Christianity for the Rest of Us (Book)
Diana Butler Bass, Author.  San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco, 2006.

"Nomadic spirituality, that sense of being alien, strangers in a strange land, is almost a given of contemporary life" writes Diana Butler Bass. Some have responded to the "sense of being alien" by joining conservative megachurches. Others have concluded that secularism is the only realistic response. But Bass speaks to "the rest of us"—pilgrims seeking authentic Christian community that is open and creative while honoring ancient traditions, engaging in faithful practices, and fostering spiritual maturity and wisdom.

Christianity for the Rest of Us discusses Bass' three-year study of mainline Protestant congregations that are not only growing in numbers, but also discovering spiritual vitality. Such vitality comes not through instantaneous conversion, but through a willingness to be formed in a faith that deepens our trust in God's abundant love and strengthens our capacity to love others.

The signposts of faith formation are practices from the Christian tradition that people do in community. Bass devotes a chapter to each of ten practices she found among congregations in her study: hospitality, discernment, healing, contemplation, testimony, diversity, justice, worship, theological reflection, and beauty. Some churches emphasized one practice over others, but each practice helped point the way towards transformation—the assurance that "by God's mercy, we can be different, our congregations can be different, and our world can be different."

Congregational leaders interested in renewal and change—as well as any pilgrim seeking revitalized Christian community—will find this highly accessible book essential. Helpful reflection questions are included for reading groups.

Average Customer Rating: Extremely helpful() Based on 1 reviews.
Rate this resource and share your thoughts.

Customer Reviews:

2/16/2007
Reviewer: Sara Wilson

Review: Based on the author's study of inviting and vital churches, this book offers a set of practices that both draw from and support congregational faithfulness. It also offers new ways of thinking about what it means to be a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled community of faith.

How It Was Used: We reviewed it for ideas about ways to develop our own Christian practices.

How It Was Helpful: This resource helped us to think more fully about who we are and how God is calling us to live into his mission.

Return to category listing

See also these resources:

Changing the Conversation: A Third Way for Congregations (Book)
Anthony B. Robinson, Author.  Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2008.
Anthony Robinson proposes ways to promote congregational renewal by directing conversations away from typical dead-end polarities and toward more fundamental questions about congregational identity and purpose.