The church is widely viewed in the world at large as being outdated, boring, irrelevant and filled with backbiting hypocrites.
How different that picture is to how the Bible talks about the new family that Jesus has gathered. It is a precious bride, a sparkling jewel, a lifeboat for forgiven sinners that is precious and holy; nurturing and warm; filled with truth, friendship and all embracing, forgiving love.
Sam Allberry understands the collision between these two views, and how, even as Christian believers, we can lose sight of how truly wonderful church is and what a privilege it is to be part of.
In this brief, accessible but thorough guide to church, Sam outlines what church is and why we need it. And how, when we have got it wrong, we can move closer to what a true church should be.
Part of the Questions Christians Ask series: a range of short, simple books designed to help Christians grapple with the contemporary issues.
| Contributors | Sam Allberry |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781909559141 |
| Format | Paperback |
| Dimensions | 110mm x 178mm x 7mm |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 96 |
| Publisher | The Good Book Company |
A great series and an excellent resource. Important issues tackled thoughtfully, carefully, thoroughly and biblically. You couldn't ask for anything more. So don't. Buy these and use them well.
- Steve Timmis, Director Acts 29 Europe
I'm so glad Sam wrote this book. Many in our day say that they like Jesus, but not the church. But is it possible to belong to the Head without being part of his visible body? Obvious in practical importance, Why Bother With Church? is a wise, basic, and winsome invitation to embrace the riches of communion with Christ’s new society.
This book about the church is a gift to the church. It's clear, winsome, and needed, reminding us of the great reality of the body of Christ called to live, worship, and minister together in his name until he comes. I'm grateful for this biblical call to remember who we are and what, by God's mercy, we get to be and do as his gathered people.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. Brimming with Christ-exalting passion and practical instruction, it ably addresses many questions people are asking about the church. Without minimizing its flaws and deficiencies, Sam helps us see that the church is a miracle of grace, destined for eternal glory as the bride of Christ. Sam Allberry has a God-given gift for presenting potentially complex topics in a way that is biblically faithful, skillfully concise, pastorally wise, and culturally relevant. Why Bother With Church? is the latest example.
The strength of the book is the skill Sam has in answering the questions with brevity, clarity, and thoroughness. … Sam doesn’t brush sin under the rug or cover up the ugliness brought into the church by sinners. He knows that people have been hurt by the church and he is gentle with them. He writes with both doctrinal conviction and pastoral care.... continue reading
The basic premise is that church is very important for every Christian! The author is concerned for those who profess faith but who distance themselves from church. This may be caused by the consumerism and individualism endemic in society, by poor biblical teaching, or by bad experiences of church life. The answer is to refocus on what the Bible teaches about the church. The book defines what a church is and outlines the characteristics of a good church. It also describes how different types of churches might be run. It gives lots of practical biblical advice on how to be a positive part of a church even with all of its good and bad points. The short section on pages 80–83 on the church as both a human and spiritual organisation is very insightful.... continue reading