Outreach Resource of the Year Something is not right. The witness of the church in North America is eroding. Many Christians are alarmed by the decline in church attendance and seek a culprit. Too often, we point the finger away from the church, make culture the enemy, and build walls between us and others. But our antagonism and enemy-making are toxins that further eat away at our witness. Is there a better way? Tara Beth Leach could easily be one of those millennials giving up on the church. Instead, she is a pastor who loves the church and is paradoxically hopeful for its future. In an era where the church has lost much of its credibility, Leach casts a radiant vision for Christians to rediscover a robust, attractive witness. We need to name the toxic soil we've grown in, repent for past wrongs, and lean into a better way to become the church that Jesus proclaimed we would be. Leach casts down idolatrous false images of God to recover a winsome picture of a kingdom of abundance and goodness. We can be sustained by practices that will tune our hearts to God's and form us into the radiant communities God intends for us and those around us.
Tara Beth Leach is senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena in Southern California. She is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University (BA, youth ministry) and Northern Theological Seminary (MDiv). She is a regular writer for Missio Alliance and has contributed to other publications such as Christianity Today, Christian Week, The Jesus Creed, The Table Magazine, Reflecting the Image Devotional, Renovating Holiness, and most recently a chapter in The Apostle Paul and the Christian Life. She has two beautiful and rambunctious sons, and has been married to the love of her life, Jeff, since 2006.
When I learned that Tara Beth had a new book coming out, I reached out to the publisher for an Advanced Review Copy. I'm so glad I did, the book certainly did not disappoint.
In Radiant Church, Tara Beth unpacks a host of problems plaguing the church, including the empire-worship that often takes place in our sanctuaries, the white church's tragic struggle with acknowledging the racial injustice that grips our country, the painful silencing of God's call upon women to ministry, and more. I am grateful that she not only acknowledges these problems, but paints a portrait of what the "Radiant Church" that we're called to pursue would look like. She wisely acknowledged the costly nature of this pursuit, but never lost focus on the call that is upon us to be a kingdom people.
When this book is released, I will go through it with my church board.
In this book, author Tara Beth Leach addresses the current problems within the Evangelical church in America (white Christian nationalism, patriarchy, consumerism and building/program-centric focus) and encourages the church to rediscover its primary calling to be followers of Jesus who are working for God’s kingdom in our world. The American Evangelical church is to be a radiant church – radiating Christ’s light through the fog of our cultural struggles. Leach writes, “As salt and light, we are called to mediate the goodness, light, love, and holiness of God. What a radiant call God has entrusted to God’s people.” (p. 26) Leach’s writing style is warm and approachable. She walks a delicate line between encouragement and challenge. Her voice is prophetic without being overbearing or judgmental. Her writing is convicting without being overly critical. Leach’s tone is ultimately hopeful and inspiring. Her work lays out a vison of what the American church can be in our current culture – one that holds fast to Christian convictions while offering an appealing invitation to those who may have felt alienated from the church in the past. She makes biblical and theological concepts accessible to her readers. While her audience is primarily the Evangelical church in America, I think Christians from other traditions (mainline Protestants, Roman Catholics, etc.) would also find her work helpful. This would be a great resource for an adult Sunday school, preaching series, or church leadership retreat. Recommend.
Tara Beth Leach has something to say to the American Church - something we desperately need to hear. The passion and love Tara Beth has for the Church oozes from every page. There has been much ink spilled in recent years about the demise of the Western Church - lots of talk about the “nones” and “deconstruction” and most of it said with derision and contempt. There is none of that in Tara Beth’s tone. She speaks hard truth to the brokenness in the Church, but with love, compassion and best of all, hope. If you care about the future of the American Church, if you still believe that the Church is Jesus chosen vehicle to communicate the Gospel, and if you need an infusion of hope, please read this book! Better yet, grab a few friends and read it together.
This book was written for such a time as this! Tara Beth Leach offers a prophetic word for the church. This book is for anyone with a love and passion for the future of the church in America.
Radiant Church teaches us to look at the American Church through a critical but loving lens, facing reality honestly rather than buying into the popular narrative of western Evangelical triumphalism. Most works on a subject like this take either of two common approaches: 1) Christianity is beautiful and amazing, or 2) Christianity is a disaster. Tara Beth Leach artfully navigates a third path, illuminating the grave deficiencies of the Church while also charting a hopeful path for her future. As a millennial who still has hope for the Church but see it's blaring blind spots on a daily basis, I receive Leach's message with deep gratitude and hope.
Pastor Tara Beth clearly has great love and hope for the church. She does not shy away from the problems the church is facing nor the hypocritical face that it’s showing to outsiders. I had to look back to see when this book was written and was surprised to see it was in 2021. This book is so applicable to what is going on right now. I love how this is a book that looks at the problems from all aspects. Churches trying to win popularity contest by doing bigger and better to get more people. Which is more important— attendance or participation? And with such a huge political divide right now – what happens when we stop idolizing our political party and start looking through the lens of Christ and what he would want us to do. this is a very gifted author and her ability to weave the story and capture one’s attention. I appreciated all the Bible references as I want to hear what is scripture based. I’ve already recommended it to multiple other people. I’m off to read her previous book Emboldened now.
ENCOURAGING! CHALLENGING WAKE-UP CALL! God is giving us all a poignant prophetic wake-up call for us to live credibly into our destined radiance. The amazing powerful prayer of lament in chapter 1 sets the spiritual tone and prepares our hearts. Leach claims she is a “prisoner of hope” looking to a positive future even though the American white evangelical church seems to have lost its way. You will be motivated by Leach’s conversion story, better understanding of evangelism (chapter 6) and the constant grounding in countercultural kingdom values of the Sermon on the Mount. Leach has a gentle way of poking at our blind spots and does not shy away from addressing the church’s scandals of our day. Rather than putting the church down, she keeps trying to pull us upward to see that we can be so much better than we are. As a teenager she was so anxious and focused solely on winning first place in each sports competition. But now her dad sees a major problem. He sits her down for that serious talk. Life is NOT just about winning or losing. What really matters is character! And so it is with the church! Leach warns us of the quest to achieve success using the metrics of the world. Many are now skeptical of those who claim belief in Jesus because in reality they hardly act like Him. Leach, was once a champion swimmer and who finished her core training for the Chicago triathlon only to find out that the many hard hours of preparation in a pool were futile because the actual competition was being conducted in the turbulent waters of Lake Michigan. To restore credibility to our witness, the church must adapt to the context and seriously take into account the shifting demographics of the cultural environment. The Radiant church is an attractive witness to outsiders. Leach, who is a non-sports fan, recently felt attracted by the contagious joy and camaraderie of the Cubs fans who were crying and dancing in the streets after winning the World Series. In another chapter Leach fondly remembers her grandmother’s polaroid camera that instantly snapped and developed photos, but always looked slightly blurred. We have unknowingly been living according to all these different distorted views of God. Recently, pastors have suffered so much because of the “nationalistic god.” One quote is: “American Christians are confused about what is American and what is Christian, and the desire to wed the two has thwarted the church’s mission and tarnished its witness.” The foundation of Scripture throughout the book is interspersed with current life testimonies. I think that the encounter and racial awakening and reconciliation that Leach experienced with her seminary classmate Tiffany and Kim’s style of life evangelism are especially powerful. Becoming a Radiant Church, is not impossible because it is Jesus’ idea and the Spirit empowers us. Shining radiantly is going to depend on whether we are willing and ready to do the hard work (confess, lament and repent), and in doing so, we will see our best of days. Our practices will be radiant (ch. 8) as we radically imitate Jesus, living the future kingdom now in the present. Leach continues to proclaim: “We are called to live as an emboldened and radiant people of God in a weary world. We are emboldened not by our own power, of an elitist god, we see the God who stoops low, chooses downward social mobility and takes on the cup of suffering. Instead of a partisan-politics god, we discover the God who doesn’t fit into worldly ideologies and instead calls us to be citizens of a different kind of kingdom—one where political parties mean nothing and the way of Jesus as Lord is everything.” (p. 194)
A encouraging call for the church to be centered on Jesus Christ as King and for Christians to live as kingdom citizens, embodying the Great Commandment and seeking Jesus above politics, comfort and success. I particularly liked the chapter on evangelism and how to reach a post-modern millennial culture (a good topic for another book.) While I can imagine some readers being dismissive of her emphasis on social action and combatting racism, by continual remaining centered on Jesus, she offered avoided playing into extreme positions and challenged the reader to re-evaluate the cultural influences that impact the evangelical church.
My only qualm was the length. The author included long references from the Bible (not necessarily a bad thing, but it was employed frequently) and questions at the end of each chapter that help pad the length of the book.
Overall, the book was good, meant to be honest and motivating. Not all chapters resonated as strongly but there were some good insights to remember.
Radiant Church hits the nail on the head with everything the Church sorely needs to hear, and has needed to hear for years. She has an amazing ability to pastor with care and concern, but also speak boldy and prophetically into the current climate. This is a must-read. Each chapter ends with very helpful discussion questions to think of or to discuss. While many of these ideas have been swirling in my head for a number of years, the way that Leach articulates them brings a fresh challenge and insight that is valuable and needed. I am personally challenged, and the book is chock-full of rich theology that I plan to read this again.
This is going to be a very biased review. I have attended Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene for three years, where I have had the privilege of hearing Pastor Tara Beth Leach preach.
While I was reading Radiant Church, I felt like I was listening to one of Tara Beth's sermons. I miss hearing her preach so I'm grateful to have gotten an ARC of Radiant Church.
The North American church (i.e. mostly white evangelical) has lost most if not all credibility. But instead of shying away from the important issues surrounding the church, Tara Beth dives into the uncomfortable and brings these issues into the light. Racism, sexism, false images of God, and how we define a successful church, just to name a few.
This book will lead to some uncomfortable but incredibly necessary conversations if the church is going to break free of this toxic pattern of behavior. Radiant Church is a must-read for any pastor.
3.5 stars — This book contains quite a bit to consider, and while I enjoyed each chapter, I sometimes felt like they weren’t all working together as a cohesive whole. Full review forthcoming from the Englewood Review of Books.
I have watched the past few years as the prevailing cultural expression of American Christianity—white evangelicalism—has absolutely destroyed its credibility and witness. Looking back, I can tell that the cracks had been there for a long time. That the change wasn’t so much that evangelicalism shifted, but that a lot of things about evangelicalism began to come to light. As I write this article, things are coming to a head within the most prominent evangelical denomination—the Southern Baptist Church. Evidence of abuse, racism, sexism, and using spiritual positions for political power are all coming to light. To the world, the evangelical church is a cesspool. What can we who are part of it do?
Radiant Church is Tara Beth Leach’s attempt at an answer. I say “attempt” not because her answers are unfruitful, but because I am either cynical (or realistic) enough to not be convinced that her advice will be followed. It’s good advice. Strike that, it’s great advice. If evangelicalism is going to get back on track, Leach’s blueprint will lead to success. The problem, I think, is that a good portion of the church doesn’t want to be on track.
But for those who want a new path, one that doesn’t lead to destruction, and whether it comes from separation or reformation, I do not know, Radiant Church has your answers. I particularly appreciate Leach’s use of the term “radiant.” It brings to mind this inward glory that is burst forth from us. It’s not our power, not our techniques, not our PR. It’s the radiating presence of the Holy Spirit that will restore our witness.
Leach presents her thesis in a conversational manner, weaving in stories of her own experiences. The challenge to be a Radiant Church is not theory for her. It’s something she has been working out practically in the congregations she’s served. At the heart of her message is that we mustn’t only think of salvation as future, but salvation as present—we must be bringing in the Kingdom of God on earth now. That has implications for how we live, how we act, and how we treat others. Leach writes about how our relationships, particularly our marriages, can be a strong and positive witness to the world. She writes about the need for social justice, that we must be committed to loving our neighbor as ourselves. None of it is revolutionary, not in the sense that it’s new, but it’s exceedingly revolutionary in terms of how it will change how we gather as a community and what we practice.
I also like that Leach terms this Radiant Church and not “radiant life.” The communal focus is lacking in the Western church, evangelicalism in particular. By putting the locus of radiance in the context of the church community, Leach is clear that radiance isn’t a singular endeavor. It must be worked out with others in community.
In the end, I don’t know that this book will change many minds. That’s not Leach’s fault. Her willingness to be critic inside the house and call her own to account is a needed part of our witness that restores some level of credibility to the larger Christian community. Those who need to hear this may not listen, but others who are listening may get it. They may see that the way the church often is, isn’t the way it should be. Radiant Church leads us into a better way and encourages those who are struggling with their faith, reminding them that they are not alone.
I have read a lot of books regarding bringing the church back to “radiance” as the author puts it. Of all of the authors that participate in this sub-genre, I think Francis Chan is the best because he actually backs up what he says with scripture. Leach uses her experience and opinions as examples, but most of this is not backed up with scripture. Yes, the church is meant to be an incredible group of people acting as the body of Christ, but she seldom mentions the examples of this in the New Testament.
My other issue with this book is this: the New Testament tells us that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile and even when it comes to gender, the New Testament involves women in ministry too. The point is, these distinctions between us that created a hierarchy were abolished with the fulfilling of the law (Acts 15:9, Rom. 3:22, Gal. 3:28, Col. 3:10-11, etc.). Although race and gender are part of who a person is, I think Leach overemphasizes this throughout the book. I see her point about the stereotypical racist, sexist, and stereotypical church members, but that is not the church. The Greek word for church (εκκλησιά) is in the context of a people, not an organization. It means “the called out ones” and those that are like this are not living out that state of being called out of darkness into glorious light(1 Peter 2:9).
In summary, the book has a good point, but there is not enough scriptural backing. It is not that she is wrong a lot of her ideas, but again, it needs scriptural backing. If there was more scriptural backing, I think the average reader would see discrepancies in what Leach says about the church later in the book and what the Bible tells us about the church. I want to be clear, the majority of the book is good and accurate, but 2 Tim. 3:16-17 tells us that scripture is good for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteous that we may be ready for every good work. I think that in examining scripture more closely would reveal a more accurate vision based on scripture.
Leach certainly pulls no punches in this book primarily directed at white evangelicalism! (Sometimes a tough pill to swallow, belonging to the target demographic as I basically do, lol.)
One of the most convicting sections for me addressed living in the here and now (and also, of course, anticipating heaven). She writes, "I often wonder if our obsession with getting into a future-only heaven has caused us to worry less about living faithfully in the kingdom and being God's radiant people on earth." Focusing on heaven is all too easy (come, Lord Jesus); that anticipation is fantastic and justified, but it's also important to use the time given to each of us, short or long as it may be, here on earth.
Plenty to think about, for sure, and aided by the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Some extensive Bible passages are included, as well--which is great and totally as it should be, but it does lessen Leach's own expounding on said passages accordingly. I might've liked to see more "here's the reference to the full passage, and 1-2 verses in particular are quoted" and less "here's 2-3 paragraphs from X part of the Bible" (consistently so).
Nevertheless, an interesting read.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
There’s no doubt in my mind that God raised up Pastor Tara Beth for a time such as this to brighten the Church’s witness during a time in which Her light has been compromised and dimmed. I love how this isn’t a book that just points out what the Church is doing wrong, but compels us to get back on track of being a beacon in the midst of confusion and darkness. Pastor Leach is not just spot-on with concern for the Church, but God uses her prophetic voice to speak truth, life, hope and love into the Bride.
Pastor Tara Beth's desire for the Church to be free of the worldly systems that entangle is eye-opening and contagious. This book is a must-read for pastors and church leaders- especially being that the world is watching us and wondering where the love is. Our mission should be simple- loving God and loving others. Pastor Tara Beth address the "isms" that keep us from doing those two things, and if the Church would honestly allow God to search hearts, and then confront, confess and repent, we could reflect the bright Light of Christ effectively and radiantly shine. This book is incredibly relevant for our day and could be the single most important book church leaders read and apply.
Leach is a Pastor of a church in Southern California and she writes an impassioned plea to the church to arrest its current state and return to believing in the resurrection and Christ's covenant to his bride. Leach doesn't shy away from an honest reflection of the current state and doesn't exclude herself from any constructive criticism. Another reviewer stated so well it is a book of 'honest reflection, confession, lamentation, and repentance' which sums up part of the Christian relationship with Jesus.
But it's the other part of the walk with Jesus where Leach provides tremendous insight and wisdom. In walking in the Spirit and being salt and light in how we live, not just speak, and discipling each other, we can reflect the radiance of Christ. At no time does she advocate a works mindset but one where we are active participants with the Holy Spirit who brings life to dead things and hope in the wonder and power of the resurrection.
A practical and passionate call to return to the roots of the first church of Acts, this book is timely and of great encouragement to anyone doubting their faith in Christ and/or his bride, the church.
I received an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.
For those who know Tara Beth Leach through her previous book Emboldened or her preaching and writing, you know that one thing stands out about her: she is deeply passionate about the Church. Like a mother who loves, aches over and prays for a child, Leach cares for the Church in America and it is out of this deep burden she has written Radiant Church. She longs for a church that draws people to God through the counter-cultural ways we engage with each other and with the world.
Through a unique blend of gifts, Leach prophetically peels back the layers of ways the church of late has missed the mark while never abandoning her belief that we can be a radiant community. Then through Scripture and personal stories she teaches and shepherds the reader through a variety of ways we can restore our credibility as a witness.
For those who wonder if there is hope for the church after all that we have seen and been through, Radiant Church paints a way forward.
The church is one part mystery and one part messy. It is the bride of Christ and it is made up of human beings who sometimes act very much like saints, and other times very much like sinners For those who love the church , this book is a reminder of the wonder of church, even if dimmed at times. For those who have been hurt or disappointed by the church, this book offers the opportunity to lament, to heal, and when it is right, to reengage. For pastors and others who oversee ministries, this book seeks to restore hope in the church and it is a call to serve with renewed energy. For women, gifted and called to serve the church in all capacities, this book is an affirmation of that calling and an encouragement to be bold. Tara Beth Leach has given us a wonderful gift in this book. Read it. Share it. Live out the radiance of the church in new ways.
Radiant Church, by Tara Beth Leach, appealed to me because as a follower of Jesus I need to be intentional about being a credible witness in the world today. It exceeded my expectations as I was challenged to examine my participation in harmful systems such as racism, classism, neo-nationalism, sexism, ideologies, exceptionalism and much more. Radiant Church has inspired me to be merciful to those around me. There’s a lot of tragedy, pain and need in this world and at times it gets overwhelming. Tara Beth shares, “Mercy is something one does, and acts of mercy are almost always inconvenient. Being merciful is almost always an interruption.” It will appeal to those who want to partner in ministry, desire to be challenged in Evangelism, are hungry to sit at the table of those different from ourselves, and those who are trying to answer – If Jesus is King, then how should I live?
I could hardly stop reading this book as it was so packed full of insight. Just as a thirsty person drinks and gulps but must also frequently stop to breathe air, so I also had to stop myself reading so I could reflect on the words even while I was eager to read more. Leach’s words are grace-filled and challenging, humble and strong; she challenges us to remember who we are personally and as the Bride of Christ. Leach is not afraid to discuss paradoxes nor to encourage us to lament when necessary for our part in the church’s shortcomings. In every chapter she speaks hope while she calls us to action. Reading through I found myself eager to do better, love better, join in better, serve my fellow believers better, and to be thankful for all Jesus has made possible.
The author, Tara Beth, is a pastor who served as senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena. In this book she shares her thoughts on how to strengthen the church - return to a radiant church - in an era of declining attendance and credibility for churches. The author challenges Christians to become the radiant church again and always turn our hearts to God and do all things in His love. The author includes many personal stories - strengths and weaknesses - which makes the book very relatable. Each chapter ends with discussion questions which makes this a good small group study. That is how I read the book - with a weekly small group discussion with members of my church.
Missional. Confessional. Inspirational. Visionary. These are a few words to describe pastor Tara Beth Leach's gift to the family of God entitled "Radiant Church." From beginning to end, her reflections are honest but hopeful. Her thoughts are well-woven together with strong voices of faith from the past and present. Practical questions for ministry rise from the page even before arriving at the thought-provoking ones at the end of each chapter. This book is a great resource for every pastor, lay leader, or Christ-follower for individual or communal study. With every person who picks up this book, passion for King Jesus will be reignited and the church’s radiant mission will be regained.
Tara Beth‘s passion for the Church to be all she is created to be comes through loud and clear. Throughout the pages of this book, she exhibits an admirable blend of “warrior” and “clay”, balancing courageous truth-telling with a humble heart. We the Church have missed the mark in so many ways, but the Gospel of our God remains powerful and still transforms hearts. We must confess, repent, and be willing to lean humbly into one another and the God we serve together. Our witness depends on it. This a must-read for all pastors and other church leaders, for we need to lead the way.
Leach expresses the simultaneous disappointment and hope that so many of us feel in the American church. I think she really gets the balance right in this. She acknowledges where the church has failed, but calls us again into the beautiful radiance that Jesus has for us. I particularly appreciated her chapters on partnership and evangelism. Radiant Church is perfect for anyone who wants to restore the credibility of the church's witness.
Anyone looking at the white evangelical church right now and wanting to just sit down and weep, this book will give you hope and vision for who she really can be. By looking systematically at every nook and cranny of the Church, Tara Beth gives, not only just a vision for a healthy, effective, world-changing Church, but practical ways we as individual members and as a whole Body can begin to shift toward being the Church Jesus prayed that we would be.
Every pastor in every church should add this to their reading list, and share it with their Elders and their congregations.
Radiant Church is a book of hope and possibilities for what the Church should and could be. Tara Beth Leach gives insight on not only what is ailing the church but also to how we can work to restore the Church to what it should be. She clearly has a calling and a love of Christ and desires the Church to emulate Jesus. This book made me feel hopeful and strengthened my resolve to helping to restore our credibility has witnesses to the love of Jesus.
Credibility and influence are not unlimited resources. It is so easy to squander them.
Pastor Tara Beth Leach’s new book lovingly (and truthfully) names some of the ways large sections of the Church have tarnished its witness and calls us to a beautiful, Kingdom centered expression of the beloved community.
It is prophetic, hopeful, and necessary. If you love the Church or perhaps struggle to love the Church or wonder where we go from here, this book is for you.
Tara Beth Leach hits the nail on the head with this title. As I watch my children and their peers struggle with the inauthenticity of their churches, I see this title as a way to direct the leaders AND the disenfranchised parishioners to ask the questions that the church needs to address.
I will likely need to keep track of my copy as it finds its way from person to person.
There is a conversation that needs to be had regarding the American church in today’s culture. Tara Beth, with a broad perspective, does a great job of how these conversations and resulting actions should look corporately. It is an earnest call for the church to be a Radiant representation of Christ.
I admire how Leach knows what she believes and where she stands. Team Jesus. With a pastor's heart, she opens up (a lot of) scripture to teach and/or remind us who we are and whose we are. She calls the Church to repent and once again walk the path of Christ alone. A powerful book.