GODS CHURCH MY PLACE PB

Do church members know what is required of them?

Many books are published each year resourcing ministers to lead church, but how many books are written to help the followers understand their basic role in the church family?

In an age when the church struggles to be seen as relevant, leaders are overworked and burning out, and Christians leave the church because they feel unwelcome, Tilley presents this light, easy-to-read guide for church members to examine themselves and their responsibility.

Tilly's approach is gracious and humorous but the message is all too clear: first impressions count and, if the impression falls short, then expect bad press and don't think you can go on blaming the leader!

That is why I've written this book... How do you - as a member, not a leader - make sure any visitor to your church meeting, any newcomer to your local community, any enquirer into faith, gets the best possible experience of local Christianity?

Tilley works through the issues of worship, prayer, the point of the sermon, disagreements with other church members, church structure, visitors to church, service and the precarious state of coffee in many churches!

In the past, Tilley has described himself as 'The Acquired Taste Vicar', reflecting his blunt and honest approach. This book does not disappoint in carrying forward that approach. But it should not be mistaken as a grumpy old vicar rant! Tilley is aware of his responsibility, and his call for a shake-up is rooted in Paul's letters to Ephesus and Colosse, with a dip into the letters to churches in Revelation. He concludes with the warning that changing your church will, without doubt, involve changing you. He includes himself in that charge!

The author writes...

'In all the many words written about belonging to a church, there is often an overemphasis on leadership. What about membership? What is required of someone who simply wants to learn what it means to be part of a church without any aspirations of leadership? If that's you, welcome aboard my hobby-horse. The metaphors may get a bit mixed but there's no need to strap yourself in. We will go slowly and tread carefully.'

Endorsements
'There are many books on what it means to be a church leader but here at last is one on what it means to be a church member! Lively and thought-provoking.'
Mike Starkey, author of Ministry Rediscovered

Paperback 144 pages