of the church are based in the nature of God and the eternal relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit. The author then gives practical examples of his own experience in what he calls organic churches. Scripture is used throughout. The first sections deals with meetings and community life. The second section deals with leadership and authority. There is a great appendix that addresses all common objections and scripture verses that are often used out of context. The approach this book takes is unique and its one that helped me to understand the church in a new light.

Awesome book!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
Did you read Pagan Christianity? Now that your head is full of all that information,what do you do with it? Was it information overload.

Reimagining Church takes it another step! It actually tells you the "now what?".

If you like your little world to stay the same, Do not read this book.
If you do not like to be challenged, Do not read this book.
If you are content with the status quo, Do not read this book.

If you are ready to be a revolutionary, by all means, READ this book!

This information will squash any sacred cows you are holding on to.

Thanks Frank for being a catalyst. Thanks for the challenge. Thanks for obeying the voice of the Lord!

The best book on organic churches on the market!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :2
The term "organic church" first entered my ecclesiological vocabulary with Christian A. Schwarz book Natural Church Development (Churchsmart Resources, 1996). Now in its seventh edition, Schwarz book introduced many of us to a type of church growth that was natural -- organic.

Frank Viola is an influential leader in the modern House/Organic/Simple Church movement, and as such, has written a number of books encouraging readers to reexamine what it means to be the church. Violas latest book, Reimagining Church, may be his best yet. The book is written for the nonprofessional for people who are leaving or are considering leaving more traditional forms of church. This is a strength, in my judgment, and will insure a wide readership. Violas insights are accessible to everyone, unlike much missional church literature today, which is often written for seminary-trained church leaders.

This is good because Viola has much to say. Viola has spent some twenty years in simple or organic churches, and has some incredibly keen insights into how these churches can and should function. Issues of leadership, relationships, sacraments, church unity, decision-making and more are addressed frankly and thoughtfully. There is real wisdom in this book -- wisdom born of experience.

In my judgment, this book represents the best-articulated case for simple or organic churches Ive read. The chapter on church unity is, in my opinion, worth the price of the book, and confirms something Ive been thinking about for a while now. In my denomination (Churches of Christ), we have always said, or at least implied, that unity must be based on a common interpretation of Scripture. Obviously that hasnt worked out too well. If anything, weve become even more divided. Churches of Christ are often regarded as some of the most schismatic Christians on the landscape.

While I wouldnt argue for "agreeing to disagree" or "lowest common denominator Christianity," there must be a better way. Ive thought a lot recently that perhaps unity might be much more easily achieved in a smaller setting, within a family trying diligently to listen to God and do what he says. Viola tells the most wonderful story (pp. 132-33) about a group he was a part of made up of charismatics and (!) Church of Christ-ers. Once they surrendered their agendas to God and allowed God to re-teach them about the Holy Spirit, they achieved a remarkable unity, while retaining a wonderful respect for the authority of Scripture. I cant imagine this kind of thing happening nearly as well in an institutional church. Perhaps unity is more achievable in simple church settings than anywhere else.

Violas discussion of leadership is a breath of fresh air as well, and would easily be reproducible anywhere in any situation, unlike many top-heavy leadership development models.

There is deep, rich food in this book, and should be read by anyone who finds themselves disillusioned with traditional churches. One of the most common questions people at this stage ask is, "What does house/simple/organic church look like?" Frank Viola believes there really is a better way, and this book does a great job of showing us what that looks like.

Amazing book!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
This is an amazing book! I read "Crazy Love" and "The Shack" and all three books are incredible. My view of God and the church is so different now. I wish every Christian would read these three books together.

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