Sometimes a distinction is drawn between small “emerging churches” which aim to relate to “postmodern” culture and large churches that are considered to be “modernist” (and therefore doomed!). In the light of that discussion, readers may be interested in a new book I have just finished reading. I found it provocative, inspiring and encouraging. It is the story of the founding and growth of the Gateway Community Church in Austin Texas. To quote the blurb: “this is an indigenous church, rising up out of the surrounding culture to form the Body of Christ…A church made up of thousands of people who came with serious struggles arising from..`our Postmodern Experiment’.” Thankfully the book is not another “how-to” manual. It is primarily about the cultural values adopted by a local church that has effectively connected with people who have real struggles with life, faith and church. The book is full of testimonies and anecdotes that show the challenges and yet possibilities of building the Church in a post-modern context. It fuelled my passion for the Church, the Gospel and God. I recommend you get a copy and read/reflect over Christmas.

The book is “No Perfect People Allowed” by John Burke. Published by Zondervan.

[A pastor-friend]