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An Authentic Experience: Creating an Inviting Culture with Biblical Integrity
Can we be inviting to outsiders and faithful to the Bible?
It is not only possible, but you can see this culture lived out in your personal life and in your local church. As a church planter and pastor, Corey Trimble and his team have strived to build a culture that both welcomes all kinds of people and holds strong to biblical integrity. Learn from An Authentic Creating an Inviting Culture with Biblical Integrity how to connect with people while still honoring God’s Word.
COREY TRIMBLE has a B.A. in English Literature from Middle Tennessee State University andis the Pastor and Founder of The Experience Community Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Experience Community has four campuses in Middle Tennessee and does work with multiple churches in New England and throughout the world. He and the team at The Experience Community believe strongly in discipleship and church planting. Corey is married to his best friend, Alicia, and has two human daughters,Aia and Vy, and one dog daughter Charlotte Star.
It is not only possible, but you can see this culture lived out in your personal life and in your local church. As a church planter and pastor, Corey Trimble and his team have strived to build a culture that both welcomes all kinds of people and holds strong to biblical integrity. Learn from An Authentic Creating an Inviting Culture with Biblical Integrity how to connect with people while still honoring God’s Word.
COREY TRIMBLE has a B.A. in English Literature from Middle Tennessee State University andis the Pastor and Founder of The Experience Community Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Experience Community has four campuses in Middle Tennessee and does work with multiple churches in New England and throughout the world. He and the team at The Experience Community believe strongly in discipleship and church planting. Corey is married to his best friend, Alicia, and has two human daughters,Aia and Vy, and one dog daughter Charlotte Star.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2020
14 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 31, 2022
"Herein lies another monumental problem in the American church: it is dropping the ball when it comes to creating a culture that both welcomes the lost and fosters a genuine relationship with God...We tend to go to extremes. We either create an incredibly welcoming environment that is mostly void of deep biblical teaching, discipleship, and moral integrity, or we so staunchly deliver the Word of God that we show no grace, creating an isolated Christian bubble that says to the outside world, 'Change and then you are welcome to be in our community.'"
This quote is from the middle of the book, but, for me, is the best way to summarize the main topic. Instead of shying away from the tension that exists between biblical integrity and developing a welcoming environment for everyone in the church, Corey addresses it head-on and challenges others to do the same. If you're looking for a book to challenge you and guide you through navigating this tension, this is a great book to do so.
Also, Corey writes similarly to the way he preaches, with authenticity, practicality, and candor, which I think most readers will appreciate.
This quote is from the middle of the book, but, for me, is the best way to summarize the main topic. Instead of shying away from the tension that exists between biblical integrity and developing a welcoming environment for everyone in the church, Corey addresses it head-on and challenges others to do the same. If you're looking for a book to challenge you and guide you through navigating this tension, this is a great book to do so.
Also, Corey writes similarly to the way he preaches, with authenticity, practicality, and candor, which I think most readers will appreciate.
January 31, 2025
In this very approachable book, Trimble shares his perspective on creating a welcoming discipleship culture based on select readings of scripture and his time as a church planter/pastor at The Experience Community in Tennessee.
He begins by focusing on the individual:
“The goal is to become the kind of person who creates relationships with nonbelievers and eventually is an aid in leading them to Christ–but without sacrificing our biblical integrity or our welcoming demeanor.” p11
Then Trimble expands to the church to explain corporate postures of authenticity and grace while not sacrificing fidelity to doctrinal commitments before a concluding section on how individuals and churches with this approach can replicate and “make disciples who make disciples”.
Trimble, talking in generalities about the church broadly in the United States, I thought made some resonating observations. His notes on how churches become “lifestyle enclaves” or “country clubs” of comfort ring true to my experience at times–that a culture or class of people can dominate a congregation and form its habits into continuing an environment that will push away outsiders. Churches need to unmask themselves to be authentic and imitate Jesus in associating with those unlike themselves, particularly the marginalized. As Trimble points out, church leaders need to set the pace here for their congregations, utilizing confession to live in the reality of their humanity and initiating efforts to center the church in community service. As the church follows suit in service, it is important that service is not simply done at convenience, but that it goes out of the way to meet real needs in the community, even if this brings challenge to Christians. Otherwise, service is done ultimately to serve self. Similarly, Trimble points out the temptation that can develop by creating service hierarchies. And his call for churches to look at where their money goes as a reflection of what they value–personally, am I even ready for a challenge such as that?!
Sometimes the book went over many things, but without much depth. For example, there was a chapter that emphasized the need for the church to lean into the Bible through expository preaching, which I did think he made good points on. Expository preaching teaches the congregation how to read and understand Biblical texts more so than topical preaching, which can bring up texts out of convenience for a different purpose, presenting a risk of reading out of context or raising more questions than intended for the audience. Also, expository teaching stretches the congregation to engage topics they normally wouldn’t as they arise in the text. Nonetheless, for these great points, the chapter seemed out of place in the book’s framework.
His tone of humility at points was admirable, from reminders of the need to pray, to acknowledging it is only God who saves while we just make ourselves available in love to the people around us.
Unfortunately, I found there were random comments here and there thrown out without nuance that are not helpful. For example, “theology never changes because God never changes” p46, which I think greatly underestimates the human shaping of theology the church holds onto. I am sure Trimble would agree in conversation, and clarify that his point is God has not changed, so what is true about Him has not either. But more so than that comment, there is present thinking throughout the book that focuses on the efficiency of making disciples and soul-saving that irks me. For example, despite his calls for the church to be a place of community service and hospitality to the marginalized, Trimble caves to ensuring that saving souls is known as what really matters first, see p65. Though we are to be genuine and engaged with others, Trimble says it always should come to a point where we must find a way to present the gospel in relationships with outsiders (on this, I find that the “gospel” comes from an authentic outpouring if it is truly part of our walks, while the way Trimble describes this seems to search for a gap through which to shoehorn the gospel in). In more than one place, Trimble equates the number of baptisms with success, see p106, 124. Further, Trimble points to the efficiency and aggressive nature of secular groups in achieving their goals, and that the church ought to imitate this in their own way to follow the “Great Commission”. In my view, these worldly approaches are driven by anxiety, self-sufficiency, and promote ends-justify-means thinking. Also in line with this is his comment that the church wastes time debating things that are not essential. He does not expand on what these things are particularly, and I would agree with regard to some things, but what is a “waste” while we focus on numbers? Answers to that differentiate the true success of the number of baptisms that occur, because those answers will shape the kinds of disciples of Jesus in that church.
These things aside, I think there is good here to commend the book as an accessible read that gives some practicals and provokes reflection on how to form a culture as a church that seeks to be inviting but also deep and committed to following the teachings of Jesus. For myself, I did find it helpful to foster thinking about the community I am a part of and the small group I help lead.
He begins by focusing on the individual:
“The goal is to become the kind of person who creates relationships with nonbelievers and eventually is an aid in leading them to Christ–but without sacrificing our biblical integrity or our welcoming demeanor.” p11
Then Trimble expands to the church to explain corporate postures of authenticity and grace while not sacrificing fidelity to doctrinal commitments before a concluding section on how individuals and churches with this approach can replicate and “make disciples who make disciples”.
Trimble, talking in generalities about the church broadly in the United States, I thought made some resonating observations. His notes on how churches become “lifestyle enclaves” or “country clubs” of comfort ring true to my experience at times–that a culture or class of people can dominate a congregation and form its habits into continuing an environment that will push away outsiders. Churches need to unmask themselves to be authentic and imitate Jesus in associating with those unlike themselves, particularly the marginalized. As Trimble points out, church leaders need to set the pace here for their congregations, utilizing confession to live in the reality of their humanity and initiating efforts to center the church in community service. As the church follows suit in service, it is important that service is not simply done at convenience, but that it goes out of the way to meet real needs in the community, even if this brings challenge to Christians. Otherwise, service is done ultimately to serve self. Similarly, Trimble points out the temptation that can develop by creating service hierarchies. And his call for churches to look at where their money goes as a reflection of what they value–personally, am I even ready for a challenge such as that?!
Sometimes the book went over many things, but without much depth. For example, there was a chapter that emphasized the need for the church to lean into the Bible through expository preaching, which I did think he made good points on. Expository preaching teaches the congregation how to read and understand Biblical texts more so than topical preaching, which can bring up texts out of convenience for a different purpose, presenting a risk of reading out of context or raising more questions than intended for the audience. Also, expository teaching stretches the congregation to engage topics they normally wouldn’t as they arise in the text. Nonetheless, for these great points, the chapter seemed out of place in the book’s framework.
His tone of humility at points was admirable, from reminders of the need to pray, to acknowledging it is only God who saves while we just make ourselves available in love to the people around us.
Unfortunately, I found there were random comments here and there thrown out without nuance that are not helpful. For example, “theology never changes because God never changes” p46, which I think greatly underestimates the human shaping of theology the church holds onto. I am sure Trimble would agree in conversation, and clarify that his point is God has not changed, so what is true about Him has not either. But more so than that comment, there is present thinking throughout the book that focuses on the efficiency of making disciples and soul-saving that irks me. For example, despite his calls for the church to be a place of community service and hospitality to the marginalized, Trimble caves to ensuring that saving souls is known as what really matters first, see p65. Though we are to be genuine and engaged with others, Trimble says it always should come to a point where we must find a way to present the gospel in relationships with outsiders (on this, I find that the “gospel” comes from an authentic outpouring if it is truly part of our walks, while the way Trimble describes this seems to search for a gap through which to shoehorn the gospel in). In more than one place, Trimble equates the number of baptisms with success, see p106, 124. Further, Trimble points to the efficiency and aggressive nature of secular groups in achieving their goals, and that the church ought to imitate this in their own way to follow the “Great Commission”. In my view, these worldly approaches are driven by anxiety, self-sufficiency, and promote ends-justify-means thinking. Also in line with this is his comment that the church wastes time debating things that are not essential. He does not expand on what these things are particularly, and I would agree with regard to some things, but what is a “waste” while we focus on numbers? Answers to that differentiate the true success of the number of baptisms that occur, because those answers will shape the kinds of disciples of Jesus in that church.
These things aside, I think there is good here to commend the book as an accessible read that gives some practicals and provokes reflection on how to form a culture as a church that seeks to be inviting but also deep and committed to following the teachings of Jesus. For myself, I did find it helpful to foster thinking about the community I am a part of and the small group I help lead.
February 1, 2021
A thought provoking book that has you challenging yourself, your motives, and your true desires. Great read for anyone (whether you work at a church or not) who wants to grow in their walk with Christ.
February 20, 2025
Reread for a ministry at church.
October 6, 2020
If you are looking for a "churchy" book with standard cliches (sanctification, atonement, etc.), look elsewhere. If you want a book which discusses Biblical integrity with an openness not found in most churches, read this book. Jesus did not only meet with the Pharisees, he met the sinners and those marginalized in the society at the time. Corey explains how this approach has grown his church into a vibrant, active (and large) church without the typical theatrics (bringing in major artists), or activities (church softball teams, quilting bees and book clubs). Corey does not run from the Bible and teach a "prosperity gospel" but instead teaches directly from it even as it often makes one uncomfortable. A refreshing take on "religion." Easy read and not easy to put down.
November 21, 2020
This book challenged me to reflect on how I love others, reminded me of the critical importance of the essentials - prayer/fasting, reading the Bible, and community, and encouraged me to reevaluate priorities. Corey writes with passion valuing truth above popularity. Our family was fortunate to spend 2 years in Middle Tennessee and attended The Experience - by far one of the most kingdom-minded, authentic, welcoming churches we have ever been to. I wish every pastor would get a copy of this book and glean from the wisdom and heart of Corey’s words.
December 21, 2020
As a prior congregant at the Experience Community I can tell y’all that Corey is authentic is his passion for people, the church and pursuit of building disciples for Jesus.
No one gets it 100% right because after all, we’re human. Corey and the staff at The Experience do a fabulous job and seek to honor Christ each step along the way. I’m happy to call him friend.
No one gets it 100% right because after all, we’re human. Corey and the staff at The Experience do a fabulous job and seek to honor Christ each step along the way. I’m happy to call him friend.
January 28, 2021
For anyone that wants to know how to be true to God's Word, but inviting and safe to everyone in every walk of life.
March 30, 2023
A great, challenging book. The author clearly desires that you connect with the unbelieving world and every chapter gives great practical ways of doing so. I am already using a lot of the stuff without even thinking about it!
I pray and believe everyone who uses the material in this book will truly show people the light of Christ!
I pray and believe everyone who uses the material in this book will truly show people the light of Christ!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews