Sayers writes that we can look at the current situation as the death of Christianity or as a great opportunity. With understanding, he says, it can be an opportunity. He gives leaders information in this book to help them see the opportunity.

He covers the stages of the renewal pattern, our culture and how it offers freedom, consumerism, individualism, anxiety, and more.

My favorite part of the book was his insight into orthodoxy. It does not guarantee a vital faith nor preclude decline. Encountering God's presence is what is needed. (1133/2397) People must also come to the point of holy discontent, no longer tolerating the current state of spirituality. Those people are the seeds of revival.

Sayers' writing style is such that I felt I was reading a classroom text book or resource text, suitable for church leaders. The book is a study of the philosophy of renewal and revival. He writes about being self-differentiated, for example. (807/2397) That is something the average layperson would not have on their mind.

“We must make the decision to no longer tolerate our low level of faith, our personal dysfunction, and give ourselves over to God's burning desire to remake us in Christlikeness.” (1302/2397) Only God can do the changing but we must choose to be changed.

The next Great Awakening, he writes, “must be centered on our hearts being changed by God. It must begin by replacing the pseudo-Christianity of lifestyle enhancement with the Spirit-filled faith of biblical Christianity. It must offer the renewal of Christlikeness to those being deformed by our culture in the deepest parts of their hearts.” (397/2397)

Sayers' book would be good for church leaders. It would help them understand the philosophy of renewal and what is needed to get transformation started. It is an informative book, rather than one containing a strategy to implement.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review. The quotes are from an uncorrected copy of the book and may have been changed in the final edition.

Excellent Material for Churches & Pastors

This is undoubtedly the best book that I have ever read on church renewal. Mark Sayers communicates the patterns and processes of renewal that many pastors will need to enable their congregations to survive our post-modern secular age. It has taken me a month to read this new book, not because it is difficult, but because it crammed full of quotes, ideas, and suggestions which make this a valuable and relevant resource for ministry.

As well as outlining the important process for renewal, Mark makes an excellent suggestion on how to study his material with weekly groups. The journal parts at the end of the book for each chapter are very useful and will allow church ministers and lay leaders to share their reflections and applications on a regular basis.

I was asked to review the Kindle edition of this book. I found it so compelling that I purchased a paperback edition in order to use it soon with a pastors’ study group. I look forward to sharing this great resource with my peers and church members.

I enjoyed this book, especially how hopeful it was. I fee the author looks at a situation that a lot of Christians are acting like is the end of the world, and instead of seeing doom and gloom sees what I do; renewal. The church is shrinking in some ways, but mostly it’s changing. It’s being liberated while finding its foundation. I highly recommend this book.

I thought Sayers had some interesting points on our culture, and how the church can rise up to accomodate/aid our divided world. In the first chapter, he addresses a "holy discontent," and I feel many Christians have this now...we want to love others in our divided world, but how do we practically do so, without conforming to modern Western values? He addresses this in "Reappearing Church."

ARC FROM NET GALLEY

Interesting book and not the "church bashing" style that seems to 'relevant' today. I think if you read it you will agree with me. Here is a taste/test/teaser from the author himself;
"liberal Christian residue"; now take that and run with it. Enjoy