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Changing Churches: A View From the Pew
†Are you a "church hopper" or thinking of becoming one? †Do you look down on Christians who change churches? †Did you know that 76% of "church switchers" are devout Christians? †Do you wonder about vast changes in church? †Do you wonder what will bring church unity and transformation? Changing Churches describes, through the eyes of one couple, the difficult journey that "church switchers" travel-a journey often precipitated by disruptive church changes. The book encourages Christ-like transformative change in churches rather than man-devised makeovers. As you read you will learn †The right reasons to leave a church. †How to manage the pain and angst of leaving a familiar church. †How to search for another church-the anxiety and adventure. †How to handle conflict between spouses about leaving and searching. †How to find the new church that fits you and fits God's plan for you. Changing Churches is helpful in understanding the sweeping changes in churches and what we can do to build up the church.
196 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Dottie Parish
1 book10 followersDottie Parish brings a seasoned counselor’s wise viewpoint and the soft heart of a child of God to her first book called Changing Churches: A View from the Pew.
A longtime resident of the greater Cincinnati area, Parish holds a Master of Social Work degree from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University.
She has more than 30 years of professional experience as a counselor at two family service agencies as well as in private practice. Her experience included diagnosing and treating individuals representing a wide variety of problems, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ages as well as short and long term therapy. Her private practice included individual, marital and family therapy with special interest in helping couples resolve marital differences.
She organized and led The Third Option educational group for married couples from 1996-2007 – in two locations
Parish also wrote a weekly advice column, “Family Counselor,” for more than fifteen years for the Hamilton Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio.
Dottie Parish is a wife, mother and grandmother and she loves Jesus and His Church. Her current devotion to God and His church stems from extreme misgivings about drifting away from God and church after graduate school. She and her husband lived for decades without faith. Their return to faith in1990 begins the journey described in Changing Churches.
A longtime resident of the greater Cincinnati area, Parish holds a Master of Social Work degree from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University.
She has more than 30 years of professional experience as a counselor at two family service agencies as well as in private practice. Her experience included diagnosing and treating individuals representing a wide variety of problems, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ages as well as short and long term therapy. Her private practice included individual, marital and family therapy with special interest in helping couples resolve marital differences.
She organized and led The Third Option educational group for married couples from 1996-2007 – in two locations
Parish also wrote a weekly advice column, “Family Counselor,” for more than fifteen years for the Hamilton Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio.
Dottie Parish is a wife, mother and grandmother and she loves Jesus and His Church. Her current devotion to God and His church stems from extreme misgivings about drifting away from God and church after graduate school. She and her husband lived for decades without faith. Their return to faith in1990 begins the journey described in Changing Churches.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 20, 2013
A must read obviously for somebody thinking about leaving their church but especially for pastors.
September 6, 2014
CHANGING CHURCHES
A view from the pew
By
Dottie Parish
ABOUT THE BOOK
Are you a "church hopper" or thinking of becoming one? • Do you look down on Christians who change churches? • Did you know that 76% of "church switchers" are devout Christians? • Do you wonder about vast changes in church? • Do you wonder what will bring church unity and transformation? Changing Churches describes, through the eyes of one couple, the difficult journey that "church switchers" travel-a journey often precipitated by disruptive church changes. The book encourages Christ-like transformative change in churches rather than man-devised makeovers. As you read you will learn about: • The right reasons to leave a church. • How to manage the pain and angst of leaving a familiar church. • How to search for another church-the anxiety and adventure. • How to handle conflict between spouses about leaving and searching. • How to find the new church that fits you and fits God's plan for you. Changing Churches is helpful in understanding the sweeping changes in churches and what we can do to build up the church.
MY REVIEW
My husband and I left the church we were going to. We did try to find a new church but got very disappointed and just stopped looking. It is very sad that we have just given up and have no reason not to look for another fellowship…We live in a small town with many churches but only one is a Saturday, Sabbath church but we have not gone to see what they are about. Many, not ALL true “Sabbath Keepers” are too legalistic, which is not what God wants for us.
There are right and wrong reasons to leave, including false teachers/teachings, neglecting important doctrinal issues and God calling you to ministry at another church.
Dottie and her husband are not church hoppers. They were looking for a church home where they could serve and grow and in the process, they left two churches. Through their experience, they learned valuable lessons she believed God wanted her to share with others dealing with the issue of changing a church. She explains her position well and shows that you can leave a church gracefully even though you may lose friends in the meantime.
And she also helps those left behind deal with friends who leave. She gives advice about how to search for a new church and find one that fits God's plan for you.
She also writes to those in leadership positions just how important it is to love those who enter into the doors of their church. She does not judge and writes with a way that is not just words.
She does not write about one specific denomination, she treats all churches equal, which I find refreshing.
I would recommend it to anyone who is in a leadership position in the church, or those looking for a new church home.
I pray for you, Dottie, that God to continue to guide you and use you for His Glory. In Jesus Name Amen.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Dottie Parish brings a seasoned counselor’s wise viewpoint and the soft heart of a child of God to her first book called Changing Churches: A View from the Pew.
A longtime resident of the greater Cincinnati area, Parish holds a Master of Social Work degree from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University.
She has more than 30 years of professional experience as a counselor at two family service agencies as well as in private practice. Her experience included diagnosing and treating individuals representing a wide variety of problems, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ages as well as short and long term therapy. Her private practice included individual, marital and family therapy with special interest in helping couples resolve marital differences.
She organized and led The Third Option educational group for married couples from 1996-2007 – in two locations
Parish also wrote a weekly advice column, “Family Counselor,” for more than fifteen years for the Hamilton Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio.
Dottie Parish is a wife, mother and grandmother and she loves Jesus and His Church. Her current devotion to God and His church stems from extreme misgivings about drifting away from God and church after graduate school. She and her husband lived for decades without faith. Their return to faith in 1990 begins the journey described in Changing Churches.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
A view from the pew
By
Dottie Parish
ABOUT THE BOOK
Are you a "church hopper" or thinking of becoming one? • Do you look down on Christians who change churches? • Did you know that 76% of "church switchers" are devout Christians? • Do you wonder about vast changes in church? • Do you wonder what will bring church unity and transformation? Changing Churches describes, through the eyes of one couple, the difficult journey that "church switchers" travel-a journey often precipitated by disruptive church changes. The book encourages Christ-like transformative change in churches rather than man-devised makeovers. As you read you will learn about: • The right reasons to leave a church. • How to manage the pain and angst of leaving a familiar church. • How to search for another church-the anxiety and adventure. • How to handle conflict between spouses about leaving and searching. • How to find the new church that fits you and fits God's plan for you. Changing Churches is helpful in understanding the sweeping changes in churches and what we can do to build up the church.
MY REVIEW
My husband and I left the church we were going to. We did try to find a new church but got very disappointed and just stopped looking. It is very sad that we have just given up and have no reason not to look for another fellowship…We live in a small town with many churches but only one is a Saturday, Sabbath church but we have not gone to see what they are about. Many, not ALL true “Sabbath Keepers” are too legalistic, which is not what God wants for us.
There are right and wrong reasons to leave, including false teachers/teachings, neglecting important doctrinal issues and God calling you to ministry at another church.
Dottie and her husband are not church hoppers. They were looking for a church home where they could serve and grow and in the process, they left two churches. Through their experience, they learned valuable lessons she believed God wanted her to share with others dealing with the issue of changing a church. She explains her position well and shows that you can leave a church gracefully even though you may lose friends in the meantime.
And she also helps those left behind deal with friends who leave. She gives advice about how to search for a new church and find one that fits God's plan for you.
She also writes to those in leadership positions just how important it is to love those who enter into the doors of their church. She does not judge and writes with a way that is not just words.
She does not write about one specific denomination, she treats all churches equal, which I find refreshing.
I would recommend it to anyone who is in a leadership position in the church, or those looking for a new church home.
I pray for you, Dottie, that God to continue to guide you and use you for His Glory. In Jesus Name Amen.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Dottie Parish brings a seasoned counselor’s wise viewpoint and the soft heart of a child of God to her first book called Changing Churches: A View from the Pew.
A longtime resident of the greater Cincinnati area, Parish holds a Master of Social Work degree from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University.
She has more than 30 years of professional experience as a counselor at two family service agencies as well as in private practice. Her experience included diagnosing and treating individuals representing a wide variety of problems, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ages as well as short and long term therapy. Her private practice included individual, marital and family therapy with special interest in helping couples resolve marital differences.
She organized and led The Third Option educational group for married couples from 1996-2007 – in two locations
Parish also wrote a weekly advice column, “Family Counselor,” for more than fifteen years for the Hamilton Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio.
Dottie Parish is a wife, mother and grandmother and she loves Jesus and His Church. Her current devotion to God and His church stems from extreme misgivings about drifting away from God and church after graduate school. She and her husband lived for decades without faith. Their return to faith in 1990 begins the journey described in Changing Churches.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
January 24, 2013
Changing Churches is a unique and critical look at the different types of churches, church members, and those coming in, as well as those going! I personally love chapter 9, Ideas for the Shepherds! The authors insights and ideas are priceless! The information in this book can be helpful to members considering leaving their church and people looking for a church. The instruction for Shepherds and sheep is valuable in this changing culture. In a time when people come and go – in and out of churches, I have found little material available to help in every situation. Dottie Parish has compiled that information into one instruction manual for the churches today. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a church, ready to leave a church, or the Shepherd of one!
The very personal notes and comments gives the reader a better understanding of the conflict leavers feel and the discontent that leads up to it. The common sense answers and suggestions have the potential to keep some members from leaving, and to assist those who are determined to leave have an idea of what they are looking for.
Buy this book at any of the links below……..
Author BIO:
Dottie Parish brings a seasoned counselor’s wise viewpoint and the soft heart of a child of God to her first book called Changing Churches: A View from the Pew.
A longtime resident of the greater Cincinnati area, Parish holds a Master of Social Work degree from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University.
She has more than 30 years of professional experience as a counselor at two family service agencies as well as in private practice. Her experience included diagnosing and treating individuals representing a wide variety of problems, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ages as well as short and long term therapy. Her private practice included individual, marital and family therapy with special interest in helping couples resolve marital differences.
She organized and led The Third Option educational group for married couples from 1996-2007 – in two locations
Parish also wrote a weekly advice column, “Family Counselor,” for more than fifteen years for the Hamilton Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio.
Dottie Parish is a wife, mother and grandmother and she loves Jesus and His Church. Her current devotion to God and His church stems from extreme misgivings about drifting away from God and church after graduate school. She and her husband lived for decades without faith. Their return to faith in 1990 begins the journey described in Changing Churches.
Blog: Dottie blogs on a variety of subjects at http://www.faithnotes-dottie.blogspot... and on Marriage and Family issues on www.taberstruths.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dottie.parish.5
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Changin...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DottieParish
Winepress blog: www.authorweblog.dottieparish.com.
Linkedin: https://twitter.com/DottieParish, http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dottie-pa...,
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/...
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Changing-Church...
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June 14, 2013
Changing Churches: A view from the Pew is vastly different from the genre of christian books I read and review. Frankly, this was the first time I've encountered this topic in print! And let me tell you, from it's bold and brave opening glance at Dottie and Mike's personal journey with churches, I was instantly drawn in. She speaks from the heart, opens her soul, and shares so much of her personalized christian life through her writing and journal entries. Dottie is not only genuine and comforting in her knowledge and experience, she writes as if she is an old friend, and it's very refreshing.
More than the two parts to this book, and the 14 informative chapters packed within, there is a journey to take in it's words. Dottie explores that while change is sometimes good (and good for the soul), and it might not always be easy ~ The heart of the man plans his way; but the Lord establishes his steps. -Proverbs 16:9. One of the passages that jumped out to me the analogy as our spiritual tanks being like cars - we run on empty, we run out, and we need God to refresh us - fill us! I was also moved with the author sharing her need for deep repentance and went on a 'searching and fearless inventory." I was drawn to her personal conviction and brave approach to facing personal sins and righting the wrongs she believed strongly in. What a testimony! This book brings a strong feeling of healing and life beyond reasons for leaving a church - whether by choice or by force or simply God-lead. For it's specific topic and theme, this book is right on the mark!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
More than the two parts to this book, and the 14 informative chapters packed within, there is a journey to take in it's words. Dottie explores that while change is sometimes good (and good for the soul), and it might not always be easy ~ The heart of the man plans his way; but the Lord establishes his steps. -Proverbs 16:9. One of the passages that jumped out to me the analogy as our spiritual tanks being like cars - we run on empty, we run out, and we need God to refresh us - fill us! I was also moved with the author sharing her need for deep repentance and went on a 'searching and fearless inventory." I was drawn to her personal conviction and brave approach to facing personal sins and righting the wrongs she believed strongly in. What a testimony! This book brings a strong feeling of healing and life beyond reasons for leaving a church - whether by choice or by force or simply God-lead. For it's specific topic and theme, this book is right on the mark!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
May 6, 2013
This book shares a personal journey, including a return to faith and a love for God and for his people in particular congregations. I found it not preachy, but sincere and direct. The author examines the motivations for leaving one church and joining another, and explores the personal impacts on people who take "church" seriously and value the friendships established there. She also critiques the ways that churches have changed and are changing, and presents factors that facilitate a "good" church. I especially appreciated Chapter Eight, the responsibilities of the church member; all too often the man or woman in the pew is a spectator and a critic, rather than a healer and builder. I also appreciated Chapter Nine, which focuses on the shepherding role of church leaders, reminding us that they are doubly accountable to God. All in all, this is a practical and balanced viewpoint from the heart, reminding us that it is God who is building his church, and putting into a Biblical perspective our roles as leaders and followers.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews