Friday, April 30, 2010

ReChurch



The United States is a huge, populous nation. As such, it is home to numerous epidemics. One of them is the dreaded but widespread ecclesia exitus disease - the Latin term for church drop out.

Perhaps you've experienced it - the decision to permanently withdraw from a congregation you had considered to be your 'church home'.

Our stories are all too familiar. The church we once loved broke up or or favorite pastor was fired or the musicians all left when the elders cracked down on the style of worship. The former pastor had an affair or the new pastor doesn't support Israel or the youth leader rebuked the teenagers for wanting to date. Enough to leave a sour taste in your mouth?

If you think about it, though, the cause of ecclesia exitus have been affecting the Lord's people since the beginning of church history.

Jesus was sent to save the Jews, whose leaders rejected and conspired to orchestrate His murder, in defiance of the spiritual laws and principles that they taught fellow Jews.

Paul's letters were written to churches that were distorting the principles provided by Jesus and consequently hurting many people through the misapplication of His truths and admonitions.

The description of the five of seven churches depicted in Revelation 2 and 3 reflect congregations that did a poor job of handling Jesus' teachings and God's people.

Even the early church leaders were guilty of infighting and bitterness. Paul had a less than amicable parting of ways with John Mark and Barnabas despite a successful initial missionary journey.



Want to know how to get through the pain, bitterness and feelings of rejection? Then join me in reading Rechurch, Healing Your Way Back To The People of God, by Stephen Mansfield. He was a pastor for twenty years and loved what he did. Then he learned a church can hurt. Thankfully, he also learned how to dig out of that hurt, break through the bitterness and anger, stop making excuses, and get back to where he needed to be with God and his people...but only if you're willing to ReChurch.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and being one who has been hurt from previous churches, this book comes highly recommended to help you resolve those hurts from the past and move back to being with God and His people once more.

For more information on this book including how to get a copy for yourself, please click on the links below:

http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/1_products/details.asp?isbn=978-1-4143-3328-1

To download the first chapter, click on the link below:

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-3328-1.pdf

17 comments:

Denise said...

Wow, sounds like a great book.

Anonymous said...

Looks like an interresting read!

Hope you're well Kat - thinking of you and praying for you
xxx

Just Be Real said...

Great review Kat. Sounds like another winner. Blessings.

Mari said...

You are right about this being an epidemic. Sounds like a great book!

teddytrump said...

as usual, great review and great post :)

LisaShaw said...

So true that this is a widespread problem and growing. Book sounds good.

My love and prayers for you dear one.

Danae Hudson said...

That looks like a good book!

Hope you're feeling better. :)

Joyce said...

Pete Wilson wrote on this topic today...you might want to check it out. He always gets lots of discussion in his comments section....

http://withoutwax.tv/2010/04/30/do-we-really-need-the-church/

Have a nice weekend!

Daveda said...

Looks like a book many people will want to read. I have come across many believers that have stepped away form "church" as an organization. Some of them have done so in an unhealthy way, and have taken their frustration out on God, thinking that He has done them wrong. But, many others have simply pursued the relational life of being a believer outside of an organization.
I'm not sure if this even has anything to do with the topic of your book. But,I believe the Father is about His business drawing us all back to HIM!

Great post! Wonderful topic.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I'm in. I have been away from my church for over two years and I have not found one that I like near my home.

LV said...

I know what you are saying. We have so many of us old people and not pulling in the young. In fact, they are searching for us a new pastor. We have such a lovely church, pray it does not fold up.

Steph T. said...

WOW...as a pastor's family we know this all to well. I have so many friends that have dropped out of the body of Christ due to hurt caused inside the church. I will have to get this book. Thanks os much for sharing.
Loveya

Mich said...

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

prayers and blessings

Unknown said...

Definitely sounds like a book that I need to read. I have had a few church "hurts" and no matter how much I try to move on, those hurts still surface.

How are you feeling?

Angel said...

Will definitely have to check this one out. We have never stepped away from church, but have definitely been hurt. Love the post. Have a great weekend.

Terra said...

This sounds like an interesting book. My thinking is that when we decide to leave a church, it is best to find another church that will nurture us. I did that a few years ago and it was a wise move.

Kathy C. said...

sounds like a book we are in need of reading...thanks for the links.