Churches Without Walls

In Church Without Walls, prominent author Jim Petersen offers an exciting definition of the church that pushes beyond the too-small boundaries we've inherited from the past. This book explores why some church forms impede the gospel in today's postmodern world.

We see it all around us: Poverty. Unemployment. Crime. Hopelessness. Anger. Disenchantment. Injustice. We want to help. We want to do something. But what? Good intentions are good, but often our efforts at helping others can actually make things worse. And in many communities the church is viewed with suspicion, if not downright hostility. So how can churches effectively serve the needs of their communities in ways that communicate the love and grace of God? According to author Laurie Beshore, churches need to step up and take action, but it all begins by learning. You must get to know the people in your community and establish relationships built on mutual trust and respect. This ebook recounts the compelling twenty-five year story of how Mariner’s Church, a growing mega-church in Irvine, CA, began reaching out to their community and how they made more than their fair share of mistakes along the way. But these hard-earned lessons are now of immense value to a new generation of church leaders trying to serve their own communities that are skeptical, if not understandably suspicious, of the intentions of the 21st century church. Laced with ultra-practical teachings and transferable principles for churches and ministries of all sizes and styles, this is a book filled with potent lessons and powerful stories both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The decline of the traditional church in the West has met with the emergence of new ways of being the people of God. One of these is the phenomenal growth of cell churches -- small groups of committed Christians meeting in homes and spawning new cells with enthusiasm. Whilst the cell church movement is still small in most Western countries, it is likely to become a major player in the church of the future. In countries like China, Singapore and Malaysia it is the most popular vehicle for their extraordinary explosion of Christianity. Church Without Walls: A Global Examination of Cell Church brings together a number of scholars and church leaders from across the world to examine and critique the natures, values and growth of the cell church movement.

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen.?" How often have you read this scripture from Isaiah 58:6? It doesn't stop at the giving of food or "bringing the homeless poor into the house." It's about YOU being a vessel of God's anointing - that anointing, which breaks every yoke and sets every captive free, being released through you. The real cry of Isaiah 58 is for everyone to be a bridge into the hearts of those in need. Church, are you ready to obey God's Mandate to get outside your four walls and be that body of love and power to a mass of humanity that is in desperate need of a shepherd ? to experience the Jesus of Nazareth who, some 2,000 years ago on the Judean Hillside, told His disciples, "FEED MY PEOPLE"? Don't just read this book ? study it! It opens up God's heart! John L. Dammarell, Ph.D., is Executive Director of Liberty Road Foundation, a public charity formed in August 2007 to serve the less fortunate by connecting businesses with non-profits, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing their finances and their employees to build communities of hope, helping to provide programs in the areas of social, economic and spiritual development. John served as Senior Pastor of Valley View Christian Church in Kent, Washington, 1976 to 1992, and was Community Relations Director for City Ministries, a food distribution ministry of The City Church in Kirkland, Washington, 1997 to 2007. At the writing of this book, over 115 churches of varying denominations received food through City Ministries, helping to feed over 25,000 people every week. John, a former Marine, holds a Bachelor of Theology from Northwest Christian College, Master of Divinity from Phillips University, and his Ph.D. in Practical Ministries from California Graduate School of Theology.

The concept of a Church Without Walls traces its origins back to the early Christian church, where worship and community building were often held in intimate settings such as homes and informal gatherings. However, as time progressed and religious institutions became more centralized with the construction of traditional church buildings, the idea of a church extending beyond physical boundaries has experienced a rekindled interest in recent times. The fundamental purpose of a Church Without Walls is to cultivate an environment that is both inclusive and welcoming. It embraces individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their geographical location, background, age, or circumstances. Its essence lies in fostering a profound sense of belonging, fostering community ties, and reaching out to those who may feel apprehensive about attending a conventional church setting. It is important to note that a Church Without Walls does not seek to replace traditional churches, but rather offers an alternative avenue for individuals to connect with others and engage in worship. It serves as a platform where people can come together in fellowship, prayer, and service, transcending physical barriers. One of the remarkable advantages of a Church Without Walls lies in its remarkable ability to reach out to individuals who may have previously been disconnected from the traditional church experience. Through the utilization of technology and social media, these churches are capable of connecting with people across the globe, providing them with opportunities to nurture their faith and establish meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share their beliefs.

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This revised, expanded edition of the Common Worship President’s Edition contains everything to celebrate Holy Communion Order One throughout the church year. It combines relevant material from the original President’s Edition with Eucharistic material from Times and Seasons, Festivals and Pastoral Services, and the Additional Collects.