A Stained Beauty

by John Stumbo

"Get a new grasp of your church by touring the churches portrayed in the New Testament. Our tour guide, John Stumbo, knows today’s churches and those of the first century where they all began. John connects the DNA and takes us on an adventure of our church ancestry with profound implications for our congregations today."
Dr. Leith Anderson, President Emeritus, National Association of Evangelicals

"In a time when the church is often the brunt of cruel criticism, I am so thankful for the prophetic voice of my friend and colleague, Dr. John Stumbo, who loves the church from the perspective of a realist. He knows all about the brokenness, selfishness, and often disengaged nature of the local church—the stains on her beauty—but refuses to simply complain or disengage. Instead, he speaks. Not with tones of anger or frustration but rather with words of invitation and anticipation."
Dr. David Hearn, President, Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada excerpted from the Foreword

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Stumbo, former president of the U.S. Christian and Missionary Alliance, views the early New Testament churches through a lens of church leadership today. As a leader of leaders, his reflections are insightful, contemporary, seasoned, honest.

John loves the Church, rightly calling it "a stained beauty", though that title might cause some to overlook John's main thrust in stirring pastors and church leaders into our high calling in Christ.

This is a leadership book! A caveat: John's charts are phenomenal too!

[Josie Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fascinating. I love how the author connects the church planting we read about in Acts with the letters to the churches we read later in the New Testament. The practical application to churches today was challenging and encouraging. If you love Church history, love the Church, or have been hurt by the church, I encourage you to read “A Stained Beauty.” It’s a powerful yet encouraging read filled with lessons from the past and hope for the future.

[Cheryl Neer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book a 4.75 if possible. It is a book of historical reference and hope for the present and the future of Christ's Bride, the church. It encourages one to "be the church". The charts at the end of each chapter are valuable in and of themselves.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edifying .