A Church Building Every 1/2 Mile: What Makes American Christianity Tick?

by Jon Zens, Viola Frank (Foreword by)

Today denominationalism and the existence of institutional churches (buildings) abound across the fruited plain. Did you ever wonder where it all came from? In the church that Christ founded, a singular, simple but profoundly dynamic group of people quickly spread across the map of the then known world. There was no such thing as Baptist, Lutheran, Anglican or Assembly of God, to name a few. Now people who come to Christ are faced with a jungle of religious traditions to choose from. How does one choose? Should one have to choose? Another reality today is the explosion of house fellowships, where fellowship is really fellowship, spiritual growth is personal and there is an openness between people. These have come out of various religious backgrounds to share in a rich organic reality that truly helps people to know for themselves what it is to follow Jesus Christ. Join author Jon Zens in this book that takes a part traditions that have divided the body of Christ into groups, built walls under various guises and separated people of faith by distinctives that Christ did not author. Zens is a 25-year veteran of simple church and is editor of Searching Together magazine, a quarterly publication rooted in setting people free of religious bondage in its various forms.

132 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2008

Reviews

[Michael Donahoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy reading. Jon explains some of the differences between modern day church and the New Testament Church as it was meant to be. The Church is not a building of organized religion, but it is the believers living in love and fellowship with one another.

[Leah Waggoner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. Had to put it down half way through because it got a little negative on a reality in our culture that still has value. I agree w the author’s premise and appreciate the book. Overall, I am glad I read it. Reinforced ekklesia as God’s kingdom in us. Reinforced vision to enjoy Jesus and organic relationship everywhere. Reinforced the desire for true community and spiritual fellowship.

[Jim Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy reading. Jon explains some of the differences between modern day church and the New Testament Church as it was meant to be. The Church is not a building of organized religion, but it is the believers living in love and fellowship with one another.

[Skipr · Rating 4 out of 5]

And why is that? Why is there a church building every 1/2 mile (or less)? Some folks, think, "So, what? Competition is good!" But Zens reminds the reader just how contrary this is to what Jesus taught. And, I think Zens does a good job of laying out the root causes. Zens keeps alluding to the less institutional, informal manifestations of "church" that many of us are adopting - but, I wish he had included more about that. And a more explicit treatment of the fact that the "organic" church movement is plagued with just as many or more splits than traditional institutional churches. Maybe, he's saving that for a different book. Regardless, I couldn't help but keep thinking about Jesus' prayer recorded in John's Gospel, "I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you." Boy, do we have a long way to go.

[Timothy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you'd ever wondered why there are so many religious buildings and so many names on the outside of those building, you need to read this short but pungent book. Zens gives a rather unflattering synopsis of American "churchianity." He explain the empty reasons for the provinciality of "belief." He also encourages people to find what Jesus is doing instead of a denomination or a leader wants to do... You'll be encouraged and challenged all at the same time.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging articles on the state of "church" today when compared to the 1st century as described in the Bible. Easy to read and great for those willing to question the origin of church tradition. Sixth book I read of frank violas topp 100 list.

[Craig]

A book my friend wrote.