by Doug Pagitt
(UPDATE: In September 2005, this book was re-issued with a new title... Church Re-Imagined : The Spiritual Formation of People in Communities of Faith.)
Pagitt is a leading spokesperson in the “Emerging Church” conversation, and this book captures his vision for the 21st Century church. Pagitt’s vision of holistic spiritual formation is challenging to anyone who seeks to create genuine Christian community.
Though Solomon’s Porch (the church he pastors in Minneapolis) is not perfect, it serves as an important work-in-progress for everybody to watch and learn from…a cutting-edge model as to how a faith community can function.
Pagitt’s extremely thoughtful words triggered more of those “that’s the kind of church I want” moments than most other books on church health I’ve read (and I’ve read a lot!). The insights of the side-bar contributors from Solomon’s Porch create the feeling that this church has indeed been a collaborative effort.
Even though this is written from a small church perspective, the concepts articulated in this book can (and should!) be applied to small group/adult ministries in the larger church context, and across the spectrum in any Christian faith community. An absolutely excellent book.
The rest of the Top 5 Books I Read in 2004
(#3) Creation & New Creation in the New Testament by N.T. Wright
(#3) Finding Faith by Brian D. McLaren
(#5) The Search to Belong: Rethinking Intimacy, Community, and Small Groups by Joseph R. Myers
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