Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House

by Matthew Bennett, Matthew Aaron Bennett

Is the American evangelical house in order? Or is it in need of a remodel? Or—even worse—should we sell the house altogether and look for another home?
 
In Hope for American Evangelicals​, professor and former missionary Matthew Bennett inspects the American evangelical home. Perhaps, like him, you love evangelical doctrine, love the community in which you’ve been spiritually nurtured, and want to see it again become a thriving, hospitable environment for guests. But perhaps, also like Bennett, you think the home needs some touching up before this can be true.
 
In this book, with insights from Lesslie Newbigin, Bennett helps readers inspect the American evangelical house through the eyes of a missionary. As you join him on the tour, you’ll learn about:
American evangelicalism’s neighborhood: how we can contextualize the gospel in our communities
Our dining room: ethnic diversity as a proof of the gospel’s truth
Our living room: the connection between our theology and the actual lives we live
Our bedroom: sexual idolatry in the church
Our yard: the difference between a manicured ministry and a missional ministry
Our address: the relationship between our heavenly citizenship and our national citizenship

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2023

Reviews

[Ronni Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not mean to read this book all today. This morning, I simply wanted to read a few pages since my colleague, Matt Bennett, gave me an early copy. But, I simply couldn't put it down. Bennett covers some heavy issues in the book with such pastoral wisdom and gospel saturation. In a world where folks seem to have lost their ability to have nuanced wisdom rooted in Biblical theology, Bennett shows a better way forward--a way of reasonable stability that makes much of Christ and seeks the good of our neighbor. I would recommend the whole book, but the "living room" and "address" chapters were my favorite.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A former missionary “inspects” the American evangelical house. It’s a creative concept:

• Our neighborhood: contextualizing the gospel in our communities

• Our dining room: diverse ministry as embodied apologetic

• Our living room: theology meets practice

• Our bedroom: sexual idolatry in the sanctuary

• Our yard: manicured vs. missional

• Our address: staying focused on our true citizenship

[Ryan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my official endorsement of this book,

“Paul exhorts Christians in a number of places to be watchful—most notably, though, in 1 Timothy 4:16, he reminds his protege and those under Timothy’s care to watch their life and doctrine closely. That same message is a timely one for us today as evangelicals. Matthew Bennett in his book Hope for American Evangelicals walks us through ‘our house’ to reveal areas that we need to reflect on and respond accordingly. We must recognize, as believers, that we are ambassadors for Christ, carrying this message in jars of clay, so as to reflect God’s power and glory at work through us as we declare and demonstrate the gospel. Bennett reminds readers that our lives as sojourners and strangers in this world should be marked by the new self, and one that reflects a ‘sent’ nature. This means Christ’s Word must dwell in us richly and transform our lives in how we display hospitality within and outside the church, how we proclaim the gospel in the face of the cultural winds, in what we prize most in our lives, and in how we live in light of eternity. Hope for American Evangelicals calls Christians to live as one marked off by Christ, in every area of life, as we contend for the faith and carry the gospel to our neighbors and throughout the nations.”

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has returned to my country of citizenship after working abroad, Matthew Bennett has finally put into words what I have been feeling. The reverse culture shock can be overwhelming, especially when reintegrating into local churches.

I appreciate his thoughtful insights, particularly his engagement with Leslie Newbigin’s work, which adds depth to his discussion. Bennett’s reflections remind us of the bigger picture of God’s mission and the role of the church within it. As he writes, “God’s mission to make himself known is what the church is for. Our mission as God’s people cannot be anything less.” This powerful statement encapsulates the heart of the book—challenging and encouraging believers to remain focused on God’s purpose, even in the midst of cultural shifts all around us.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to figure out how to view the church with the same lenses that missionaries are taught to use when they move into other cultures.

[Ashley Hoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely not what I expected it would be. It has an interesting overview of the life of Leslie Newbigin, who I hadn't heard of before reading this book. It also gives some unique insights on how the American church can learn from the perspectives of missionaries and non American Christians. I appreciate what there is to learn, though I do think the book was a little redundant in places.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of thoughtful insight from a strong gospel and missionary foundation, especially for this moment in history.

[Kayti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. This one really grew on me. A great and unique perspective on the American Evangelical Church.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the chapter on racial reconciliation within the church was a little lacking, but overall this was a great read.