Redemptive Family: How church as a family, rooted in a place, lies at the heart of God's mission

by Howard Webb

Is the way we do church making disciples of our people and helping them fulfil their God-given purpose? There can be no apathy, restlessness or boredom in such a church! In his warm and candid style, Howard Webb shows how the scriptural model of church as a mission-centered family embracing its place is the way to both grow our people and grow the Kingdom. Here is a vision of church that has the power to transform us and our world. Redemptive family is a book that is sure to kickstart effective discipleship, renew missional zeal, and position churches for greater effectiveness in our generation. It also serves as a blueprint for those wishing to plant a church with relational, missional DNA.

188 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2020

Reviews

[David Jensen]

In his book ‘Redemptive family’ Howard Webb has put forth a compelling argument for radical change in the body of Christ, the church. I appreciated how, again and again, he showed how the origin his thinking was not from his own fanciful ideas but from Holy Scripture. What Howard proposes in this book both challenges and inspires me about God’s vision for His church. I appreciate too that this book is practical. Howard does not keep us in a world of concepts but shows how the change God’s calls us to - can be practically implemented.
Pastor David Jensen

[Graham Blaikie]

Superbly written and argued. Asks and answers crucial questions to take us beyond the same old, same old of [declining] church as usual. A ground-breaking paradigm deserving of wide readership and consideration in New Zealand and beyond. Have bought multiple copies for my own church leaders & recommended it enthusiastically to others.

[Josephine Hood]

This book was hard to put down. At each point, I wanted to know more. If we are to provide a place of belonging for families, a place of authenticity, a place where people can learn and grow and encounter Jesus, then being challenged by 'Redemptive Family' is a book worth reading. It's a practical read - and it's backed up with real life examples. It's been thoughtfully written. The background experience of Howard and his team has been encapsulated in the book. I have purchased many copies to give to others.
One thing, be prepared to be really challenged about the activities of your current church. It's possible that what you'll read will encourage you to make some changes in your church. Or engage with your church leadership, asking for their consideration to make changes.
Thanks for being so courageous, Howard, in writing this book.

[M Bunn]

The well thought out progression and clear very practical methodology is refreshing and achievable.
The experiment at ‘church@onetwosix’ demonstrates personal transformation first through the leadership who have each been deeply touched.
We 'the Church' are empowered through the pages of 'Redemptive Family' to rethink gatherings around people rather than convention or programs.

[Anya McKee]

This is a book that is richly biblical yet immensely practical, provocative yet pastoral. A must-read for church leaders and church planters alike. I believe this book will help shape the church in our nation and beyond for generations to come. An inspiring and engaging read!

[Bruce Edmonds]

This is a book for our time. Any one who cares about the Christian Church should read this book! You will be challenged to think about what you expect from Church and what Church should expect from you. The book is challenging but is easy to read. As the back cover says - this book gives a vision of church that has the power to transform us and our world.

[Paul McDivitt]

This book has confirmed what I've thought for sometime- that there IS a better way to "do" and "be" church. Catch the vision, let's go!

[Alex Fransen]

I bought this book from Howard Webb and his wife Lynette at a conference in the middle of the year, after Howard and Lynette spoke there.
Their talk both sparked my curiosity, and confused me - I decided to buy the book to get a better understanding of Howard's thoughts regarding the church as a missionary community.

While I don't quite see eye-to-eye with Howard on everything in this book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. His emphasis on the church as a family, and its network of relationships, is beautifully put and thoroughly Biblical. I'm glad I bought this book, and as I continue to grow in my faith, seek for leadership opportunities in the local church, and (Lord willing) enter into pastoral ministry in future, I will most definitely read this again!

[Steve Worsley]

This is a provocative book about how to do church and mission. If you don't want to be provoked, don't read it. As I read through I could think of different solutions to some of the questions than those presented, but I appreciated the way it engaged me. Some of the insights are small church specific (eg. p119 idea that everyone should get the microphone!) but the principle of getting people engaged rather than passive still stands.

Most importantly this book is not just theory; it arises from a life of missional engagement and specific recent involvement in church planting. Well worth a read!