The Present Future... Six Tough Questions for The Church   By Reggie McNeal  (148 pages)

This book is a clear and easy to understand expose of the state of leadership in many American churches.  It is an inspirational and positive approach to de-constructing  “Church-ianity” and re-constructing “Missional Christianity.”  While the author is, at times, very honest and critical in his assessment of the American church, he is also encouraging and supportive of church leaders in the potential of a new season of understanding.

McNeal calls the church back to “kingdom growth” rather than “church growth.”  He exhorts church leaders to pattern their ministries like Jesus would, reaching into the community for impact, rather than continuing to offer services and benefits to church members.

 McNeal describes learning in the “present future” as being very different than in the modern past.  He says learning is less curriculum-based and more experience based… It has gone from the classroom to the living room… from didactic to experiential… from privatized learning to team learning.  He therefore calls for new leaders to be “apostolic” in their efforts.  That is, to strive to be culturally relevant, personally involved, visionary for a preferred future, entrepreneurial in spirit, and genuinely Christlike.

 In the end, McNeal pleads for church leaders to understand the huge shift that our American culture is going through, and for leaders to look ahead and engage the culture in a more relevant and genuine demeanor.

 Pastor Marcus

 

 

 

View or purchase this book at christianbook.com

The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church

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