Rethinking Church: A Guide for the Perplexed and Disillusioned

by Ron Highfield

In Rethinking Church, veteran church leader, theologian, and professor Ron Highfield tells the story of how he came to the conclusions that most institutions we call “churches” are really parachurch organizations, much of the “church work” we do focuses on making something happen on Sunday mornings, and much of the money we give goes to pay staff to keep the parachurch functions running. Highfield writes for older believers who feel burned out and disillusioned by years of institutional maintenance. He addresses young people who have never seen the relevance of institutional churches to their lives. To all who view institutional churches as self-serving, hypocritical, money grubbing, growth obsessed, clergy dominated, and backward, Highfield offers a different vision of church life. This church is simple, small, requires no money, needs no clergy, and possesses no property. It does not run like a business, is not organized like a corporation, and does not feel like a theater. It feels like a family, meets around a table, and focuses on the Lord. Highfield invites you to join him in Rethinking Church for your life. “The vibrancy of “church” envisioned in the Bible tends to happen in smaller settings, while traditional church is hamstrung by numerous programs and other commitments. Truth be told, for many who seek authentic and transformative fellowship, going to church is discouraging. Yet there is hope. Rethinking Church is a compelling and biblically refreshing read, penned by the clearest thinker (and most concise writer) I know.”—Douglas Jacoby, Lincoln Christian University “The widespread frustration with, and apparent social demise of, the institutional church is of grave concern. And if you share such frustrations, it may be important to know that there are creative and faithful and compelling options for "being church." Ron Highfield's description of "simple church" is one of those options which takes church seriously without off-putting dogmatism. Realistic and practical, while also hopeful, this is a genuinely helpful resource for those who are looking for something different before they give up on "church" altogether.”—Lee C. Camp, host of Tokens Show (www.TokensShow.com) “With thoughtfulness and discernment, Ron Highfield deconstructs our expectations of what church must be, inviting us to expand our thinking by thinking smaller. In doing so he offers us a needed moment to take a step back and catch our breath. He beckons us to sit down and sort through our heavy suitcases and consider that traveling light might be a possibility for the family of God.”—Amy Wilson Kendall, College Minister, Boulder Colorado

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2021

About the author

I am Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. I teach classes in Christian theology and Christianity and Culture. I write short, popular essays on theological topics on my blog ifaqtheology.wordpress.com (infrequently asked questions in theology). I enjoy running and hiking. And though my thought lies on the opposite end of the spectrum from pantheist Benedict Spinoza we may have one quality in common. Novalis, the German romantic poet called Spinoza “der Gottbetrunkene Mensch,” that is, “the God-intoxicated man.” If you read any of my books you will pick up on this passion (obsession) for God and my passion for others to become as passionate as I am about God. I love teaching, and I view my books as a way to extend my reach as a teacher.

Reviews

[Chad Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in 2021.
Reread in 2022.
Reread in 2025.

[From 2021.]
I'm going to be chewing on this book for awhile. 5 stars b/c nearly every section of this short, concise book made me think (or, as the title encourages, rethink).

One of the more interesting constructive ideas Highfield presents (which I've never heard, but perhaps it isn't new) is flipping the church & small group relationship on its head: "Many [churches] realize that meeting in large assemblies... cannot facilitate the... deep community that can be created in regular meetings of small groups. But [churches] tend to view their 'small group ministries' as adjuncts to the larger church. My dream is to see this priority reversed... [T]hink of [the large assembly] as an adjunct to the small church where community in Christ really happens."

[Casey Schoepflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resonated

I have been part of a beautiful church for over 20 years. We are family and love, support, and encourage one another. But even in the midst of this thriving community I can resonate with author's concerns and vision. I love the vision of house church while understanding the parachurch organizations have a role to play and the difficulty of making such a transition. Appreciate the authors heart to let us join him along the journey through his thoughts and wrestling.

[Matt Garm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a friend recommend this book and was able to read it in a day or two.

I'm having a hard time rating this.

I really appreciated Highfield's honesty and vulnerability, and even the fact that he writes with a bit of an edge (whether he wants that to come across or not). It gives the book a very specific voice and makes clear what he sees as essential, optional, and just plain frustrating about the American church. It was therefore enjoyable to read and speaks to the heart of any who have felt disenchanted with the American church.

However, Highfield's argument is pretty radical. He basically recommends blowing up what we're doing and starting over, re-emphasizing the essentials and leaving the bloat behind. But the problem is that when you call strongly for deconstruction, it requires some very thoughtful and serious next steps for reconstruction, which Highfield doesn't really provide. Additionally, he makes a few offhanded remarks on how we don't need property or paid staff and so forth, but, again, doesn't really explain how we get there (or even why such a drastic step is needed).

And while Highfield probably wouldn't say this in person, I feel like his book downplays the importance of ordained church leadership. People who went to seminary, are theologically trained, and needed in churches to cast an accurate theological vision and stay away from false teaching. Trusting that to an army of volunteers and lay people sounds nice, but isn't practical.

All that to say, I still enjoyed the book. It really made me think. I'd even recommend it to others just for the purpose of stirring good thought and discussion. I just wish the author would've gone further with a detailed plan for how we get there and how to leave behind the bloat.

[Felix Johsnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads -Spiritual guidance for the church

Great read. This is a very controversial topic that needs to be addressed and so I appreciate the convictions the author has and how he decided to live this way. The book is very relevant and relatable. The scriptures teaches that there is one church and the Bible needs to be the standard if we are going to get close to this concept locally and internationally. This has to be an ongoing message. Thanks for helping me to have hope in unifying all the churches. I like the practical approach you shared in the end.

[Daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

To summarize the book: the church should go back to small groups and stop being a business. I appreciate the experience and inside the writer has because it shows he has seen and being part of things that has brought him away from the initial/meant model of what church should be. I felt identified with the writer and for some reason I think this book is incomplete. I wish he went more in depth on how to guide your institutional/parachute church to go back to simplicity and intimate fellowship.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly got me rethinking my views on how we 'do church'. Some valuable thoughts.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tiny book (95 pages) is packed full of concrete ways to live life as a Christian in simple ways. I will read this again, as I took much of it to heart. And I recognized myself in it.