I finished the book in about two days. A very good and intriguing read. Perhaps the greatest thing that I have taken away from the book is a reminder of both the complexity and simplicity of Father's love.

I have read several of the comments written about this book, and I can't help but wonder if the majority of them have still missed the central message of the book and the gospel itself: Everything is about the Father's love.

A search of scripture will quickly reveal that the Father is much more interested in our unqualified fellowship with him than making sure that our ecclesiology is correct.

I read the book and immediately wanted my wife and all others I know to read it too. My hope was that they would get the same revelation that I did. Unfortunately, Father doesn't work that way. Father understands that this thing called "Christianity" is a journey not a destination. As He leads us, He desires intently that we remain in fellowship with him. His holiness is not subverted merely because we we forsake structure and seek him as a loving father, rather his holiness is magnified the tighter we cleave to him.

Paul wrote in Galatians that is was for freedom that Christ set us free. Not so that we can be burdened again with the yoke of the law; or as this book alludes, institutional religion. To be sure, in nearly every body of believers there are those who love the Lord with abandon and who deem it a privilege to be on this journey, seeking more and more about His person. But there are also those who seek their own gain and labor to perpetuate the institutionalism of the establishment. Serving the "church" for the sake of the "church." Doing away with "church" was not the goal of this book; rather it was about focusing on Father's love and leading--however that may look.

Let's not miss the proverbial forest for the trees. Gal 5:6 (NIV) "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." If we remain focused on Father's love for us, then our motives, actions, speech and direction will follow his leading and will be centered upon him. We won't need regulations, bylaws and rules because the driving factor is Father's love. When we miss the mark (sin) his forgiveness and grace readily abound. We then use our forgiven, grace-infilled lives as testimonies of Father's love.

If a fictional book can shift our focus to Father's love--great! If a Sunday morning service can shift our focus to Father's love--awesome! If a movie, car accident, children's book, documentary, tragedy, illness, or whatever can shift our focus to Father's love than praise be to God! The goal is Father's love. Period.

Look for Him to reveal His love as you read this book and know that He has promised that He will reveal it to you. Blessings on your journey!

"So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore" brought me to tears and ultimately, healing. I am personally guilty of thinking I could build a relationship with God without any involvement from the church. In the past, I have placed my pastors and leaders on pedestals on which they didn't belong. This book reminded me that the church is made up of fallible human beings, myself included. We are fallible, but usable by God. I have discovered a new favorite author in Wayne Jacobsen who ministers to my heart.

Haven't read thte entire book yet, but the first 4 chapters brought me to a place I knew I was looking for and once had.
Had moved from my "hometown" and church 12 years ago and have been very discouraged with the results of my looking for another home church. This book, so far, has reminded me of who my first love is and how my focus has been skewed.

The author gives an incredible challenge to all those attending church today. A message of authenticity, relationship and reconciliation inside and outside the physical walls of a church building. Jacobsen gives insights into the worldly beliefs we buy into that get in the way of real relationship with God and others.

This book gives hope to anyone following the Spirit of God and not man-made rules. Hope for discipling with the love of Christ versus trying to control and manipulate others with man made religious agendas and theology. As a long time elder of a local church, this book is not negative toward the local church; it is a book that casts a vision of what church could be like, if we follow Christ and not our own agendas!

Unfortunately, if you are a Christian who believes in an extremist view of reformed theology you will not like this book and probably not like any of the books by this publisher. If you are a top book reviewer with your own agenda of attempting to push extremist reformed theology onto all Christians (with no biblical support) then this book may anger you to the point that you would attempt to misrepresent its contents. This type of elitist attitude unfortunately can create the kind of division within the church body the author is warning against and, unfortunately, is false and misleading. Beware.

I doubt if any of us need any more humans telling us what we "must reject". However, if a controlling version of religion is what you are after, then please, heed the misleading advice, and ignore this book.

No doubt about it...5 stars!

On a positive note:

The author rightly raises red flags toward some of the legalism and Gnostic tendencies that some local churches exhibit. The desire to have church simplified and exhibit grace is definitely a good thing. He is correct in stating several times in the book that God will never love us any more or less based on our perfomance. Jesus' righteuosness imputed to us is what makes a sinner right before a Holy God.

Now for the Critique:

1) Poor Ecclesiology - Colsen builds a straw man argument from the get-go. It is clear from the book and his writing at the end of the book in his open letter to "fellow-believers" that he has a chip on his shoulder probably due to some bad experiences that he has had with whatever local church/s he has been a part of in the past. He rips on the whole idea of the local church. Yet over half the NT is addressed to specific local church congregations: Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Collossae, and Philippi, to name a few. All of these churches had governing bodies consisting of elders; deacons; and men and women using specific spiritual gifts so that these bodies had structure and organization (1 Cor. 12-14; Eph. 4). Instead of attacking the NT model for the Church he attacks a poor model of the abuses in a fictional local church. I think he would have better served the Church by examining the biblical parameters laid out for the Church and thus could have developed a Biblical Ecclesiology. He never does this. He simply takes a few elements that were exhibited in the NT Church and picks those that fit his personal preferences. It is true that many of the NT Churches met in homes: however, it wasn't exclusively in homes, and preaching was always an integral part of their worship gatherings. Let's see what the Scriptures have to say (oh how refreshing to have an authority based on God's revelation and NOT ON FICTION) PLEASE READ CAREFULLY -Acts 2:42-47, 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together (not a home) and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. The author of Hebrews commands that we do not forsake meeting together as a body of believers (not the hippie hitch-hike approach the book condones). Hebrews 10: 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some (Colsen's recommendation), but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

2) Poor Theology Proper & View of the Gospel - The only side of God that is dealt with in the book is His grace. It is not even closely balanced with our sin against the law and God's just demands that necessitated both Christ's atonement and propitiation for our sins. God's holiness is not dealt with at all. The book totally focuses on `ME" and is totally man-centered (Romans 3-5).

3) Poor View of Preaching - Some of Paul's last instructions to Timothy we need to take VERY SERIOUSLY when examining what Colsen proposes in his hippie like manner of gathering whenever and wherever the spirit leads us. Look at what SCRIPTURE SAYS: 2 Timothy 4:1-4, 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. If you read 1 and 2 Timothy you will find a huge and heavy emphasis on studying the Scriptures diligently and the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Jesus' own ministry was filled with the teaching and application of the Scriptures. I am deeply offended by Colsen's disdain for this clear mandate of the Apostle Paul to Timothy that is to be used throughout the ages for God's glory and the edification of the Church for whom our glorious Savior bled and died! People, who struggle with careful preaching from God's Word that is delivered in a gracious manner, don't have a problem with preaching...they have a problem with God's revelation! People always buck against preaching because it's too convicting. They would rather huddle with other sinners and give therapy to one another rather than be cut to the heart by God's Word.

4) Poor view of God's Word - it is correct that children shouldn't be scolded for not remembering verses as mentioned in the book. However, I am so glad that we give opportunities in our own Church body for Scripture memory because it gives our children absolutes to base their beliefs on. Kids learn by modeling, but they also need absolutes and authoritative truth to base their convictions and beliefs on. I'd like to hear Colsen's take on David's advice to young children from the Psalms: Psalm 119:9-11, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
I thank God for the godly men and women that taught me the Scriptures from my youth. It is these very Scriptures I learned as a youth that I am able to use now as an adult to keep me pure and to help me deal with the red flags I see in a book like Colsen's. Colson prefers a gathering where there is no dealing with guilt because of our sin before a holy God - instead where everything is flowers and strokes for felt needs. Colson would fit in well with the Bahai faith. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't doubt that most new age type groups would cherish this book! We as depraved sinners don't know what we need a lot of the time. That's why we need the authoritative Scriptures like we need bread and water daily. Because God knows we need to hear and be exposed to the truth about Him and ourselves daily (Psalm 1; Joshua 1:8).

I think overall that Colsen's book is dangerous because it attacks what Jesus died for -- The Church which consist of the many local churches since the ones established in the New Testament until Jesus comes back.

I have to give credit to this book for igniting that spark that has led me out of the institutional church. When I first read it, I couldn't believe that there were Christians who would dare to think (much less talk) this way! It was so refreshing. The truths in the book resonated very deeply within me. My only gripe is that I don't really like the title. When talking about it, I feel like I need to explain that the book is not just about not wanting to go to church - that it has a lot to do with an authentic relationship with Christ. Having said that, the TRUTHS that emerge from this book are illuminating. I always suggest this book as a primer as it is very gentle given the REVOLUTIONARY nature of the message. Once you've read this, it's probably time to read some of Frank Viola's books, and the many books that talk about organic church.

I just read this book along with Viola's "Reimagining Church" and I'm really excited. I've always felt there was another way of being and doing church, and now I know there is!

This is a short easy to read novel that will comfort those who are tired of traditional forms of church and the institutionalization of Christianity. Since it is fiction, it is a fast read, but it is limited in making a persuasive case for what it sets out to accomplish. I think it's a good beginning.

Some great compliments to this book which lay out the biblical reasons why the traditional church isn't according to God's will as well as a presentation of a better alternative are "Pagan Christianity?" by George Barna, "Reimagining Church" by Frank Viola, "Life After Church" by Brian Sanders, and "Body Life" by Ray Stedman.

After reading The Shack, I thought - "Wow, now there's a book that talks about a god that is miles apart from the God reavealed in the pages of Scripture." Now comes another book that again misses the mark of Scripture .. in this case of what the true Church (and its local expression) is all about. All I ask people to do is please read this book for what it is FICTION -- and get your theology (in this case your theology of the church) from the Bible!

"The Kingdom of God is like...." Jesus loved to use parables and stories from every day life to describe what God dreams of for his people. The two authors of this book have done the same, and the result is enlightening, inspiring, and hopeful. You will laugh and cry, but most of all you will be touched deeply by the description of what life in the Kingdom can be like.

Sure, the story at times drifts into a bit of idealism, but that's the point. And if you are totally and unquestioningly committed to the institution of the church today, this book will probably cause you to feel defensive. But if you dream of something more for the church, if you have experienced the politics and the pettiness of people who just don't seem to "get it" when it comes to the Kingdom, if you have ever been hurt or disillusioned by the church, this book will give you hope that there is something more, something better that Jesus envisioned. And you can still discover it today.

I highly recommend this book, not as a recipe or how-to book for house churches, but as a refuge where you can get away from the institution and the misrepresentations and rediscover something of what the Kingdom of God is all about. In fact, if the church were to really listen with an open mind, this book would be a tremendous gift to a church that needs to change, and in many cases wants to change, to be the church God dreams of.

Jake Colsen is the author of So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore. Jake Colsen does not exist. Rather, he is a pseudonym for the combined work of Dave Coleman and Wayne Jacobsen. You may recognize Wayne Jacobsen as one of the founders of Windblown Media, the company that published a little book called The Shack--a little book that has gone on to sell well over a million copies. As The Shack has found international renown, it has pulled in its wake Windblown Media's two other titles, both of which are written or co-written by Jacobsen.

So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore is a story about a man named Jake who is an associate pastor at a fast-growing mega-church. In the book's early pages he encounters a man named John whom he comes to believe may just be the Apostle John. Overhearing what John teaches he realizes quickly that his Christian faith is almost hopelessly rote and anemic. "Although I had been a Christian for more than two decades, I had no concept of who Jesus was as a person and no idea how I could change that." This book covers a span of months or years which sees him grow from a pastor of immature faith to a man of wisdom and mature faith.

The book is framed around continued encounters with this character John. In fact, almost every chapter begins with Jake thinking or worrying about a particular issue, only to have John quickly and mysteriously materialize. John helps Jake overcome his fears and his questions and then disappears to leave him to think about and to implement the things he now knows.

The predominant theme of the book is issues surrounding the local church. The overall teaching is that the church as most Christians understand it is a human institution designed primarily to gain and to protect power. The Bible, according to the authors, does not teach that Christians should be part of any kind of institutional church. This is not to say that we should leave mega-churches to join smaller house churches; rather, we should abandon this kind of church model altogether. While the authors do not clearly or precisely share what Christians should or can do in its place, it seems that it would look something like this: "Instead of trying to build a house church, learn to love one another and share one another's journey. Who is he asking you to walk alongside right now and how can you encourage them? I love it when brothers and sisters choose to be intentional in sharing God's life together in a particular season. So, yes, experiment with community together. You'll learn a lot. Just avoid the desire to make it contrived, exclusive, or permanent. Relationships don't work that way." By the book's closing pages, Jake has left the church and now meets irregularly with an irregular group of people from his community. This is presented as being a form of authentic spirituality that is closer to the biblical model than that which is practiced by the vast majority of Christians today. It is the better alternative to church as most Christians know and experience it.

Of course I would be drawn to this model, too, if my church was anything like the one Jake comes from. His congregation is much like a drunken fraternity. The pastor is an angry man who holds tightly to his power, who expects people to lie to protect his reputation and who is having an abusive affair with a vulnerable congregation member. The members of the church are petty and divisive, heartlessly shunning those who disagree with them, demanding immediate restitution for any perceived wrong, persecuting children who do not properly memorize their verses, and fighting for positions of prominence within the local church. Overall, the authors give an exceedingly negative portrayal of the local church. It is a portrayal that includes all the stereotypes so treasured by those who hate Christianity. The church members are hopelessly ignorant, able to recite chapter and verse but knowing nothing of the "heart" of Scripture. Hence even two lifelong pastors react with apparent shock when they learn that "church" in the Bible primarily refers not to an institution but to a people (as if no Protestant has ever bothered to distinguish between the visible and the invisible church). Against this brutal portrayal of Christian community, the authors present their alternative. And needless to say, it looks awfully good in comparison.

While So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore is theological fiction, the reader may well note that there is little reference to the Bible. Because it is fiction we might not expect to see direct references to particular passages (and, indeed, we do not) but there is little by way even of indirect references. John assumes a certain knowledge of Jesus and common sense spirituality and uses this as his bridge to the hearts and minds of the reader. Rather than saying, "The Bible says this..." he tends to say, "This is what the church is like... Doesn't my version look better?" And of course, with such a dysfunctional church in mind, it really does look better. He looks to the New Testament church on occasion, but is awfully selective, taking only those elements that further his case.

Though Jacobsen does occasionally affirm that institutional churches may do some good, the theme of the book comes through loud and clear. In the appendix Jacobsen says, without any apparent trace of hyperbole, "I can tell you absolutely that my worst days outside organized religion are still better than my best days inside it." And from cover-to-cover, the book is heartlessly negative towards the local church. Christians should, and perhaps even must, withdraw. But the case is made through emotion and through false comparison. Those who hold closely to Scripture may affirm some of what Jacobsen teaches in this book, but they must reject its overall message.

THIS BOOK WAS VERY FAST READING AND GIVES YOU PAUSE TO THINK REGARDING WHAT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD REALLY SHOULD BE, WITHOUT ALL THE BEAUROCRACY OF THIS WORLD GETTING IN THE WAY. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO WANTS A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

This is one of the best books I've ever read!!! One of the charachters, John, is constantly asking the hard questions. Through John and Jake's many conversations about real life I began to realize the importance of true fellowship, not busyness in some building. I go to church, this book doesn't tell you not to go, but it does challenge you as to why you go, and why you do the things you do in the church and the body. This is well worth the read, inspiring!

The book arrived very quickly, way before I expected it, so kudo's to Amazon!

Re the book, I haven't read it yet, it's the August read for our church women's group.

Ok, i suppose i have a few positives and several negatives. I guess ill start with the positives. Despite the fact that i found myself in profound disagreement with "John" on several issues, there are some excellent points he makes that can serve to caution us to examine our motives. He also reminds us not to allow ourselves to just become part of the "machinery." I get the impression that the book was written with great sincerity and with the intent to free people.

That being said... I tend to think that the general theme of the book was rather simplistic and gave evidence of the authors' predisposition to blame the contemporary church for almost every problem or dysfunction in the life of the church members. Disillusioned?...Obviously your church has failed to provide an authentic forum for faith. Bitter?...Must be because you were manipulated and used by self righteous power mongers. Stressed? ...Must be because the church is pulling you one way while God is beckoning you in another. They fail to address these states of being as a common to the human condition. The book implies progressive freedom from such problems, only once freed from the bondage that church imposes. I say, the church is filled with people, people are flawed and sinful, therefore chuch is not without baggage. Can churches be found that reflect their jaded characiture of hypocrital religion? Sure. Do all or even most churches operate with such mercenary motives? I strongly doubt it. I know a good deal of people that strike me as sincerely wanting to serve others. I dont get the impression that they are part of some grand shame-management scheme. I honestly believe they have, in their zeal to shed light on the "scheme" of organized religion, used a straw man argument. They address only the easiest church stereotypes. The "worship" song that Jake overhears has questionable lyrics that are easy to critque. Convenient that they didnt overhead "On Christ the solid Rock i Stand." It would have been much more difficult to illustrate the shallowness of church with it. When Jake's former church grew it was because two other churches were "hemmoraging" as one pastor left scandal-ridden and the other left for a larger congregation. It would have been much more difficult to explain the church growth had there been no scandal to refer to. The authors set up straw man after straw man and then knock them down. I was rather disappointed because the discussion could have been so much more engaging but for me, it ended up being profoundly frustrating.

This book reaches anyone who has been lost or defeated by church-i-ness.It is for any church goer who has not fit in anywhere because of all the phoniness of the place. It reemphasizes that we are the church...we who are broken and betrayed and just find it very difficult to put on a happy face. An excellent read. I recommend it to people who have endured a lot of suffering in their lives and tried to find solace in the church. Your peace is in Christ alone.

There is much in this book that I admire. Any book that teaches that we should focus on a strong, abiding faith and trust in God cannot be a very bad book. I was very moved by some of the passages in this book, and I believe many other Christians will be moved as well.
As a corrective to the word-faith gospel this book is excellent. It clearly teaches that God does not answer to us, we answer to Him. I greatly admire anyone who is willing to tell people that God has not chosen to make all Christians wealthy.
My first problem with the book is that it portrays a church that is full of spiritually immature people. The Pastor, the elders, the assistant Pastor, and all of the parishioners seem to be a group of self centered louts. Are there no people who attend a church who actually love their neighbors?
The reason that I cannot give a higher rating than 3 stars is that I have grave reservations about the overarching message of the book, that the church should be avoided. This book seems to advocate Christianity as a religion best practiced alone, or in small groups. Of course that is an aspect of the faith, but the New Testament is full of instructions for the running of the local church as a body of believers. Acts 20:28 tells those who were made "overseers" of the flock that they were apointed by the Holy Spirit. This book seem to take the view that there should not be overseers at all. Read the whole of the Bible, particularly the New Testament before agreeing to the premises of any book.
The biggest problem that I have with this book is that it seems to be teaching that becuase the church is full of hypocrites that we should abandon it. How are the spiritually immature supposed to learn from the "spiritually elite" that are separating from the church?
A good, but flawed book.

This book was recommended to me by a new acquaintance. The title threw me at first. I really was expecting a book that was presenting some new church model or method, of which I had no desire to embrace. After a few chapters, I was pleasantly surprised. The author describes with accuracy what takes place in many churches. Though not greatly polished in writing style, the author does paint a picture that is painfully true in many cases.

The character in the book named John, does a good job of reminding Jake of the primacy of following Jesus, not some man-made method. The intimacy with God that John describes is refreshing. His emphasis on patience and trust in a sovereign God (my words not his) is a good lesson for all Christians.

But I would caution any reader of this book. The character of John is a fascinating man, and is rarely, if ever, offensive. But he does lead Jake (and the reader) to think less of the local church. The reader is left to think that our individual lives with God is far superior than any corporate gathering. If there are occasions to interact with other believers, then that is a bonus, certainly not something to seek out. I would suggest that our individual lives will never reach its full spiritual potential UNTIL it loves in the fellowship of a local church, where you can know and be known!

My struggle with this concept is that is appears to miss the beauty of the Bride of Christ. I'm not convinced you can love the bride-groom without loving the bride. The church universal is wonderful, but obviously Christ desired believers to be connected to a local body as well. I read the book of Acts (and the rest of the epistles) and see the body worshiping together, sharing together, and even experiencing church discipline together for those need correction.

I admit that the church is full of hypocrites, sinners, and those who do not demonstrate genuine faith. For that, the church will be held accountable, especially leadership. Also, most local churches are guilty for over-programming everything and getting little result for the money and effort put in. The church ought to embrace relationships with each other and God far more than it does. But to say the church is simply a man-made institution that is unnecessary (my interpretation of the book) is going way to far.

I would rather see the church as a place that we come together to worship our God, which is the overflow of our individual and family worship that we have encountered all week. And together we will accomplish all that God desires. It takes the whole body to accurately display the glory of God in our world. Christ didn't just die for individuals, He died for the church. And each individual ought to be eager to join with fellow believers to evangelize, establish, and equip each other and the world.

Let this book be a stimulus to embrace God, but do not let it deter you from His Body in a local church!

Religion and church nowadays are becoming more and more confusing. For me, this book helped sort out somethings I was wrestling with in relation to church.

Truly one of the best books I've ever read and the timing was divine. This, however, is not a book to read if you are not drawn to it. And if you judge this book by it's cover, you are in for a surprise.

So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore

This is the greatest little book I've read in a long time! Even if you are pretty much satisfied with your current worship experience, this book will touch that longing for the real life of the Spirit that we all know, deep down inside, is sadly lacking in most all American churches. Go ahead, give it a read, and see if it stirs up that inner thirst for the real deal!

Loved the book. Goes to show you that as long as you worship God it doesn't have to be in a church building it can be anywhere as long as you are building a strong relationship with Him. Good context of material.

It makes you analyze church and why we do it the way we do. Is the church in America what Jesus had in mind? I don't think so and neither does the author. Read with an open mind. You may not totally agree, but there is truth in this book.

I have met the author of this book and he is true follower of Christ. What Jake had experienced in this book is similar to what I went through in my journey away from the walls of religion to a free and delightful walk with Christ. This book helped me to escape the traditionalsim I had been brought up in as a pastor's son and as a pastor. Frank Viola's book, Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices, Wayne Jacobsen's book, He Loves Me! Learning to Live In the Father's Affection, and my book Free Indeed?: Are Christians Free Indeed or Enslaved by Religion? will accentuate Jake Colsen's (Wayne Jacobsen) book nicely. These books will explain why there are such love-hate feelings about the Church. BUY THIS BOOK! (you'll love it!)

This is likely one of the best books I have ever read and I'll tell you why.

I've been all about the Church for most of my life. I've been a pastor, a denominational official, a Church Administrator, an Elder, a Chairman of the Board and while I'm not currently in a formal Church Ministry role, I'm finishing up a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and writing a Master's Thesis on Leadership Styles and impact within the organization of the Church.

On some levels, I'm sick and tired of the organization of the Church. Many of the criticisms leveled at it for being impersonal, political, manipulative, disingenuous and full of petty people are unfortunately true. There are literally millions of people who comprise the walking wounded who have brushed paths with many Churches and have sworn that they are never going back to such a place because it is full of hypocrites and toxic people.

I understand that. I'm reminded of the man who said all the things above to his wife and ended up with the comment, "And I'm never going back there again." His wife responded, "But you have to go back. You're the Senior Pastor ......"

For all who have felt this way, this book is for you.

Through the masterful use of dialogue in the context of a fictional setting with a pastor who has been wounded, this book touches on all these themes and brings the reader through to the end with an alternative view of Church.

It's not about the organizational Structure. Some imagine that if we just structured the Church right the problems would be solved. I can vouch from a level of involvement that exceeds many, that sadly this is not the case.

The church will never be perfect in this age because I am not perfect.

What is needed is a new view and understanding of the Church. This book does an excellent job of illustrating where hope lies.

I recommend it highly! 5 Stars.

Bart Breen

In thirty five years of being a Christian, this is the first book I've come across that speaks to my frustation with "church" and it's inability to deliever what it promises. As I've read the gospels over the years, I've realized that if you made a list of all the things that Jesus told His followers He wanted then to do, and made another list of what the "church" does; you would find little if anything on both lists in most churches, mine included. This book has put words to the troubled rumblings of my heart and shown me that yes, you can find Jesus outside the "church" as we have come to know it in America today. In fact, if the gospels are any indication, more likely.

I was pleasantly surprised that there was no typical "church-bashing", but the book was filled with a sense of how much our Heavenly Father seeks to have meaningful relationship with us, His children. It revealed that the organization of the "church" can take on a life in itself, totally apart from being the "body and bride" of Christ. It certainly pointed me toward the Father.

This book really helped look at spiritual matters, instead of just church issues. It also was a big help in dealing with issues in the church that can be painful. I do think the book goes just a tad too far in basically encouraging people that they do not need to go to church regularly, and in fact says the Bible does not tell us to do so. I clearly feel the Bible does tell us to congregate together. Most people would not have the opportunity to keep up regular contact with fellow christians (as he did) if they did not go to church. That is my only negative about this book. Mainly I found it to be very encouraging, and spiritually uplifting. A very good book.

This book has caused me to stop and think about what is truly important, my relationship with Jesus. Great read!

Great Read..........insightful and gives views I had not thought about.
Would recommend to anyone willing to grow in your walk with Our Lord.

The book expresses feelings that may echo with your soul after being disillusioned or hurt by church. It helps rebuilds a base for healing, understanding and hope.

I thought that the book was well written and presented the authors' ideas in a thought provocking manner. Well worth reading.

This book is a phenomenal tool to help set you free from legalism, religious obligation, and discover anew that Father loves you, regardless. If you find yourself empty from religious duty, guilt, manipulation and commitment to a piece of "machinery", then this book is for you. God wants you to enjoy Him, His people, and HIs love from a heart freed from all the entanglements man has added to "His Church". This is not a book putting down the church, but discovering what the church was really meant to become in our personal lives and the world.