Real Church

"Church as I know it usually leaves deep parts of me dormant, unawakened, and untouched. I don't much like going. So, what now?" What's happening to the Church? Why are so many people who for decades have been faithful, steady churchgoers (and others who want to start going to church but can't seem to find one that meets their needs) losing interest in even attending church, let alone getting involved? What is fundamentally wrong with the "types" of churches (Seeker, Bible, Emergent, Liberal, Evangelical) that dot the religious landscape? Larry Crabb believes it is time to rethink the entire foundation and focus of what we know today as church -- everything we're doing and are wanting to see happen. In his most honest and vulnerable book to date, the author reveals his own struggles in this area and then offers a compelling vision of why God designed us to live in community with Him and others, and what the church he wants to be a part of looks like.

What does it mean to believe in the church? What is the relationship between the church we believe in and the church we experience? Is there an invisible church that is different from the visible? This book is an argument for an ecclesiology of the visible. The only church, the real church, is a concrete reality made up of people, just like any other fellowship. What distinguishes it as church is the presence of the triune God among those who gather in the name of Jesus, making it a sign and anticipationof the fellowship of the kingdom of God. From this premise Dr. Hegstad analyzes such issues as the relationship between church and world, mission and diakoni, church as fellowship and organization, ministries in the church, worship, and the unity of the church, as well as discussing the relationship between a sociological and a theological understanding of the church.

Will the real church please stand up? We exist in a world of extreme flux and volatilityone that is unpredictable and filled with pain. But why? Could it be that the church who was intended to be a model and beacon of light in the earth has instead become a follower and dispenser of the same ills that malign our landscape? The church, in her pursuit to have church, has somehow lost her way; the church as an institution has exploded (possibly morphing into something not recognized by its author) while the organism has suffered, causing her to forfeit the influence and power and connection she once possessed. In Perspectives on a Real Church, we take a look at what and who the church isboth where she has been and is, currently with the hope of charting a path toward where she could be. This literary work takes a look at what the real church should be and seeks to objectively look at whether or not our church is meeting the standard, as well as what can be done in the places where she needs to step up. One thing is for certain, and that is that the church was created for both goodness and greatness, that she was intended as a radical transformative agent in a context where transformation is much needed. When the church becomes what she was intended, thenand only thencan she be a catalyst for resurgence and revival to both believers and nonbelievers alike. The world in turn, will be a better place more capable of reaching its full potential.

“Will the real Church please stand” is a call for the Church to recognize what is happening because of its complacency. Social, economic, spiritual and especially moral standards are falling to an all time low. Only God and the Church can reverse this regression. Jesus said He would build His Church. With Jesus as its head, the Church is the most powerful force on earth and can turn this downward spiral around. This book is written to inspire you with confidence and compassion to be one who will choose to cause positive change.

Where is the Real Church of God in Christ is not just a good book, but a ministry instrument spiritually designed to provide an insightful and investigative glimpse into the revealed word of God concerning his church. The reader will see where the church was, where it is and where it will be – VICTORIOUS despite the many vicissitudes. It will reveal the authenticity of its leader confirmed by many witnesses whose lives were transformed by its power in mind, body, soul and spirit. It will awaken the spiritual pallet and whet your appetite for truth. It is meat for the mature, milk for those who have a desire, food and water for those who are thirsty and hungry. This book will speak candidly providing transparent moments while truthfully exposing our spiritual architectural firm as the means of transportation from earth to glory.

"This is a practical manual of everything our church did," says author Molly Phinney Baskette, "to reverse our death spiral and become the healthy, stable, spirited and robust community it is today—evident in the large percentage of children and young adults in our church, and a sixfold increase in pledged giving in the last decade." "Real Good Church" is a testament to Baskette's and First Church Somerville UCC's success, and a gift of hope for all churches that find themselves struggling to keep their doors open. What makes "Real Good Church" unique in the field of church growth books? It's practical. It actually tells churches what they can do—and how to do it. It offers beginning and intermediary steps for growth and renewal. Churches, no matter what situation they're in, will be able to jump in and get to work. It has a sense of humor. Baskette's easygoing, often self-deprecating writing style and approachable strategies will empower the reader and their church to revitalize itself. (If her church could do it, we can, too!)