Being Church, Becoming Community

John Buchanan has written a book that will uplift many a pastor and church member. He reflects on what it means for local churches to be and do community, in the context of his experience as pastor of a large, downtown church. In some respects, Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago is quite distinctive; yet Buchanan's discussion of the meaning of church and church life feels in no way elitist or unusual.Many books have been published in the past several years that sing dirges over the plight of many churches. Buchanan does not ignore the problems that churches face, nor the conditions that create them. Neither does he spew out trendy techniques for pulling one's church out of a tailspin. Rather, he discusses stories in the Bible and how he sees those stories addressing churches today. And he dares to probe theologically about what it means to be God's people--without sounding either academic or superficial.This is the kind of readable yet thoughtful book to give to a pastor or church leader who might be feeling discouraged about ministry. It is a book about hope in the face of change and forces that would diminish our capacity to join together in faith. I recommend the book without qualification.George Thompson Associate Professor of Church Administration and Leadership The Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta, [email protected]