The Sacred Secular: How God Is Using the World to Shape the Church

by Dottie Escobedo-Frank, Rob Rynders

The Sacred Secular examines culturalspaces where people are experiencing something sacred. These places arenot in the church. They’re in yoga studios, neighborhood potlucks, andTED Talks. Dottie Escobedo-Frank and Rob Rynders see lessons for thechurch in these spaces. They see new ways we can convey to people thatthe church is uniquely sacred and significant and that Jesus is forthem. These glimpses into the sacred-secular will inspire creativechurch leaders to set aside their assumptions about what church lookslike. The Sacred Secular nurtures empowerment, creativity, spiritualmovement, and the courage to embody the sacredness and substance of ourfaith.“Many of us in the church (including clergy) feel we havemore in common with the ‘spiritual but not religious’ than we have withlots of church folks these days. We are just as spiritually hungry andthirsty as ever, but we’re open to finding God in surprising places andspaces . . . including ‘secular’ ones. This beautifully written book isall about that phenomenon. I think you’re going to love it.” —Brian D.McLaren, author/speaker, brianmclaren.net“Be prepared to hearcontemporary stories akin to the Apostle Peter discovering God in an‘outsider’—Cornelius—in twenty-first–century urban America. This book isa jewel from two missional church practitioners in The United MethodistChurch. It offers wisdom, vision, creativity, and humility that willmark the gospel-bearing church of the future. I highly recommend TheSacred Secular to pastors, church planters, and laity who want theircongregations to know how to develop culturally connected faithcommunities in our rapidly changing world.” —Elaine A. Heath, Dean, DukeDivinity School, Duke University, Durham, NC

134 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2016

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book was an interesting take on how the traditional church is perceived today. I'm not sure I agree with everything in the pages, but I believe the authors intention was to get the church body thinking. I am doing that so goal achieved!

The bottom line is what can we as a church body do to reach out to our neighbors and acquaintances in the places they frequent to be the light of Christ.

[Sue Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is easy to read yet is thought provoking. It shows how something sacred can occur outside of the church. The book is filled with examples of people getting together for something spiritual in a secular world. Whether it be bonding with yoga, getting together in a beer and Bible group, or just reflecting privately, it shows how faith can surface in many ways. Although nothing in this book is new since people have gathered in this way for centuries, it is refreshing to see examples under one cover. This book would be excellent for a church trying to reach out from behind their one walls.

[Melissa Higgs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives excellent suggestions for being a disciple leader rather than a church consumer. It also touches on the planning techniques that build community, which is a professional passion of mine as a city planner. I recommend this book to anyone who cares about community.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book that looks at what the “church”is today and how we can be and find spiritual fulfillment both inside and outside of the western religious tradition. It is certainly thought provoking.

[Rebecca Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good challenge to concept of what church is. What would Jesus have done with social media and what is he doing as we all connect online? Would be good for group study and discussions.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

New perspective on mainline churches losing members. Hopeful and uplifting to think that God i doing a new thing!