Remove the Pews: Spiritual Possibilities for Sacred Spaces

by Donna Schaper

Pastor and author Donna Schaper takes the long view of religious institution in an age of rapid change. The question of who the church is today—and how it uses its buildings—is connected to the church’s past identities and its future hopes. Schaper is both concrete and provocative in her examination of how the church might be renewed for the modern age.

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2021

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so much more than its name. A great book to shake loose the cobwebs and written in a way that can be used for a group think about what your church is called to do.

[Dominic Dutra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely outstanding

Writing a book that is relevant, hard-hitting, and yet incredibly winsome is not easy. But Dr. Rev. Schaper has accomplished this and so much more. I truly enjoyed this book and believe that Dr. Rev. Schaper is absolutely on the right track. Like all Christians should, she looks at the decline of our churches not as something to grieve, but as an opportunity to embrace a resurrected and new life. I look forward to the privilege and pleasure of joining her on this journey. As she notes so poignantly;

“Neither the fate of our buildings nor institutions, the loss of place or art, the past or the future will separate us from God’s love and continued work in this world.”

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39 NIV).

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very, very glad I read this. I love what this author writes and this is my second favorite of her books (though it really is hard for me to rank them). Her thoughts in retirement on what we should do with our buildings, our mission, our worship spaces is thoughtful, insightful, wise, and challenging. I love it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with lots of thought provoking ideas about considering space, mission and purpose in new ways.

[Marcia McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, especially if you're considering removing the pews from sanctuary. Just physical removal will not make a difference. What else will you change?

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

an absolutely beautiful look at what the church is: bricks and mortals, and how it will survive.