A Churchless Faith: Faith Journeys Beyond the Churches

by Alan Jamieson

Thoroughly researched, this ground-breaking and eminently readable book is an account of the lessons learned from groups seeking to work with those who have left evangelical, Pentecostal, and charismatic churches but who are nevertheless pursuing a journey of faith. It outlines some of the supportive structures and one-to-one help that churches can offer leavers, and suggests that a conversation between post-church groups and churches would be of considerable value to all.

Genres: Sociology, Religion, Church

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2002

Reviews

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slim book is basically a published version of a sociological project report, but it was written well and readably for what it is. It focuses on people who have left "EPC" (meaning, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Charismatic) churches and the different stages of faith development they go through both before and after leaving. Contrary to stereotypes, these "leavers" are not necessarily ignorant or inexperienced in their faith, in fact they're often leaders and have done extensive theological study. They also don't necessarily abandon their faith as a result of leaving a formal EPC church. Often they go through a period of questioning but many come out on the other side with a deeper faith even though they haven't gone back to the same kind of church, or church at all. I found it deeply validating and personally relatable through the first two-thirds of the book. Also hopeful and encouraging. The last chapter or two, which focused on postmodernism and post-church groups, tended to lose me a little bit and even read slightly dated. But there were still some good ideas even in those chapters, about churches making way for people who have really deep questions and doubts in their faith.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was optimistic about this book based on the title but the content was disappointing. The author interviewed multiple people leaving the EPC (evangelical / pentecostal / charismatic) church (the author's term) and their reasoning for doing so. As described in their testimonies, many of their reasons were spiritual abuse or immaturity, either on their part or the church they were a part of. Rather than working to resolve the issues, the individuals left the churches they were a part of, often to gather with a group of like-minded wounded individuals. Some (27%) eventually ended up back at a traditional type of church while the rest seemingly did not.

I was hoping for more ideas on what church outside of the traditional box might look like and how people had matured in their faith but most of the book was sad stories of spiritual abuse, and a total departure of the Christian faith for something more new age / universal.

Ultimately not worth the read for ideas on church outside of the traditional western method.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in 2001 and my notes from then say:
I found it rather gloomy in the first half, which consists of extracts from interviews, and comments on those who’ve left, most of whom are still acting/living as Christians, but not in a more usual church setting. However by the time I'd finished I felt it was very good and positive, with some sound advice in it about those living in the ‘leaver’ situation.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book in my time of real confusion.
I now find myself uncomfortable with sweeping generalities, with neat little categories and well-defined classifications. People and situations are far more complex than most of us are willing to admit and cannot be squeezed into pigeon holes. I accept polar tensions exist in every sphere of life.

The unchurched with their alternative worldviews and associated attitudes towards Christianity; the de-churched, a fertile field of disgruntled people needing healing and forgiveness who are looking for authenticity, and the re-churched, those who have shifted from one congregation to another. (p156)

Jamieson, Alan. A Churchless Faith: Faith Journeys Beyond Evangelical, Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches. Wellington, NZ: Philip Garside Publishing, 2001.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this if you have left a 'successful' church or are puzzled by the behaviour of someone who has. As someone whose personal experience is mirrored by many of the stories found here it was good to know that others have been on this painful journey too. Unexpectedly it proved hugely affirming too as the reason, purpose and hope discussed here encouraged me to move on with greater boldness and confidence.