Rating: 
Summary: The book many Fundies would love to hate
Review: possibly the best book i've ever read. it is one i will keep and read again and again. i even bought one for a friend.
Rating: 
Summary: Reflections on the function of church
Review: This book is part of a series called "Growing Deeper". Although I don't know who sponsored the series, I mention it because this book starts out sounding a bit like it was written to order -- to someone else's original agenda than the author's. However, although the book reads quite dryly at first, it is well worth persevering with it as Yancey hits his own stride a bit later in the book. Knowing that Yancey is probably writing for an evanglical audience, he is right on in reminding the church that it should be there for the benefit of outsiders, not for the benefit of church members. He also reminds his readers that the church should be meeting people's genuine needs whereever they are at and not simply trying to "convert sinners" or "win souls for Christ." Yancey goes on to outline a number of functions that the church can play in society, given different social and spiritual needs in different environments. Whilst hardly a revelation theologically, this book serves as a reminder, from one insider to another, of things that we as Christians can do better in our coming together as church.
Rating:
Summary: Reflections on the function of church
Review: This book is part of a series called "Growing Deeper". Although I don't know who sponsored the series, I mention it because this book starts out sounding a bit like it was written to order -- to someone else's original agenda than the author's. However, although the book reads quite dryly at first, it is well worth persevering with it as Yancey hits his own stride a bit later in the book. Knowing that Yancey is probably writing for an evanglical audience, he is right on in reminding the church that it should be there for the benefit of outsiders, not for the benefit of church members. He also reminds his readers that the church should be meeting people's genuine needs whereever they are at and not simply trying to "convert sinners" or "win souls for Christ." Yancey goes on to outline a number of functions that the church can play in society, given different social and spiritual needs in different environments. Whilst hardly a revelation theologically, this book serves as a reminder, from one insider to another, of things that we as Christians can do better in our coming together as church.
Rating:
Summary: Two out of three chapters isn't bad.
Review: This had to be Yancey's quickest "read." In his three chapters he gives all those who are cynical about the church a view of the church that is refreshing. He reminds the reader of what the church CAN be and what difference it can make. The second chapter had to be the most innovative (as Yancey always is) with his contemporary images of the church, describing the church the way the apostle Paul might if he were writing in the late 20th century. After reading the chapter I am no longer ashamed to admit that I too have a "crutch" faith. In his 3rd chapter, Yancey meanders and doesn't conclude with a bang. The climax is found right in the middle of this short book. If you have a friend who lives by the motto: "Jesus, Yes...Church, No." please get them this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Not what church is about
Review: Yancey fills a necessary niche with those who have had experience with church which causes them to fall away and then fill a void that needs filling. However, his bottom line perspective of worship being God has an audience watching worshippers seeking His presence in their hearts is not what God seeks at all. God seeks those who worship Him in spirit and in truth. Thus, where is God in worship? In our heart? What would He want with that sin-filled, darkened, old thing? What He wants is "chesed," Hebrew word for "covenant faithfulness." Our inability totally to do "chesed" caused God to do it for us, incarnate, sacramentally in Christ. Thus, where is God for us? In the Gospel preached in its purity and distributed in the sacraments distributed according to His Testament. Yancey is yet to discover this. Maybe his void will lead him to this. Suggest Yancey and others still seeking God would read Gene Vieth's terrific spiritual journey: "The Spirituality of the Cross."
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