Best Book of the Year 2008
It has become a tradition for me to choose one book that I’ve read this year as my favorite book of the year. (See my posts about the best books of “2007” and “2006“.)
I read many books this last year. I had to read most of them for school. I chose to read other books. It was more difficult to choose a “best book” this year because I read so many good books.
But, I think Reimagining Church by Frank Viola was the best book that I read this year.
I wrote about this book a couple of times this year. See my posts “A Quote from Reimagining Church” and “Reimagining Church“.
Also, I had the opportunity to interview Frank and then respond to his interview. See my posts “In Conversation with Frank Viola” and “Response to Frank Viola“.
Primarily, this book is important because Frank encourages believers to understand the church as an organic entity, not as an organization. While many would agree with this statement, the actions and practices and decisions made by many churches indicate that they do not actually believe it and they do not live it.
The church must learn to serve through relationships with one another and with the world. Currently, too many believers are hiding a lack of relationships through programs and structures.
I encourage everyone to read this book. Even if you are happy with the traditional, institutional model of the church, I believe you can learn from Frank in this book.
I agree Alan. Is surely a great book that I wish all Believers could read.
Alan, won’t your chances of “professional ministry” be reduced by embracing ideas like “Re-imagining church”?
Of course, I don’t know your reasons for attending seminary…..
I appreciate your blog…It’s
refreshing….
I too think it is a great book. Most believers could benefit by reading it, but unfortunately many believers read very little.
A pastor I know thinks it is a dangerous book. He is trying to make it to retirement, and thinks if believers embraced the ideas in the book, his paycheck and retirement could be in danger.
I too wondered if you are planning to turn your seminary degree into a paycheck. (I’m not trying to be crass here. I have a number of acquaintances who have graduated from two well known seminaries and this is the terminology they use.) If so, how would that work if large numbers of believers embraced the ideas in “Reimagining Church”?
Joel,
Yes. Even those who disagree with Frank could learn alot.
EROPPER,
I decided long ago that I am not going to make my living as a “professional minister” or “vocational pastor”.
Sam,
I can understand why that “pastor” would think this book would be dangerous for him and his retirement. I’m sorry to hear that these things are his motivation. But, I’ve heard from students who agree with Frank in theory, but plan to “earn their living” from the church, so they don’t want to think about these issues in practice.
-Alan
I will have to check this book out. I wrote a post on my blog about this subject this week called the The Backwards Church. I found your blog on blog catalog.
God Bless