Wow! I finished ReChurch last night and it is an amazing book. I requested it as part of a blog review program with Tyndale, but God knew it was just what I needed to read!
Mansfield (a former burned pastor) wrote this book after hearing story upon story of people wounded by the church. He himself experienced some deep wounds from the church and admittedly mishandled the experience. His heart in this book is to help others heal from the hurt experiences and deal with the wounds in a way that honors God and brings the sheep back into the fold (messy as it may be).
I have to admit - probably the deepest wound I have ever endured has been from a church experience (by church, I am referring to the people of God, not a building or particular leader). By God's grace, I have not lost hope. There are scars from my battle wounds, though. I did not realize to the extent that I needed to deal with this until being confronted by Mansfield. WARNING - do not read this book if you are not prepared or willing to change and grow. This is not another feel-good Christian book that coddles the poor sweet victim of the church. Mansfield forces you to deal with your junk and acknowledge the role you play in the sin that is inevitable in the church (it is, after all filled with sinners). His goal is to get the believer plugged back into a church that is a good fit for him/her. In fact, the entire last chapter is all about points to consider when moving forward and looking for a new church if need be.
I highly recommend this book for pastors and their wives as well. Trust me, you too, can glean some insight and illumination from this book. I am not minimizing the hurts of the average church goer, however I think the most wounded people in the church often are the pastors, staff and their families. For some reason, when someone has the title "pastor" others forget that he is still a person. He will have sin in his life and let you down. He has real feelings. Yes - your criticisms hurt. This is particularly so when it comes about through gossip or online forums (blog comments, facebook, etc.). He has a real family who is often sacrificing time to benefit the church at large and to advance the Kingdom. The pastor's wife is not meant to be your sounding board for complaints. I have had very dear friends actually come and complain about my husband to me. Hello? I am married to the man and it is hurtful when you are talking negatively about him to me rather than following Matthew 18. All of this to say, pastors and families - you need this book the most! You have probably endured a greater quantity of church wounds than anyone.
There were several chapters that had great meaning to me. I particularly was ministered to by the 2nd Chapter all about the historical reality of people being wounded in the church. There is a certain comfort I gleaned from reading about theologians I highly respect and admire who endured wounds from friends they trusted most. It is a great reminder that there are others that have gone before you and walked through brokenness with grace.
I think any reader who approaches this book with an honest heart that is willing to self-reflect and grow will be glad they picked it up.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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