Disruption: Repurposing the Church to Redeem the Community

by Mark DeYmaz

Well-meaning church leaders and planters often set out to radically transform their communities for Christ-kingdom causes. Their aspirations and visions are limitless. However, often the best-laid plans fail to yield results of any consequence—they become frustrated, and pull the plug leaving behind the remnants of all their best intentions.

Does it have to be this way?

Is it possible for a local church to become so influential in its community that it becomes a life-giving agent for believers and non-believers? A resource that becomes the catalyst whereby abandoned buildings are repurposed, small businesses attracted, jobs created, crime reduced, justice progressed, health improved, and ultimately, the kingdom of God advanced in such a way that it impacts the every corner of the community?

In Repurposing the Church to Redeem the Community, Dr. Mark DeYmaz explains why such an outlook it not only possible but essential for the church to gain credibility and relevance in the community it seeks to influence. Genuine transformation never occurs through maintaining the status quo. A Disruption is often the missing ingredient that moves the church from ineffective to radically transformative.

Genres: Church, Christianity, Nonfiction

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2017

Reviews

[Quincy Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish I had read this book 10 years ago. I plan to implement its insights in all ministry I do in the furure.

[Spencer Falk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read, got me fired up and encouraged to be doing what I’m doing and working in a church with such a similar vision.

Could have done with a little less self-promotion by the writer, but the testimony of his church and others included are great. Could see this one staying relevant for years to come.

[Jesse Ludema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings fresh thought into what the church was created to be. Namely, the local church was designed to impact the spiritual, social, and economic spheres. Unfortunately, the church has limited itself to the spiritual sphere and has thus weakened its witness by not participating in the other two spheres. The ideas that DeYmaz presents in this book are cutting-edge in their modern application, and ancient in their theological roots. For the lead pastor, church-planter this is a game-changing book. This falls into the must-read category for me. The only reason I didn't give it 5-stars is that the first two chapters and the last two chapters felt a bit repetitive for my liking.

[Tyler Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and encouraging read for Christians and church leaders looking to join the mission of God in their neighborhoods. His lists can be hard to understand sometimes, and it is said repeatedly that churches if any size can do the things of the three legged stool, but the only examples in the book are churches of 300+. It would be nice to talk about how smaller churches can actually do this.
I would have liked to read more about partnering within the community (what God is already doing there) and partnering with other churches.

[Chad Stutzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great and timely book. The church should be the most disruptive force on earth. To do that we must understand the times and how to have more of a direct impact on our communities. The church should be known for what it’s against but what actual difference and value it’s adding to the world. By loving, serving, caring and investing in people, one neighborhood at a time. This model is a great start and I hope more church leaders will take note.

[Darren Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for multicultrual/multiethnic churches.

[Jonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite specific, but surprisingly helpful and convicting at points. It made me more interested in the author's stuff but the text itself wasn't as deep as I wished.

[Doug Hensel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that challenges the status quo of how churches operate.

[Daniel Mcgregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting. Rather than the in-depth study of personal/pastoral leadership it was a how to for Churches impacting multi-ethnic and inner city churches. There is nothing wrong with that objective and he is very helpful as I look to my own leadership pastoral goals and dreams.