One of the strong points of this book is that its not an academic treatise; its a book written from experience and of a life lived trying to emulate these ideals. Proclaim the gospel and then work to end racism in your own backyard- a worthy aim that we should all be fighting for.

Woke Church is a very thought provoking book that challenges Christians to examine the racism in the US and the American church. I appreciated the insights the author brought to this topic, and it made me want to read and learn more and do more for the church to reflect God’s love for our Black brothers and sisters.

The book is divided into four themes: Be Aware. Be Willing to Acknowledge. Be Accountable. Be Active. Eric talks about the importance of having a faith that fulfills the proclamation in Micah to Love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with our God. The book talks about the history of racism in America and the white church's involvement in allowing and/or perpetuating racism. The book talks about how the church should have been involved and how it now can be involved in correcting injustice in our country. It reminds us that God is a god of justice and action, that the purpose of the gospel is to reunite people who shouldn't otherwise have something in common, and that the church should be a precursor to Jesus' return when people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will worship God together. It gives action steps that we can take individually and as a church to be part of racial reconciliation.

It was educational, challenging, and encouraging. I hope that this will help me to find ways to be involved and to encourage others to see this as an important mission for all people.

"One of the most powerful points of action that was recommended: whites need to speak up whenever they see something that looks like racism and injustice."

Woke Church is a powerful read. The church is desperate for resources that are honest and true. Resources that speak to both the compassion of God and the justice of God are not readily available. I believe this book does both. Eric Mason looks at racism both in the church and around the church. He begs the question, "What is our response? What is our responsibility?" It is meaningful and challenging.

Thanks netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book examines racial injustice and inequality, and the roles that majority and minority culture had in shaping the way things are today. Mason further explains what is needed from both sides in order to unite both sides and bring racial equality back to the church. This book is centered on four themes: Be Aware, Be Willing to Acknowledge, Be Accountable, Be Active.

Mason presents an extensive history of race in America and in the Christian church and how that history impacts our present culture. Other areas of interest that are discussed are Biblical manhood, womanhood, and family, and the role that the church must play in restoring the foundational values. Mason stays rooted in scripture throughout this book, stressing that the understanding and practice of Christian witness is rooted in and shaped by the life, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

There is also an interesting discussion regarding intervention and prevention relating to the school to prison pipeline, developing community partnerships, and the roles that individual churches can play in the community.

This book serves as a wake up call to all Christians to bring awareness to the culture we are living in. There is not an easy fix to this crisis in our communities and churches, but by living according to the gospel and loving your neighbor as yourself we can collectively change the direction of our culture.

I would recommend this book to all Christians, especially those that have an interest in the racial divide and inner city involvement. I received this as a free ARC from Moody Publishers on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A good introductory work into matters of racism and injustice, particularly in Evangelical Christianity in America, as written by a person of color.

The author is in conversation with, and often dependent upon, other voices discussing similar matters, but also brings his own experience and views to bear upon the matter. The author addresses how the church ought to already be "woke," to speak out regarding the implicit racism of the day and matters of white supremacy, the nature of the Gospel and its inclusion, validation, and fundamental equality of all who would come to Jesus, things regarding which the church ought to lament, finding a voice to speak the truth to society, working toward change and what the church ought to look like in its work, and looking at everything in light of the resurrection and glory to come.

The author puts much emphasis on church related works which might be better served to be accomplished by individuals, but otherwise brings are more theologically conservative voice to the table on matters of race in Evangelicalism, and one of a person of color at that. It's written in a conversational tone and useful for the beginner who has not read up on much regarding the issue.

There has been a lot of talk in evangelical circles about social justice lately. A statement by some individuals was released stating their views and opinions and then others have responded with a whole host of articles and podcasts. It’s time that someone speak a little more at length to the subject and that is why I am grateful for a new book by Eric Mason called Woke Church.

Mason is not just speaking on the subject, he is living it. His church, Epiphany Fellowship, lies in an urban community in Philadelphia and Mason fills his book with many real life stories that add authority to what he is advocating for.

Mason starts out by saying, “My desire in this book is to encourage the church to utilize the mind of Christ and to be fully awake to issues of race in this country” (17). I know for many, the term “woke” may be a tripping point. It may even be a reason you don’t pick up this book. Mason goes on to say, “Pan-Africanists and Black nationalists use the term ‘woke’ to refer to no longer being naive nor in mental slavery. We have borrowed the term and redeemed it to be used in the context of being awakened from deadened, sinful thinking” (17). That being said, don’t let the term stop you from reading the book.

I know personally, being a white person in a predominately white context, I hadn’t thought much about many things you will encounter in this book. Much of it was eye opening for me. Even after having lived in New Orleans for two years, I was still largely ignorant to the struggles and pains of my black brothers and sisters in Christ. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to read what Mason is saying and I am grateful he’s taken the time to say it.

In this book Mason is raw and honest. He shares his pain and hurt and put his heart on these pages. In a particular insight he says, “Much of my zeal and anger around the issue of justice comes from impatience with those who know very well what Scripture teaches, but choose to apply it selectively” (52). This raw honesty is needed and we will do well to receive these things with humility and understanding.

Mason calls for us to open our hearts and minds and listen to each other even if we disagree. I found my heart aching with Mason through many of the stories he shared. My understanding of black brothers and sisters broadened as I made my way through the book. We are called to hurt with each other.

Living in rural Kentucky, we don’t have a lot of racial diversity in this area. I was so appreciate for Mason touching on this and other questions I’ve wondered during all of this discussion toward the end of the book.

My greatest appreciation is Mason’s emphasis on the centrality of the gospel. From start to finish he makes clear that the gospel is the main thing and justice is application of the gospel that we treasure. During the short sound bites on Twitter, I wasn’t sure what I thought of Eric Mason. After reading his book and hearing his heart, I like to think of him as a brother and a friend. It’s my joy to highly recommend everyone read Woke Church and may we do all we can to hurt with one another, laugh with one another, and advocate for one another.

Disclaimer: I received a free, digital copy of this book in order to give a fair, honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley and Moody Publishers for this ARC.

This was a difficult read for me because it forced me to admit and assess my own prejudices. There is a lot of history here, which was both fascinating and appalling. The arguments for a Woke Church are crystal clear and will resonate in my heart forever, I hope. Honestly, I highlighted 1/3 of the book. The book is filled with clarion calls for justice and action. I was moved profoundly by the comparison of the Church’s reaction to the issues of abortion and human trafficking to its inaction towards the very real issue of systemic racism and injustice. I do not doubt that this is an important book. I was just put off towards the end as it occurred to me that the author who argues so eloquently for racial reconciliation has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to gender equality.

The book that Dr. Mason wrote was powerful. It shows how the church can deal with racism and how the kingdom of God structures things in our lives. There shouldn't be racism. The church must find ways to help others see that. I was so glad that I was able to read this book. It will make you wonder how you live your life, and how things need to change in you and around you. Thank you, NetGalley.