This book provide the author's reflections on what a Christian church is, what it should be, and why Christians should still go to church even when a church isn't what it should be. Two things stand out to me in the author's reflections on what a church should be: 1) It is a place where people are accepted regardless of background and weaknesses. They are free to share their weakness with each other, build relationship with one another, and in the process receive support that help them grow together (I love how he made the analogy that the Christian church should be God's 12-step Alcoholic Anonymous group.); 2) It is a group of people who strive to serve the community, specifically those in need. The author encourages readers who are discouraged, whether at an imperfect church, or at the difficulties one may encounter when trying to serve the community. We are not yet what we should be, but God's heart for us is to practice, and practice makes perfect. The book is well-written, but easy to read (only 100 pages, with very relatable stories and analogies that illustrates his points). ( )

Yancey embarks well on answering the question posed by the book title, however soon wanders off course into a general collection of Christian anecdotes.

At 100 pages it's a quick, light and encouraging read but it really does not get around to really addressing "Church: Why bother?" ( )

Lighter than most of Yancey's work, but well worth reading nonetheless. He talks about 'church' as the Christian community, undoubtedly with problems, but - he concludes - it's worth persevering. Anecdotes, Scripturally based explanations, and general encouragement. Recommended.

Re-read after eight years and found it a bit light-weight, with one or two assumptions about 'church services' that didn't really fit.. but still, good stuff and well written. Perhaps three and a half stars would be better. ( )

Un livre qui retrace les difficultés que l'on peut vivre au sein de nos communautés. ( )

Church: Why Bother? by Philip Yancey (?)