PDF The Prodigal Church: A Gentle Manifesto against the Status Quo by Jared C. Wilson in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not just for those in the "Attractional Church"By DantheManThough Jared Wilson is writing this book for those who are primarily in the "attractional" or "seeker-sensitive" churches; this book is a call for every church to remain in the gospel.It is human nature to overcorrect. Wilson uses the analogy of the man that falls off of his horse on the right side--only to get back on and fall off again on the left. The American church has done this with first legalistic fundamentalism (emphasizing the don'ts) and then over correcting to the attractional model (emphasizing dos). Wilson shows how both of these models are actually both legalism in the end; because they emphasize works and so often miss the incredible grace of God and what He has done.Wilson crushes two underlying motivators of the attractional church: pragmatism and consumerism. These are not only unbiblical in nature but incredibly poisonous to the Body of Christ. Pragmatism is the idea that everything the church does must yield results; and consumerism is of course the idea of giving people what they want. Every church is susceptible to these two dangers. Wilson also carefully evaluates how churches have typically measured success (numbers) and gives an alternative (heart change).This "gospel centered" model for church is not flashy or glamorous. It may not be loaded with programs or the most innovative services. It may not be celebrated by the world. It does not matter. We must stand with Paul as he says in 2 Corinthians 2:2; "I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus and Him crucified."The Christian message is the gospel. The gospel is the good news of what has already been done. It is not and has never been "good advice." May our churches all respond to Jared's heartfelt call to return again and remain in that precious gospel. The Bible is not an instruction manual for our lives; it is something far more. It is not about making bad people good; but making dead people alive. May our churches reflect that beautiful message.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An excellent; insightful look at the problems associated with church ...By Farholme FanAn excellent; insightful look at the problems associated with church models focused on the 'seeker;' or the unchurched.Wilson identifies the driving tendencies of the seeker churches into "consumerist" and "pragmatic" and discusses the shortcomingsof such an approach. He calls churches back to a gospel centered; Christ exalting approach that shuns tricks and gimmicks and relies on the sovereignty and grace of God.I would highly recommend this book to pastors; elders and laymen alike concerned for the trajectory of evangelical churches today away from the gospel and toward treating the felt needs of people without addressing their real need: a Savior.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Surprisingly Refreshing View of Church ProblemsBy William L. BrownI approached this book thinking it would be a rehashing of the Traditional/Contemporary church service wars. Should we sing the old hymns or the more modern worship songs? Should preachers extol scriptures or discuss current events?I was surprised to find that the author addressed these issues; but in a refreshing manner. He is an experienced minister; and he has worked in a number of traditional and contemporary settings. He does not support or oppose any strategy in a judgmental fashion. His main issue is; does the church preach the gospel as the source of help for the needs of the congregation?I encourage all church leaders to read this volume and give it prayerful thought.