Just finished reading A Churchless Faith. I’ve wanted to read the book for a long-time now and now I don’t work evenings and weekends I’ve finally got round to it and found Jamieson’s research a really good helpful.
The value of the research is twofold. Firstly, it is a somewhat neglected field; so many books highlight the growth of Evangelical/Charismatic/Pentecostal (EPC) churches that few notice the wide open back door. Secondly, the depth of Jamieson’s research in this field is second to none. So many books looking into church trends are based on the opinion of the author and his/her contemporaries. In contrast Jamieson interviews 108 church leavers and 54 church leaders all for a sizeable amount of time.
For someone who finds himself in a frustrating relationship with the evangelical church I found the book a great guide. It reemphasised the fact that this is a journey, that I will not always be a ‘disillusioned follower’ nor will I always feel the way I do about the church; rather I will come out the other side with a better more integrated faith.
If you haven't read the book well worth reading Swimming Beyond the Flags and if you like that, then you'll love the book (amazon).
I've just started to read The Relevant Church, edited by Jennifer Ashley. It contains a series of articles by emerging church leaders and has a lot to say about the importance of being part of a local congregation. Seems like it's right down your alley.
Posted by: John B | January 23, 2006 at 10:49 PM
Hi :)
Another BRILLIANT book is Phillip Yancey's Soul Survivor!!
Posted by: Robynne | May 23, 2006 at 07:54 AM