Radical Renewal: The Problem of Wineskins Today

by Howard A. Snyder

This updated best seller challenges the reader to examine the current church structure. If you have never read this classic, you have missed a treasure chest of information and wisdom from one of the most respected authors of our time. Wine (the gospel of Jesus Christ) and Wineskins (the man-made structures of the church). How do the two relate? What happens when new wine is poured into old wineskins? What about making new wineskins? In What kinds of church structures are most compatible with the gospel in our modern, techno-urban society? Snyder addresses these questions - and provides some challenging answers. In the course of his argument he discusses the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, the mind of Christ, the role of spiritual gifts, the pastor as a superstar," and renewal that is deeply spiritual and immediately practical.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Howard A. Snyder serves as Professor of Wesley Studies, at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Previously he was Professor of the History and Theology of Mission in the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, 1996-2006. He has also taught at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, and pastored in Chicago, Detroit, and São Paulo, Brazil.

Reviews

[Rick Mcgarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in 1975, revised and edited toward the end of the century, this book stands the test of time and remains a valuable resource for pastors, church leaders, and parishioners who care.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ …churches that are encased in rigid, bureaucratic, institutional structures may soon find themselves trapped in culturally bound organizational forms which are fast becoming obsolete.” - p. 195

What is the church? Snyder explores this question and discerns between the true Church of scripture and the church as structures and traditions, or wineskins. Wineskins are not evil; they are necessary to hold the wine. But wineskins decay. What traditions and structures which we associate with 'church' are not actually sacred, but replaceable and even no longer effective?

Snyder raises many questions which I feel the church needs to address if it is to have any chance of being relevant today and in the future. The gospel is relevant across all time periods and cultures. But man's methods need constant evaluation, and that is what Snyder does here and challenges the rest of us to do.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author has great understanding about what the essence of the church is. He also makes the best arguement I've ever heard for why churches shouldn't be concerned with buildings!

[Petric Mihai]

Is ok

[M. L. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The structure of the modern church is completely backward. We should be feeding the needy rather than feeding a building.

[Wendy Tolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book first written in the 70's telling where the church would be today if it had not changed it's course. Very convicting and challenging read