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The Connecting Church 2.0: Beyond Small Groups to Authentic Community
This book explores the three essential elements of real community and helps readers put into practice the fifteen principles that undergird those essentials.
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2013
28 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Randy Frazee
112 books79 followersRandy Frazee is the lead teaching pastor at Westside Family Church in Kansas City. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, and a leader and innovator in Bible engagement, spiritual formation and biblical community. Randy is the architect of The Story and BELIEVE church engagement campaigns as well as the author of His Mighty Strength; Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; What Happens After You Die; The Connecting Church; Making Room for Life; and the coauthor of Real Simplicity with his wife of 40 years, Rozanne.
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March 13, 2013
This week, I finished reading one of the best books on church growth and discipleship that I've found. It's called The Connecting Church 2.0, by Randy Frazee.
I really didn't know what to think about the book when a friend sent it to me to review. My only knowledge of the author is from The Story, a comprehensive look at the Bible as a whole, which our church is journeying through right now. Really, all I knew about Frazee is that he is on staff with Max Lucado at Oak Hills Church, in San Antonio.
But as I read more and more of The Connecting Church 2.0, I grew more and more excited. His premise, originally written ten years ago and recently updated and revised in 2.0, is that the church has to move beyond small groups, or any of the other standard attempts we've made in the past few decades to grow. Frazee makes a solid case for biblical community.
This excites me for two reasons. First, I've seen the positive effects of community personally. I know it works. I've seen it. And if an entire church body catches the vision for biblical community, the possibilities are enormous!
The second reason this excites me is because it's biblical. For too long, I think we've permitted culture to dictate how we do church in America. It's time we accept that the early church did things they way they did them for a reason. They didn't just get lucky and find a method that helped them grow. No, they had the help of the Holy Spirit. Biblical community was God's idea, making it the best idea. Perhaps we should stretch ourselves out of our comfort zones and give it a try.
Frazee takes a look at three individual areas that people and churches need to connect to in order to establish biblical community: a common purpose, a common place, and common possessions. Sounds sort of Acts 2 ish, doesn't it?
As Americans, we celebrate our individualism. But if we want to develop biblical community, we will need to set ourselves aside and consider a common purpose instead. Frazee's chapter on rediscovering this biblical purpose (chapter 5) is perhaps the best chapter in the book. In these pages, Frazee explains that community isn't just something God thinks is a good idea. Rather, community is inherent in his very nature. In the trinity, our one God is three. And three, by definition, is a community.
Frazee next tackles the topic of connecting to a common place. And the place he identifies as the most natural place to do this connecting is in our very own neighborhoods. This is the place we do most of our living, and the people around us can be the easiest people to connect with, especially in a fluid culture where we may travel an extended time just to get to work or church or other places we may need to go. Start building community where it naturally occurs: in your neighborhood.
Third, Frazee discusses the need to connect to common possessions. When we do life together with the people around us, we share what we have if it will help meet their needs. Pitching in and helping those in our own neighborhoods may be the closest we can come to the community modeled in the book of Acts until our culture shifts to be more conducive to community over individualism.
The final section of The Connecting Church 2.0 is given to implementation of this structure. Frazee gives examples of churches who do this well, as well as some of his own mistakes along the way.
I found The Connecting Church 2.0 to be an incredible resource. I know I will be referring to this a lot in the future. I suggest you grab a copy and spend some time reading it carefully. It just might change the way you look at ministry and the church.
Have you ever experienced instances of biblical community, like we find in the book of Acts? How did it impact you? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
I really didn't know what to think about the book when a friend sent it to me to review. My only knowledge of the author is from The Story, a comprehensive look at the Bible as a whole, which our church is journeying through right now. Really, all I knew about Frazee is that he is on staff with Max Lucado at Oak Hills Church, in San Antonio.
But as I read more and more of The Connecting Church 2.0, I grew more and more excited. His premise, originally written ten years ago and recently updated and revised in 2.0, is that the church has to move beyond small groups, or any of the other standard attempts we've made in the past few decades to grow. Frazee makes a solid case for biblical community.
This excites me for two reasons. First, I've seen the positive effects of community personally. I know it works. I've seen it. And if an entire church body catches the vision for biblical community, the possibilities are enormous!
The second reason this excites me is because it's biblical. For too long, I think we've permitted culture to dictate how we do church in America. It's time we accept that the early church did things they way they did them for a reason. They didn't just get lucky and find a method that helped them grow. No, they had the help of the Holy Spirit. Biblical community was God's idea, making it the best idea. Perhaps we should stretch ourselves out of our comfort zones and give it a try.
Frazee takes a look at three individual areas that people and churches need to connect to in order to establish biblical community: a common purpose, a common place, and common possessions. Sounds sort of Acts 2 ish, doesn't it?
As Americans, we celebrate our individualism. But if we want to develop biblical community, we will need to set ourselves aside and consider a common purpose instead. Frazee's chapter on rediscovering this biblical purpose (chapter 5) is perhaps the best chapter in the book. In these pages, Frazee explains that community isn't just something God thinks is a good idea. Rather, community is inherent in his very nature. In the trinity, our one God is three. And three, by definition, is a community.
Frazee next tackles the topic of connecting to a common place. And the place he identifies as the most natural place to do this connecting is in our very own neighborhoods. This is the place we do most of our living, and the people around us can be the easiest people to connect with, especially in a fluid culture where we may travel an extended time just to get to work or church or other places we may need to go. Start building community where it naturally occurs: in your neighborhood.
Third, Frazee discusses the need to connect to common possessions. When we do life together with the people around us, we share what we have if it will help meet their needs. Pitching in and helping those in our own neighborhoods may be the closest we can come to the community modeled in the book of Acts until our culture shifts to be more conducive to community over individualism.
The final section of The Connecting Church 2.0 is given to implementation of this structure. Frazee gives examples of churches who do this well, as well as some of his own mistakes along the way.
I found The Connecting Church 2.0 to be an incredible resource. I know I will be referring to this a lot in the future. I suggest you grab a copy and spend some time reading it carefully. It just might change the way you look at ministry and the church.
Have you ever experienced instances of biblical community, like we find in the book of Acts? How did it impact you? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
March 22, 2013
For whatever reason there are times when we have come to church that we feel the most lonely. In this read I think the author hits the nail on the head when he indicates that culture has driven us to this state. I agree whole heartly. We are a culture of individualism, that affects so many areas of our life that we are not aware of. I enjoyed this part of the read and my eyes were opened to being like a frog in a pot of boiling water. What can I do? Well the first thing is the I in that statement. It is a community. I think that is why it can be so overwhelming and I did feel somewhat overwhelmed reading this. We have to have the mindset of community. It does not begin with me but with God's purposes for the church, (the community) My role is to be a part of the community. Just that sentence alone is very counter culture. This is also not a quick fix but it takes time and commitment to be a part of a community. It takes intentionality in our lifestyle.
The book entails 4 parts-Connecting with a common purpose, connecting to a common place, connecting to common possessions, and implementing a connecting church. It deals with the problems of the first 3, the characteristics and the rediscovering or a redirection of each one.
Going against the culture is not easy and Jesus himself said the way is not easy. We are always going to be swept up with the culture. This book is good because it deals with the culture and the what the word of God says.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The book entails 4 parts-Connecting with a common purpose, connecting to a common place, connecting to common possessions, and implementing a connecting church. It deals with the problems of the first 3, the characteristics and the rediscovering or a redirection of each one.
Going against the culture is not easy and Jesus himself said the way is not easy. We are always going to be swept up with the culture. This book is good because it deals with the culture and the what the word of God says.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Read
June 26, 2020A little dry at times, but overall good ideas—especially in a Covid world.
February 27, 2013
Pastor and author Randy Frazee, in his latest book The Connecting Church 2.0 addresses an issue that faces many of us, namely that of developing meaningful relationships within a local community of believers. Far too many Christians either become disillusioned with church resulting in non-attendance or they attend church on a regular basis yet fail to engage in conversation with or develop lasting relationships with others who attend their church. Many churches encourage their members to join and become active in small groups. With that said, with the hustle and bustle that constitutes the daily life of many American families, consistently attending church let alone a small group or other church activity often falls prey to the daily grind.
Frazee rightly notes from the outset that “We were designed by God physically, emotionally, and spiritually to require community for our health and well-being.” He reminds us that scientific studies have even revealed our very physical makeup is wired for relationships and community. Even animals thrive far better when they are around and when they interact in meaningful ways with members of their species. Fundamentally, community is an essential part of life and to reject that as somehow unimportant is a tragic mistake.
Scripture makes it clear one way that community can be enjoyed in a healthy way outside the family structure is through the church, the body of Christ. Frazee reminds us of Hebrews 10:25, a passage clearly exhorting Christians to not forsake “the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” We see the pattern of community in the early Church in the opening chapters of Acts where Frazee appropriately comments “The first Christians understood that a decision to follow Christ also included a decision to make the church the hub of their world, even when it required the abandonment of existing social structures.” Since Gallup polls demonstrate that many Americans suffer from a sense of loneliness that begs the question as to what has caused a country of people who have access to all manner of entertainment to feel they are lonely. Frazee tackles a number of reasons in this book to include individualism, isolation, and consumerism.
Unlike many books that talk about societal barriers to Christian community yet fail to provide salient biblical solutions to this important issue, Frazee cogently addresses the issues of individualism, isolation, and consumerism to include the root problems and how these issues have taken hold in society. Furthermore, and arguably more importantly than simply discussing the problem at hand, Frazee takes the reader straight to where solutions to these issues can be found, namely God’s word.
For example, following his apt description of the issue of the “Lone Ranger” approach so often found in today’s society due largely to the pursuit of the American Dream at the expense of biblical community, both at home and in the church, Frazee suggests the solution to that attitude can be found in mirroring the behavior found in the Godhead, that of community. When one begins with the proper foundation, the solution can more easily be found and Connecting Church 2.0 is replete with biblical solutions rooted in a biblical approach to relationships. Frazee rightly notes “community is not just something God thinks is a good idea; it is the way his very being and nature are expressed…God desired to express the beauty of his eternal relationships, the love expressed between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, by making creatures in his own image and likeness.” How do we demonstrate that truth in our lives and within the body of Christ? Frazee correctly notes it is devotion to fellowship, growing, praying, and serving. A church and body of believers devoted to these things will find themselves not only growing together in community, they will also find themselves growing deeper in their relationship with God and they will find themselves doing what Christ commanded us to do, namely sharing the gospel, making disciples, and meeting the needs of others. This is fundamentally our biblical purpose and our mission as believers, a mission that is more effectively accomplished through people devoted to fellowship, growing, praying, and serving.
A culture that has embraced individualism will also be increasingly isolated from others. The family that is so involved in the daily grind so as to neglect fellowship and community with fellow believers will likely find themselves in a personal and familial solitary confinement. Frazee rightly reminds the reader of the unfortunate reality that many people do not even know their neighbors names let alone the names of people who attend their church. We live in an increasingly busy culture where a wave and a quick handshake constitute the extent of personal relationship. How do we fix this vast and pervasive problem? Frazee provides a number of excellent ideas to include developing a sense of spontaneity in our typically overly structured lives. He also notes the importance of simply being available to meet the needs of others or to have a conversation with someone who might desperately need a shoulder to cry on or a word of encouragement. Another way to break through the barrier of isolation is to make fellowship with other believers a regular habit, not something you do out of mere rote and repetition, but something you do frequently to develop the habit of being around others. Frazee brilliantly notes that when we exercise this element of frequency, the power of biblical community will become contagious.
Frazee also addresses the barrier of consumerism, what he aptly calls the “concentrated effort to purchase, acquire, and use up things to meet one’s real and perceived needs and wants.” This is perhaps where the real rubber hits the road. This pursuit of possessions and the inordinate amount of time it takes to acquire and take care of said possessions contributes greatly to a lack of community. Frazee appropriately reminds the reader of the importance of properly placed priorities. “Study the Scriptures and learn from them what brings delight to the heart of God. If you choose to do this, one of two things will happen: either you will find that as you grow in your love for and delight in God and the things he loves, he will change what you desire, or out of the pleasure he derives from your spiritual maturity and trustworthiness, he will give you what brings you pleasure.”
Connecting Church 2.0 concludes with some practical advice on how to implement the concepts Frazee provides in the church. Recognizing that many churches attempt to solve these issues by implementing yet another program, Frazee correctly notes “biblical community is a way of life, not a program.” If the reader gleans nothing else from this book, they should grasp that particular point, one which Frazee returns to on a number of occasions in this excellent and timely book. No amount of programs will solve the American penchant to embrace individualism, isolationism, and consumerism at the expense of true fellowship both within the home and within the church. Only a concerted effort to return to what Scripture outlines as true biblical community will solve these problems. In a world where technology seemingly encourages being an individual and obtaining information individually through the media of the internet, online books, and smart phones, Frazee recognizes the challenge before us. Churches must evaluate their programs and how they reach people to avoid neglecting developing a strong sense of community and fellowship. Constant evaluation must be the name of the game for church leaders to more effectively encourage their churches to not abandon community for the latest technological fad or church growth model.
I received this book for free from Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Frazee rightly notes from the outset that “We were designed by God physically, emotionally, and spiritually to require community for our health and well-being.” He reminds us that scientific studies have even revealed our very physical makeup is wired for relationships and community. Even animals thrive far better when they are around and when they interact in meaningful ways with members of their species. Fundamentally, community is an essential part of life and to reject that as somehow unimportant is a tragic mistake.
Scripture makes it clear one way that community can be enjoyed in a healthy way outside the family structure is through the church, the body of Christ. Frazee reminds us of Hebrews 10:25, a passage clearly exhorting Christians to not forsake “the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” We see the pattern of community in the early Church in the opening chapters of Acts where Frazee appropriately comments “The first Christians understood that a decision to follow Christ also included a decision to make the church the hub of their world, even when it required the abandonment of existing social structures.” Since Gallup polls demonstrate that many Americans suffer from a sense of loneliness that begs the question as to what has caused a country of people who have access to all manner of entertainment to feel they are lonely. Frazee tackles a number of reasons in this book to include individualism, isolation, and consumerism.
Unlike many books that talk about societal barriers to Christian community yet fail to provide salient biblical solutions to this important issue, Frazee cogently addresses the issues of individualism, isolation, and consumerism to include the root problems and how these issues have taken hold in society. Furthermore, and arguably more importantly than simply discussing the problem at hand, Frazee takes the reader straight to where solutions to these issues can be found, namely God’s word.
For example, following his apt description of the issue of the “Lone Ranger” approach so often found in today’s society due largely to the pursuit of the American Dream at the expense of biblical community, both at home and in the church, Frazee suggests the solution to that attitude can be found in mirroring the behavior found in the Godhead, that of community. When one begins with the proper foundation, the solution can more easily be found and Connecting Church 2.0 is replete with biblical solutions rooted in a biblical approach to relationships. Frazee rightly notes “community is not just something God thinks is a good idea; it is the way his very being and nature are expressed…God desired to express the beauty of his eternal relationships, the love expressed between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, by making creatures in his own image and likeness.” How do we demonstrate that truth in our lives and within the body of Christ? Frazee correctly notes it is devotion to fellowship, growing, praying, and serving. A church and body of believers devoted to these things will find themselves not only growing together in community, they will also find themselves growing deeper in their relationship with God and they will find themselves doing what Christ commanded us to do, namely sharing the gospel, making disciples, and meeting the needs of others. This is fundamentally our biblical purpose and our mission as believers, a mission that is more effectively accomplished through people devoted to fellowship, growing, praying, and serving.
A culture that has embraced individualism will also be increasingly isolated from others. The family that is so involved in the daily grind so as to neglect fellowship and community with fellow believers will likely find themselves in a personal and familial solitary confinement. Frazee rightly reminds the reader of the unfortunate reality that many people do not even know their neighbors names let alone the names of people who attend their church. We live in an increasingly busy culture where a wave and a quick handshake constitute the extent of personal relationship. How do we fix this vast and pervasive problem? Frazee provides a number of excellent ideas to include developing a sense of spontaneity in our typically overly structured lives. He also notes the importance of simply being available to meet the needs of others or to have a conversation with someone who might desperately need a shoulder to cry on or a word of encouragement. Another way to break through the barrier of isolation is to make fellowship with other believers a regular habit, not something you do out of mere rote and repetition, but something you do frequently to develop the habit of being around others. Frazee brilliantly notes that when we exercise this element of frequency, the power of biblical community will become contagious.
Frazee also addresses the barrier of consumerism, what he aptly calls the “concentrated effort to purchase, acquire, and use up things to meet one’s real and perceived needs and wants.” This is perhaps where the real rubber hits the road. This pursuit of possessions and the inordinate amount of time it takes to acquire and take care of said possessions contributes greatly to a lack of community. Frazee appropriately reminds the reader of the importance of properly placed priorities. “Study the Scriptures and learn from them what brings delight to the heart of God. If you choose to do this, one of two things will happen: either you will find that as you grow in your love for and delight in God and the things he loves, he will change what you desire, or out of the pleasure he derives from your spiritual maturity and trustworthiness, he will give you what brings you pleasure.”
Connecting Church 2.0 concludes with some practical advice on how to implement the concepts Frazee provides in the church. Recognizing that many churches attempt to solve these issues by implementing yet another program, Frazee correctly notes “biblical community is a way of life, not a program.” If the reader gleans nothing else from this book, they should grasp that particular point, one which Frazee returns to on a number of occasions in this excellent and timely book. No amount of programs will solve the American penchant to embrace individualism, isolationism, and consumerism at the expense of true fellowship both within the home and within the church. Only a concerted effort to return to what Scripture outlines as true biblical community will solve these problems. In a world where technology seemingly encourages being an individual and obtaining information individually through the media of the internet, online books, and smart phones, Frazee recognizes the challenge before us. Churches must evaluate their programs and how they reach people to avoid neglecting developing a strong sense of community and fellowship. Constant evaluation must be the name of the game for church leaders to more effectively encourage their churches to not abandon community for the latest technological fad or church growth model.
I received this book for free from Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 13, 2022
Audacious.
Frazee sets the bar high for what the church can look like in the 21st century. Moving from centralized ministry in church buildings to small gatherings in the neighbourhood requires a change a change in values. A change that may seem like a large cost now, but a big payoff later on the lives of those who don’t yet know Jesus.
The only down-side, is this book comes from a heavily American context which assumes relevance to the Western Church. How might these ideas work in a Canadian context? That is yet to be seen.
Frazee sets the bar high for what the church can look like in the 21st century. Moving from centralized ministry in church buildings to small gatherings in the neighbourhood requires a change a change in values. A change that may seem like a large cost now, but a big payoff later on the lives of those who don’t yet know Jesus.
The only down-side, is this book comes from a heavily American context which assumes relevance to the Western Church. How might these ideas work in a Canadian context? That is yet to be seen.
February 16, 2021
Good book! It is an interesting and thought provoking way of getting back to biblical community. I am sure people will not agree with everything suggested but they are still proven suggestions that are actually working. If you are asking yourself how you can get closer and actually do life with other believers I would encourage you to read, ponder, and discuss what Frazee offers.
November 5, 2017
My small group read this for one of our studies and it offers some great advice on how to have authentic community connenctions.
August 22, 2018
Excellent and cutting commentary of what suburbs have done to American community. I didn't find the final chapters on programs that helpful.
September 10, 2019
Every Christian should read this.
January 9, 2020
It was helpful. Teaching on individualism and the suburbs was helpful.
Book is basically Saturate 2.0
Book is basically Saturate 2.0
March 14, 2024
Some really good stuff, but misses the weight of the weekly gathering of the Church altogether.
March 18, 2013
In The Connecting Church 2.0, Randy Frazee explored the configuration of the church in today's times and how over the years it has changed dramatically. This version of the book is a revised edition. Randy Frazee begins the book by introducing characters Bob and Karen. They have two children and both spouses work busy filled jobs. Like most Americans, they struggling with having enough time during the day to get everything completed. Most nights they fix frozen meals because they don't have the time to cook and prepare proper meals. Sometimes they even are bringing home work. They attend a small group that meets every other week. They are wanting to have deeper friendships and more meaningful relationships. But the small group setting just isn't enough connection to make lasting relationships. They are longing and looking for more but they don't know how to obtain it.
Randy Frazee pointed out that God has created us for community and connection with other people. He backed this up with research on the importance of community. One study at the Ohio State University Medical Center revealed that marriage improves your health, boosts immune systems, and you heal faster from sickness. Having intimacy in our marriages is more important than we may realize. Another study conducted has shown that males that provide and take care of their children have attachment hormones and they bond to them. Positive relationship is what all of us long for but many of us struggle to find people we can be real with, hang out with, and share our deepest secrets.
The book stated that God is consisted of three persons known as the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He desires to know each person He created intimately. Adam was created from the dust of the earth and God knew that it wasn't good for man to be alone. Some of us like to be independent and we believe that we can survive in this life without letting anyone know the real us. Connecting with others require risk that not everyone is willing to take. God has written the book of Acts to prove that we need others and community.
The book covered "Five Characteristics of Community Around a Common Place". Some of these included frequency, sharing meals, availably, and more. The book also included ways and suggestions on how to create an authentic community and reach out to your fellow neighbors.
I would recommend this helpful resource to anyone who are longing to find noteworthy relationship with your neighbors and community. Time have changed and most of us don't even know our neighbors names. I can honestly say this was talking about me because I don't know many of them. I live on my own land so it's a little bit more challenging to find people to start a friendship with. But really I haven't tried. The biggest concept that I found myself agreeing with was the author's findings on how important uniting with others truly is. I thought the suggestion of inviting people over to share a meal, pray, read the word, pray together, and serve our neighbors was immensely beneficial. I believe that Randy Frazee is living what the book preaches and I would love to be able to experience the deep connection among my neighbors that he has. This book will change churches and communities for the better if we apply the principles presented. Authentic communities are something most of us are looking for and it's been around us the whole time and it's still possible to have deep friendships! This book will inspire you to reach out to others, get to know more people, and develop a community. If everyone would form a friendship and create a community of believers with their neighbors imagine, how much the world would be happier and fulfilled.
Randy Frazee pointed out that God has created us for community and connection with other people. He backed this up with research on the importance of community. One study at the Ohio State University Medical Center revealed that marriage improves your health, boosts immune systems, and you heal faster from sickness. Having intimacy in our marriages is more important than we may realize. Another study conducted has shown that males that provide and take care of their children have attachment hormones and they bond to them. Positive relationship is what all of us long for but many of us struggle to find people we can be real with, hang out with, and share our deepest secrets.
The book stated that God is consisted of three persons known as the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He desires to know each person He created intimately. Adam was created from the dust of the earth and God knew that it wasn't good for man to be alone. Some of us like to be independent and we believe that we can survive in this life without letting anyone know the real us. Connecting with others require risk that not everyone is willing to take. God has written the book of Acts to prove that we need others and community.
The book covered "Five Characteristics of Community Around a Common Place". Some of these included frequency, sharing meals, availably, and more. The book also included ways and suggestions on how to create an authentic community and reach out to your fellow neighbors.
I would recommend this helpful resource to anyone who are longing to find noteworthy relationship with your neighbors and community. Time have changed and most of us don't even know our neighbors names. I can honestly say this was talking about me because I don't know many of them. I live on my own land so it's a little bit more challenging to find people to start a friendship with. But really I haven't tried. The biggest concept that I found myself agreeing with was the author's findings on how important uniting with others truly is. I thought the suggestion of inviting people over to share a meal, pray, read the word, pray together, and serve our neighbors was immensely beneficial. I believe that Randy Frazee is living what the book preaches and I would love to be able to experience the deep connection among my neighbors that he has. This book will change churches and communities for the better if we apply the principles presented. Authentic communities are something most of us are looking for and it's been around us the whole time and it's still possible to have deep friendships! This book will inspire you to reach out to others, get to know more people, and develop a community. If everyone would form a friendship and create a community of believers with their neighbors imagine, how much the world would be happier and fulfilled.
March 26, 2013
This is especially for those who see the word “Church” and tend to tune out on the rest of the message … Don’t miss out on an opportunity to learn about developing true community.
Churches today face the same issues and challenges as other organizations. While their specific focus and the details of their operation are different, most of what allows a progressive church to survive and thrive today will apply equally effectively to business audiences.
The Connecting Church 2.0 is not just for those who are “into” church. If you are part of an organization which includes people, you will find value in this book. If you are responsible for an organization and for people, you will probably revise your approach to creating solid teams after reading this book.
Randy Frazee shares honestly about his experiences, both positive and negative, as he has developed a model for successful church growth. The language used is that of Christianity, but the underlying themes are useful for all.
However, certain forces stop us from easily achieving true community.
Frazee begins with a short history lesson about the forces which have prompted the need for books like this, which help us understand how to reclaim that early sense of true community:
Individualism, Consumerism, and Isolation:
These three forces create the environment where we now need to relearn how to live in true community. Frazee’s detailed and clear analysis of these forces will be thought-provoking reading for anyone.
Most adults will resonate to his depiction of the past and current nature of our neighborhoods, daily life, and connection with others.
Frazee then provides thoughtful and effective guidelines on how to form lasting communities, and how to connect authentically with others.
Moving past traditional measures of church growth, such as larger buildings and more small group activities, Frazee focused on three important elements of true community:
BELONG: “ … participate fully as a member of a Christian community right where I live.”
What leader does not want complete engagement from everyone in his or her sphere of influence? Consider the power of an organization or group where everyone is participating fully.
GROW: “ … engage in a journey of learning to think, act, and be like Jesus.”
The learning organization is alive and well in this model. The standards and expectations are clearly delineated and include a pattern of continuous learning.
SERVE: “… actively use my life, my gifts, and my resources to serve others.”
This one is more than being a good member and continuing to learn. The idea of serving others portrayed in this model is not just of good customer service or finding your niche. This one is truly about focusing on meeting other’s needs, and not simply finding our own passion … it’s not about us alone, it’s about us in community with others.
I will have more to say about all this later this week.
If this sparks your curiosity, check out The Connecting Church 2.0by clicking the title above. To enter a contest to win a copy, go to Servants of Grace.
One of my measures of the impact of a book I read is the amount of highlighting and marginal noting that I do … I went through three highlighters on this book. It is THAT good.
Off to the office supply store to restock in the Heartland ….
John
Disclaimer: I received a promotional copy of this book for review before the official launch which is today. I am buying two more copies: one for my minister and one for me, because the first copy is so heavily marked up. As always, I only give reviews of books which I feel have value.
Churches today face the same issues and challenges as other organizations. While their specific focus and the details of their operation are different, most of what allows a progressive church to survive and thrive today will apply equally effectively to business audiences.
The Connecting Church 2.0 is not just for those who are “into” church. If you are part of an organization which includes people, you will find value in this book. If you are responsible for an organization and for people, you will probably revise your approach to creating solid teams after reading this book.
Randy Frazee shares honestly about his experiences, both positive and negative, as he has developed a model for successful church growth. The language used is that of Christianity, but the underlying themes are useful for all.
However, certain forces stop us from easily achieving true community.
Frazee begins with a short history lesson about the forces which have prompted the need for books like this, which help us understand how to reclaim that early sense of true community:
Individualism, Consumerism, and Isolation:
These three forces create the environment where we now need to relearn how to live in true community. Frazee’s detailed and clear analysis of these forces will be thought-provoking reading for anyone.
Most adults will resonate to his depiction of the past and current nature of our neighborhoods, daily life, and connection with others.
Frazee then provides thoughtful and effective guidelines on how to form lasting communities, and how to connect authentically with others.
Moving past traditional measures of church growth, such as larger buildings and more small group activities, Frazee focused on three important elements of true community:
BELONG: “ … participate fully as a member of a Christian community right where I live.”
What leader does not want complete engagement from everyone in his or her sphere of influence? Consider the power of an organization or group where everyone is participating fully.
GROW: “ … engage in a journey of learning to think, act, and be like Jesus.”
The learning organization is alive and well in this model. The standards and expectations are clearly delineated and include a pattern of continuous learning.
SERVE: “… actively use my life, my gifts, and my resources to serve others.”
This one is more than being a good member and continuing to learn. The idea of serving others portrayed in this model is not just of good customer service or finding your niche. This one is truly about focusing on meeting other’s needs, and not simply finding our own passion … it’s not about us alone, it’s about us in community with others.
I will have more to say about all this later this week.
If this sparks your curiosity, check out The Connecting Church 2.0by clicking the title above. To enter a contest to win a copy, go to Servants of Grace.
One of my measures of the impact of a book I read is the amount of highlighting and marginal noting that I do … I went through three highlighters on this book. It is THAT good.
Off to the office supply store to restock in the Heartland ….
John
Disclaimer: I received a promotional copy of this book for review before the official launch which is today. I am buying two more copies: one for my minister and one for me, because the first copy is so heavily marked up. As always, I only give reviews of books which I feel have value.
March 10, 2013
Are people really connecting at our churches? Or are they lonely and unfulfilled? Nationwide attendance numbers tell us something is wrong. Here’s a book that makes sense of what is really going on in our society today. There’s real help here too to go with his persuasive analysis in terms of what needs to happen in our churches to stem the raging tide.
Mr. Frazee has had over 10 years to work out his ideas since the first edition of this book was released (hence the 2.0). He is only more convinced. We are missing the unity of the early church. Who could disagree with that statement? We lack the community that characterized them. He is also particularly candid in the methods of modern churches, even what I would find fault with–I didn’t expect that!
American culture has been high-jacked by individualism. In other words, individual rights trump community, even the Christian community called the local church. Small groups became the rage a few years ago because someone figured this fact out. Individualism has even, says Mr. Frazee, robbed small groups of their real value because we are groups of individuals. The group knows we will hit the road if anything is said, so they say little. Community, then, fails at what it was designed to do.
What’s the answer? He says we must shift thinking back to a real understanding of community. There’s a common purpose there that we can all rally around and serve the Lord. After he explains just how lonely and isolated we really are. the balance of the book tells us how to implement in our churches.
He speaks so much of a neighborhood approach, called a starfish model, that quite frankly is far beyond our comfort zone. Can it work? Read and decide for yourself. My thoughts–we can glean some real ideas from him without becoming a congregation of multiple house churches. I could never follow him fully, but did he ever give me much to think about. For that, I thank you Mr. Frazee. As a pastor, after reading your book, I feel obligated for Christ’s sake and the multitudes of the unconnected to work at community again.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Mr. Frazee has had over 10 years to work out his ideas since the first edition of this book was released (hence the 2.0). He is only more convinced. We are missing the unity of the early church. Who could disagree with that statement? We lack the community that characterized them. He is also particularly candid in the methods of modern churches, even what I would find fault with–I didn’t expect that!
American culture has been high-jacked by individualism. In other words, individual rights trump community, even the Christian community called the local church. Small groups became the rage a few years ago because someone figured this fact out. Individualism has even, says Mr. Frazee, robbed small groups of their real value because we are groups of individuals. The group knows we will hit the road if anything is said, so they say little. Community, then, fails at what it was designed to do.
What’s the answer? He says we must shift thinking back to a real understanding of community. There’s a common purpose there that we can all rally around and serve the Lord. After he explains just how lonely and isolated we really are. the balance of the book tells us how to implement in our churches.
He speaks so much of a neighborhood approach, called a starfish model, that quite frankly is far beyond our comfort zone. Can it work? Read and decide for yourself. My thoughts–we can glean some real ideas from him without becoming a congregation of multiple house churches. I could never follow him fully, but did he ever give me much to think about. For that, I thank you Mr. Frazee. As a pastor, after reading your book, I feel obligated for Christ’s sake and the multitudes of the unconnected to work at community again.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 26, 2013
I appreciate the author’s attempt to address the individualism, isolation, and consumerism of suburban living with an alternate vision of authentic community. His personal experience and honesty about what he has learned over the years as well as the story format and practical examples in this book are all strengths. But my own experience of suburbia is more diverse than the “Johnson family” with their 2 children and 4-bedroom house, and although they make some positive changes in the course of the book, those changes are still largely individual and with little acknowledgement of larger social and systemic issues. I also found the identification of authentic church community with either the “spider” (centralized) church or the “starfish” (decentralized) church to be rather narrow. In one of his later chapters, the author himself describes a hybrid model, and I wonder also about other kinds of hybrids and other models. For my more detailed review, see http://aprilyamasaki.com/2013/03/25/i...
With thanks to Zondervan and Cross Focused Reviews for supplying me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Zondervan and Cross Focused Reviews for supplying me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2021
A Refreshing approach in doing Church
Church belongs in the Neighbourhood community and not in a building.
That is the message from the book.
Christians are meant to be looking out for opportunities to make a difference in their neighbourhoods and coming together to fulfil the great commission given by Jesus. There is so much to say, but just buy the book and read it. It's worth every cent and more.
Church belongs in the Neighbourhood community and not in a building.
That is the message from the book.
Christians are meant to be looking out for opportunities to make a difference in their neighbourhoods and coming together to fulfil the great commission given by Jesus. There is so much to say, but just buy the book and read it. It's worth every cent and more.
March 6, 2013
A book that will challenge Christians deeply, revealing some societal and church culture "sacred cows" that we tightly hold on to but may be preventing us from experiencing truly biblical community. If you read this, also read "The Art of Neighboring" (Pathak/Runyon). Praying about what these ideas could mean for our church.
April 19, 2013
The value of individualism is what drives life in American society, but true community is what we seek/need. Randy presents a clear picture of what authentic community can/should look like. I'm challenged...
August 31, 2013
This book really hits the nail on the head in regards to community or lack of. Things I've seen as a problem for ages and solutions I've already implemented in my own life. The book solidifies my stance on doing my part to better my community.
March 17, 2013
Review at Thoughtsprayersandsongs.com
March 24, 2013
I enjoyed reading The Connecting Church 2.0. Full review on my blog: http://thehomeschoolmarm.blogspot.com...
December 1, 2018
Update
I read his first edition in 2011 and reading 2.0 was both a refresher and insightful as he updated the material and added additional thoughts.
I read his first edition in 2011 and reading 2.0 was both a refresher and insightful as he updated the material and added additional thoughts.
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