The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church
Average Rating: out of 38 Reviews
Price: $24.95
Sale: $9.95
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
UPC (Universal Product Code): 723812471409
EAN (European Article Number): 9780787965686
Number of Items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
Author: Reggie McNeal
Publisher: Jossey-Bass
Edition: 1
Dewey Decimal Number: 262.0017
Publication Date: 2003-10-03
Reading Level: 172
Description: In this provocative book, author, consultant, and church leadership developer Reggie McNeal debunks these and other old assumptions and provides an overall strategy to help church leaders move forward in an entirely different and much more effective way. In The Present Future, McNeal identifies the six most important realities that church leaders must address including: recapturing the spirit of Christianity and replacing "church growth" with a wider vision of kingdom growth; developing disciples instead of church members; fostering the rise of a new apostolic leadership; focusing on spiritual formation rather than church programs; and shifting from prediction and planning to preparation for the challenges of an uncertain world. McNeal contends that by changing the questions church leaders ask themselves about their congregations and their plans, they can frame the core issues and approach the future with new eyes, new purpose, and new ideas.
Also available: The Present Future DVD Collection (978-0-7879-8673-5), Reggie McNeal's DVD presentation of the ideas and insights featured in his best-selling book.
Details: I read quite a bit. I would say about 2 to 3 books a week sometimes and they are all Christian. So suffice it to say that I am not easily impressed and very often I think that what I have read is a real "waste of paper". This book is not one of those. McNeal writes without compromise. Don't be fooled by the cover. This is not one of those "get big and better" books on the church. This is a very real and honest look at the way things are from a strategist who writes well and engages the reader. It is worth every penny.
Review Summary: Must Read
Date: 2008-04-20
Details: This book is a must read for Christians who are not satisfied with their spiritual life and a MUST READ for those in churches considering major capital expenditures that will serve only the members. It will change the way you think about how you and your church can best serve Jesus.
Review Summary: It's about time!
Date: 2008-02-18
Details: For many years I have felt disenfrancised from the church, even though I have spent my entire life in it and even raised my family in it. Now that I am nearing fifty, I have found myself seeking ways to spread my faith that are real and substantive. This Present Future has given verbal affirmation to what I've felt all along, and to what I've always known to be true. But in Churchian circles, the only truth is the one they tell you, and to think outside the box is frowned upon. But now I understand why, and I understand what I must do to change and effect my world for Christ.
Thank you Reggie McNeal.
Lonnie Friesen
The Homeless Heart
Review Summary: Eye Opening!
Date: 2007-10-22
Details: Reggie McNeal writes a thought provoking book that will either excite and challenge you or anger you. Not everyone is ready for the truth that is laid out in his book. But it is the truth none the less. The American Church has lost the right to be heard and this book gives us some tough questions we need to ask ourselves in doing a self-evlaution and earning the right to share the important message of Jesus Christ and be heard by those who need to hear it. This book was a great confirmation for our church in who we are and why we don't seem to fit in with the other churches in our community. God is doing a new thing and this book has shown our church we are part of it. I am now taking our entire church leadershipo through the book. I highly recommend every Christian who is tired of "doing church" and maintaining the status qou read this book.
Review Summary: Asking The Hard Questions
Date: 2007-10-17
Details: Fantastic book. Really makes you reflect on your ministry and the questions the book asks gives a structure for evaluating the overall focus of your church. I would highly recommened this book for someone seeking to bring about revitalization within their congregation and personal ministry.
out of 38 Reviews
