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Rating: 
Summary: In, out, beyond, or back to the box?
Review:
My intent in the observations below is to ask questions. I'm truly not knocking this simply to knock it. Byt rather, I believe these are questions which need further explanation and answers in light of the claims made in the book.
These are the nine categories of things claimed to present `clutter' or `box baggage' for modern churches. These are each things which the authors believe should be left behind in order to embrace innovation.
1. Hierarchy - My question is, what does a church look like that doesn't have a hierarchy of leadership? Where would the authors place elders/deacons in the category of hierarchy?
2. Structure/Organization - Similarly, what constitutes a worship service that is beyond structure and organization? A modern day example would be helpful.
3. Property/Location - Are there contemporary churches with no property or location?
4. Conflict - Not sure what this one means.
5. Centralized Control - If there is no `centralized control' does this mean there is no headship? If not, what is the difference between the two? Additionally, is this the ideal we see presented in the trinity?
6. Ordination - What exactly is ordination? Is it where a church body examines a person's beliefs in light of scripture and their qualifications for ministry?
7. Clergy - No clergy. Again, I'd like to see an example of a church, which is free from the `box baggage' of clergy; one that teaches, leads, and ministers to itself.
8. Seminaries - The only denomination I can think of whose pastors don't go to seminary is Calvary Chapels. However, they have an intensive one-year bible and ministry training program, which seems to parallel seminary.
9. Denominations - What are the key elements, which separate denominations today? Probably the biggest is the authority and inerrancy of Scripture. Is to abandon denominations the same as abandoning a church's doctrinal statement? If so, what would differentiate churches if not their core beliefs?
Regarding the author's push for churches to be `radically innovative', innovation is the creation of novelty or the advancement of something that's original. My desire is not to be part of a ministry which is creating something new, but rather one that's exalting and lifting up that which we should remember - the cross. I want to go back to what the 1st century church had. In so doing I believe the church needs 'reform' back to the gospel.
Rating: 
Summary: New Ideas! New Thinking and New Research!
Review: The brief book is a real gem for those looking for ideas on how to best do church in a changing culture. I am the pastor of a young church in New York City and we studied this book as a team. The chapters are brief, tied directly to local churches who are doing it and full of in your face questions to get you thinking. The chapters on 'team teaching' and 'church the city' (vs. being one church in a city) were very challenging. My only complaint - the analysis was too brief. If you are a pastor or on staff of a new church, my advice: Buy this book, read it with your staff, follow the web links and send Dave Travis a donation so he will keep doing this research for us!
Rating:
Summary: New Ideas! New Thinking and New Research!
Review: The brief book is a real gem for those looking for ideas on how to best do church in a changing culture. I am the pastor of a young church in New York City and we studied this book as a team. The chapters are brief, tied directly to local churches who are doing it and full of in your face questions to get you thinking. The chapters on 'team teaching' and 'church the city' (vs. being one church in a city) were very challenging. My only complaint - the analysis was too brief. If you are a pastor or on staff of a new church, my advice: Buy this book, read it with your staff, follow the web links and send Dave Travis a donation so he will keep doing this research for us!
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