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Practices for the Refounding of God's People: The Missional Challenge of the West
• Speaks to the bewilderment and helplessness many churches feel in the face of current events • Practical new interpretation of changes in the West Throughout its history, the church has faced crises of meaning and identity in all kinds of changing contexts. The crises facing the churches of the western hemisphere today are no different. At their best, churches have recognized that their challenge is not their own fixing or even “reformation” but a deep engagement with the ways the gospel transforms society. This book explores how this can happen again in a radically changing western world.
208 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 9, 2019
Content-wise, an engaging book. Unlike many books in a similar vein ("what's wrong with the church and how can we fix it" variety) I greatly appreciate the depth of thought and research, the breadth of study and interest of the authors, the historical scope they draw in, and just the robust intellectual meat of it all.
I think the book could have used a few more passes from an editor. There were numerous typos and inexcusable oddities in the the writing that should have been caught. One example is the tendency in the first half of the book to end each section or chapter with a grand conclusion that draws us, once again, back to the main theme of the book. These make tons of sense on account of there being two authors, and the likelihood that many chapters and sections were written independently, but they are wholly unnecessary to be inserted every 15-20 pages in the final manuscript. A minor thing that should have been caught in editing, but it still took away from the overall quality of the book.
Despite those things, I've been recommending this to pastors and thinkers in the church left right and centre. I sincerely appreciate Martin and Roxborough's unwillingness to prescribe one "sure-fire" path forward, but rather push us towards prayerful watching and searching, changing our disposition in order to fundamentally alter our relationship to the world.
My biggest complaint is that this book has put me in a truly uncomfortable place in ministry, as I wonder how I can possibly lead a church into the vast unknown of this unravelling time without mooring to the aging and faltering structures of the past. The days might be numbered for those structures, but at least they give some semblance of stability in the here and now. It is a fearsome place to live, in the unknown, living truly in the grace of God. (And yes I am keenly aware that this is exactly the place the authors would have us be, but that doesn't make it any less terrifying).
I think the book could have used a few more passes from an editor. There were numerous typos and inexcusable oddities in the the writing that should have been caught. One example is the tendency in the first half of the book to end each section or chapter with a grand conclusion that draws us, once again, back to the main theme of the book. These make tons of sense on account of there being two authors, and the likelihood that many chapters and sections were written independently, but they are wholly unnecessary to be inserted every 15-20 pages in the final manuscript. A minor thing that should have been caught in editing, but it still took away from the overall quality of the book.
Despite those things, I've been recommending this to pastors and thinkers in the church left right and centre. I sincerely appreciate Martin and Roxborough's unwillingness to prescribe one "sure-fire" path forward, but rather push us towards prayerful watching and searching, changing our disposition in order to fundamentally alter our relationship to the world.
My biggest complaint is that this book has put me in a truly uncomfortable place in ministry, as I wonder how I can possibly lead a church into the vast unknown of this unravelling time without mooring to the aging and faltering structures of the past. The days might be numbered for those structures, but at least they give some semblance of stability in the here and now. It is a fearsome place to live, in the unknown, living truly in the grace of God. (And yes I am keenly aware that this is exactly the place the authors would have us be, but that doesn't make it any less terrifying).
April 3, 2021
A fascinating look at the status of the Church in the west (primarily UK and Europe). The authors do well to point out the need, not just for a reformation of church practices, but a re-founding of what we mean by church.
I most appreciated their reliance on Alan Kreider’s The Patient Ferment of the Early Church as a paradigm for how to reach the west again.
As societies in the West become more and more secular and Christianity becomes more and more marginalized, a doorway of early-Christian-styled witness emerges. One that doesn’t vie for political power to push its agenda. One that doesn’t pander to culture to evangelize.
Like the early church, the re-founding needed in the West is a return to the basics—living lives that echo the truth of the gospel and compel people toward Jesus through the beauty of our practices.
Side note—really enjoyed their take on the importance of “Perish” and living locally. Seeking to live this out currently and greatly appreciated their words on the power of proximity.
I most appreciated their reliance on Alan Kreider’s The Patient Ferment of the Early Church as a paradigm for how to reach the west again.
As societies in the West become more and more secular and Christianity becomes more and more marginalized, a doorway of early-Christian-styled witness emerges. One that doesn’t vie for political power to push its agenda. One that doesn’t pander to culture to evangelize.
Like the early church, the re-founding needed in the West is a return to the basics—living lives that echo the truth of the gospel and compel people toward Jesus through the beauty of our practices.
Side note—really enjoyed their take on the importance of “Perish” and living locally. Seeking to live this out currently and greatly appreciated their words on the power of proximity.
August 6, 2018
Alan and his fellow author shows himself to be a master at weaving sociological, biblical and theological narratives together. However, I would have liked to see more on the case for the practices in particular because the exploration of the narratives have been done so well in Alan's previous books. I had eagerly anticipated (from the title) more of a focus on the practices. Having said that, the authors have produced a worthy contribution to the discussion around the church's challenges.
December 26, 2025
A Brilliant Diagnosis with a Disjointed Prescription
Alan Roxburgh and Martin Robinson have crafted a deeply intellectual and perceptive analysis of the "secular age" in which the Western church now finds itself. If you are looking for a book that helps you understand why the cultural landscape has shifted so dramatically, this is a highly recommended read. However, it falters when it comes to bridging the gap between historical analysis and future practice.
The Strengths: Understanding Our Secular Age
The first two-thirds of the book are undeniably its strongest asset. The authors offer an excellent analysis of our current situation, drawing from a wide array of sources—including a fascinating and insightful use of the "Child’s Tale of the Secular Age."
They successfully deconstruct the layers of modernity and secularism, providing a clear-eyed look at the challenges facing faith communities today. For anyone feeling the "disenchantment" of the modern world, their historical and sociological breakdown provides a helpful vocabulary for that experience.
The Weaknesses: A Disconnect in Solutions
The book’s structure is where the experience becomes frustrating. After spending the vast majority of the pages on a dense historical diagnosis, the "practices" mentioned in the title feel rushed and underdeveloped.
• Pacing Issues: Roughly two-thirds of the book is dedicated to analysis, leaving only the final third to address how the church might actually be "refounded."
• Lack of Integration: The most disappointing aspect was the disconnect between the problems and the solutions. The possibilities offered in the final chapters felt isolated from the rigorous analysis that preceded them. As a reader, I wanted to see exactly how these specific practices would take root within the specific secular issues identified earlier, but those links were missing.
Final Verdict
Practices for the Refounding of God's People is a dual experience. As a work of cultural analysis, it is insightful and thought-provoking. As a practical guide for church leaders looking for a way forward, it feels disjointed and incomplete.
Alan Roxburgh and Martin Robinson have crafted a deeply intellectual and perceptive analysis of the "secular age" in which the Western church now finds itself. If you are looking for a book that helps you understand why the cultural landscape has shifted so dramatically, this is a highly recommended read. However, it falters when it comes to bridging the gap between historical analysis and future practice.
The Strengths: Understanding Our Secular Age
The first two-thirds of the book are undeniably its strongest asset. The authors offer an excellent analysis of our current situation, drawing from a wide array of sources—including a fascinating and insightful use of the "Child’s Tale of the Secular Age."
They successfully deconstruct the layers of modernity and secularism, providing a clear-eyed look at the challenges facing faith communities today. For anyone feeling the "disenchantment" of the modern world, their historical and sociological breakdown provides a helpful vocabulary for that experience.
The Weaknesses: A Disconnect in Solutions
The book’s structure is where the experience becomes frustrating. After spending the vast majority of the pages on a dense historical diagnosis, the "practices" mentioned in the title feel rushed and underdeveloped.
• Pacing Issues: Roughly two-thirds of the book is dedicated to analysis, leaving only the final third to address how the church might actually be "refounded."
• Lack of Integration: The most disappointing aspect was the disconnect between the problems and the solutions. The possibilities offered in the final chapters felt isolated from the rigorous analysis that preceded them. As a reader, I wanted to see exactly how these specific practices would take root within the specific secular issues identified earlier, but those links were missing.
Final Verdict
Practices for the Refounding of God's People is a dual experience. As a work of cultural analysis, it is insightful and thought-provoking. As a practical guide for church leaders looking for a way forward, it feels disjointed and incomplete.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews