Churches and the Crisis of Decline: A Hopeful, Practical Ecclesiology for a Secular Age

Andrew Root's book, "Churches and the Crisis of Decline," argues that the church's crisis is not in the loss of resources but in the loss of life. He uses two stories to frame the book, one about a church that becomes a pub and the other about Karl Barth, and pushes the church to be a waiting community that recognizes that the only way for it to find life is to stop seeing the church as the star of its own story. Root offers a rich vision for the church's future that moves away from an obsession with relevance and resources and toward the living God.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

The church's crisis is not in the loss of resources, but in the loss of life. This book addresses the practical form the church must take in a secular age, using two stories to frame the book: one about a church whose building becomes a pub, and the other about Karl Barth. Root argues that Barth should be understood as a pastor with a deep practical theology that can help church leaders today. Churches and the Crisis of Decline pushes the church to be a waiting community that recognizes that the only way for it to find life is to stop seeing the church as the star of its own story. Instead of resisting decline, congregations must remain open to divine action. Root offers a rich vision for the church's future that moves away from an obsession with relevance and resources and toward the living God. This is the fourth book in Root's Ministry in a Secular Age series.

The Church's Crisis: Losing Life, Not Resources

In the face of congregations' efforts to combat decline through innovation, leading practical theologian Andrew Root reveals a profound truth: the church's crisis lies not in the loss of resources but in the loss of life. He argues that life can only return when we remain open to God's encountering presence. This book addresses the practical form the church must take in a secular age.

Root employs two captivating stories to frame his message. The first story revolves around a church that transforms its building into a pub, challenging traditional notions of worship and ministry. The second story centers around Karl Barth, a theologian whose insights offer valuable guidance for church leaders in today's context.

Through his analysis, Root demonstrates that Barth should be understood as a pastor with a profound practical theology that can empower church leaders to navigate the challenges of the secular world. He highlights Barth's emphasis on the importance of the church as a waiting community, recognizing that the only way for it to find life is to cease viewing itself as the center of its own narrative. Instead, congregations must embrace a posture of openness to divine action.

In Churches and the Crisis of Decline, Root offers a rich vision for the church's future that moves beyond an obsession with relevance and resources. He encourages the church to shift its focus toward the living God, embracing a deeper understanding of the divine's presence and action in the world. This vision challenges the church to transcend its own limitations and become a vessel of God's love and healing in a secular age.

This book is a valuable resource for church leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern world. It provides a theological framework that empowers congregations to remain faithful to their calling in the face of decline. By embracing the principles outlined in this book, churches can become a beacon of hope and light in their communities, offering a witness to the transforming power of God's love.

In conclusion, Andrew Root's book Churches and the Crisis of Decline offers a timely and insightful perspective on the church's challenges in a secular age. By highlighting the loss of life as the central crisis, he encourages congregations to embrace a posture of openness to divine action. Through his rich vision for the church's future, Root invites the church to transcend its own limitations and become a vessel of God's love and healing in the world. This book is a must-read for church leaders and anyone interested in exploring the role of the church in a changing world.

Weight: 415g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781540964816