Robert Schnase

Robert Schnase writes a challenging book for the church, giving a vision of what we could be.

He suggests that if the church took on the practices of Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Rick-taking Mission and Service and Extravagant Generosity it could be a powerful force and much more like what God intended it to do.

Parts of it made me sad because in showing what we could be, it highlights how far from that we can be at times.

This book is American and is show more written from that context. Most of it translates quite easily. There are practical examples as well as theory and each chapter ends with conversation questions and group activities. I didn't get on with the boxes with examples in. I thought they ruined the flow of the rest of the book - but that's a personal thing.

Definitely worth reading to make you think what the church could be - but may need contextualising for where you are. show less

I found myself slogging, really slogging through this book. Occasionally there would be inspiration, and occasionally clarification, but it was pretty much like eating broccoli -- you do, because you know it's good for you, but it's not really tasty or fun. And I'm in complete agreement with everything the author said and offered, which may have been part of the problem.

3.5 stars. This may be exactly the book I need to read with leaders in the churches I pastor to gain a more missional, Kingdom-oriented vision rather than life-support-oriented vision.

People are searching for a church shape and sustained by Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. These fundamental practices are critical to the success of congregations. Their presence and strength demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these practices, churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.