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Frost, M & Hirsch, A., Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 2003. The authors admit that this is a book on 'why' the church should change and not a book on 'how' the church should change. The book does not, therefore, enter into the discussion over the value of specific types of church communities, for example base ecclesial communities as opposed to alternative worship communities, as opposed to cell churches. Instead the book keeps to a big picture perspective comparing 'missional' churches to 'Christendom' churches. There are two weaknesses in taking this oppositional approach (one is better than the other). One is that often the authors are not comparing like for like; they are taking the worst of 'Christendom's organised structure and comparing it to the best of 'missional' outreach. The second is that they can be guilty of overstating a case to make their point. An example of this is their blank assertion that 95% of churches in the west operate in a non-incarnational mode of mission. The strength of this approach is that it is written with energy, drive and enthusiasm and it provides a clarion call for change - 'churches wanting to break free from the quagmire of their dysfunctional systems and climb out of their downward death spiral must learn to feel, think and act differently.' There is some clear theological and Biblical thinking. The authors provide an excellent breakdown of the Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. They examine the need to collapse a dualistic worldview. They explain how Christology informs missiology, which then in turn determines ecclesiology. There are some catchy ideas - the flaws of an 'attractional' church; the strength of an 'ideavirus.' The book is full of stories, full of insights and full of passion but is not for the faint hearted. Rev Dr Bob Mayo is Director of the Centre for Youth Ministry, Cambridge, UK *******
Journal of Youth and Theology – Brill
Published: Apr 6, 2004
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