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Finding Organic Church: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting and Sustaining Authentic Christian Communities
From the bestselling author of Reimagining Church comes an essential guide that provides practical, effective tools for finding vibrant Christian communities.
Driven by a passion for the body of Christ, Frank Viola has written some of today's most authoritative and celebrated works on the growing home, organic, and missional church movements. Now Viola shares practical keys to a healthy and successful church plant.
Viola contends that many congregations today are struggling to survive, not because of bad planning, but poor planting. He presents an essential guide for starting and nourishing organic churches in any culture. Drawing from both Scripture and a wealth of experience, Viola offers real-world tools, insights, and practical suggestions so churches won't just grow, but thrive.
Driven by a passion for the body of Christ, Frank Viola has written some of today's most authoritative and celebrated works on the growing home, organic, and missional church movements. Now Viola shares practical keys to a healthy and successful church plant.
Viola contends that many congregations today are struggling to survive, not because of bad planning, but poor planting. He presents an essential guide for starting and nourishing organic churches in any culture. Drawing from both Scripture and a wealth of experience, Viola offers real-world tools, insights, and practical suggestions so churches won't just grow, but thrive.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2003
74 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Frank Viola
64 books206 followersFrank is a bestselling author and in-demand conference speaker. You can find his books, podcasts, articles, messages, and courses at http://frankviola.org.
Viola doesn't interact on GoodReads. If you want to contact him, you can write him directly with a question or comment at frank@frankviola.com.
Viola doesn't interact on GoodReads. If you want to contact him, you can write him directly with a question or comment at frank@frankviola.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 18, 2012
A Culminating Work
Frank Viola is a renowned writer and speaker whose previous books have attracted a great deal of attention, both positive and negative from the Christian Community. Previous books by Viola include Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices which was co-written with George Barna. Additional books by Viola have included Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity and From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God.
It has been interesting and educational to read through these primary volumes of Viola and to see the traditional ecclesiology (study of the church) not just challenged and deconstructed but an alternative lain down that provides first a Biblically derived and defended perspective and then a culmination in this book of how to practically begin to build an Organic Church.
Appropriately enough, Viola outlines the growth of an Organic Church through the metaphor of a growing plant and divides his approach into four sections.
1. Planting the Seed.
2. Tilling the Ground.
3. Cultivating the Soil.
4. Pulling the Weeds.
Common criticisms of Viola that I've observed in the past usually focus upon the theme that he tears down without building; or that he advocates the "easy path" of walking away from the institutional church rather than the difficult work of reclaiming and restoring. Anyone who reads this book with a degree of objectivity will have to conclude that the path being advocated here is far from easy. The dropping of the walls that preclude sincere fellowship brings about a path that is bittersweet and Viola is not shy in relating from his experience and observation the multitude of pitfalls, difficulties and risk that a path like this invites.
As would be expected from Viola's past works, the writing is strong. Biblical references are plentiful and great pains are taken to place them into context. References to other writers as well abound with care taken to quote them at length and in context as well. Anecdotal stories from Viola's 20 plus years observing, participating and assisting organic churches to grow take things from a purely theoretical perspective and provide credibility to the statements made.
Make no mistake about it. This is a dangerous book. It flies in the face of much of what churches and clergy have assumed to be true about the body of Christ. It flies in the face of traditional hierarchical power structures. It is no easy path. There is little middle ground and as such, as is the case of much of Viola's prior works I expect it will generate no small amount of reaction, both positive and negative.
In terms though, of providing a biblical and hopeful path for the growing segment of Christendom that is observing the mess of institutions built upon the traditions of men, this offers hope that there is more than the occasional breeze of revival and reform to those either trapped within or unwilling to enter rote religion. There is life. There is a return, not to culture and traditions of old, but to the life of pure and undefiled relationship with Christ that can course again in a living organism of relationship, sacrificial love and a willingness to take a risk upon God and one's brothers and sisters in Christ.
This book is life-changing and worth reading again and again.
5 stars.
Bart Breen
Frank Viola is a renowned writer and speaker whose previous books have attracted a great deal of attention, both positive and negative from the Christian Community. Previous books by Viola include Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices which was co-written with George Barna. Additional books by Viola have included Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity and From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God.
It has been interesting and educational to read through these primary volumes of Viola and to see the traditional ecclesiology (study of the church) not just challenged and deconstructed but an alternative lain down that provides first a Biblically derived and defended perspective and then a culmination in this book of how to practically begin to build an Organic Church.
Appropriately enough, Viola outlines the growth of an Organic Church through the metaphor of a growing plant and divides his approach into four sections.
1. Planting the Seed.
2. Tilling the Ground.
3. Cultivating the Soil.
4. Pulling the Weeds.
Common criticisms of Viola that I've observed in the past usually focus upon the theme that he tears down without building; or that he advocates the "easy path" of walking away from the institutional church rather than the difficult work of reclaiming and restoring. Anyone who reads this book with a degree of objectivity will have to conclude that the path being advocated here is far from easy. The dropping of the walls that preclude sincere fellowship brings about a path that is bittersweet and Viola is not shy in relating from his experience and observation the multitude of pitfalls, difficulties and risk that a path like this invites.
As would be expected from Viola's past works, the writing is strong. Biblical references are plentiful and great pains are taken to place them into context. References to other writers as well abound with care taken to quote them at length and in context as well. Anecdotal stories from Viola's 20 plus years observing, participating and assisting organic churches to grow take things from a purely theoretical perspective and provide credibility to the statements made.
Make no mistake about it. This is a dangerous book. It flies in the face of much of what churches and clergy have assumed to be true about the body of Christ. It flies in the face of traditional hierarchical power structures. It is no easy path. There is little middle ground and as such, as is the case of much of Viola's prior works I expect it will generate no small amount of reaction, both positive and negative.
In terms though, of providing a biblical and hopeful path for the growing segment of Christendom that is observing the mess of institutions built upon the traditions of men, this offers hope that there is more than the occasional breeze of revival and reform to those either trapped within or unwilling to enter rote religion. There is life. There is a return, not to culture and traditions of old, but to the life of pure and undefiled relationship with Christ that can course again in a living organism of relationship, sacrificial love and a willingness to take a risk upon God and one's brothers and sisters in Christ.
This book is life-changing and worth reading again and again.
5 stars.
Bart Breen
April 14, 2022
I am a huge Viola supporter. I have been influenced by his books for the last 20 years and am grateful for a voice that speaks out things I believe and reminds me that I am not alone in my pursuit. I needed to read this and be reminded of so many things this past month. There is no blue-print for these kinds of organic communities, but this book does provide a lot of practicals that give you some checks and balances as you navigate this kind of lifestyle. This book was important to me, because it reminded me of who I am. Of my passions and why I am pursuing what I am pursuing. It also allowed me to reflect back on some of my past experiences and see where I got it right and where I missed some things. That is always a healthy and growing exercise!
Everyone has an author that really speaks and mentors you through several stages of life. Viola is one of those authors for me. I am extremely grateful for the ways that God encourages me through his writings. This was no different. There were areas of this book that went a little more church doctrine than I connect with, but there were some beautiful nuggets about apostleship and a call to those who are drawn to this organic life where Jesus really is heading the ship. If you are looking for something different, something deeper, than what religion is offering, you may just be searching for organic church. Highly recommended as always!
Everyone has an author that really speaks and mentors you through several stages of life. Viola is one of those authors for me. I am extremely grateful for the ways that God encourages me through his writings. This was no different. There were areas of this book that went a little more church doctrine than I connect with, but there were some beautiful nuggets about apostleship and a call to those who are drawn to this organic life where Jesus really is heading the ship. If you are looking for something different, something deeper, than what religion is offering, you may just be searching for organic church. Highly recommended as always!
September 11, 2009
The organic church experiments are so new (in an old sort of way) that all that exists in book form is theory. Only a few authors have put it into practical actions that will help a group establish themselves. Neil Cole and Alan Hisch have done well with making missional communities practical. Now I will add Frank Viola to the list. Frank has pulled all his work on theory together with his many years of practice. I have longed for a book like this for some time.
March 14, 2019
An excellent and authoritative guide on how to start a functional and thriving organic church. From basic concepts through practical implementation, this book is a must read if you are longing to participate in the planting of an organic church.
August 4, 2023
Thought Provocative
A book that needs to be read multiple times. Once that is done I say the chapters need to be meditated and prayer must take place. As most of the Viola books are this one continues to challenge readers
A book that needs to be read multiple times. Once that is done I say the chapters need to be meditated and prayer must take place. As most of the Viola books are this one continues to challenge readers
December 16, 2025
Frank Viola’s "Finding Organic Church" is a deeply insightful and transformative guide for anyone seeking to rediscover authentic Christian community. Rather than focusing on institutional models, Viola invites readers into a fresh vision of the church as a living, breathing organism — a shared life centered on Christ rather than programs or hierarchies.
What makes this book stand out is its blend of biblical depth, practical wisdom, and personal experience. Viola writes with both passion and clarity, offering a roadmap for believers yearning for genuine fellowship that reflects the early church’s simplicity and spiritual vitality.
He doesn’t merely critique traditional forms of church life; he provides a constructive and attainable alternative rooted in Scripture and the indwelling life of Christ. The book’s tone is gracious yet challenging, guiding readers to rethink leadership, worship, and community in light of God’s eternal purpose. Readers will come away inspired and equipped to cultivate churches that embody love, mutuality, and spiritual growth.
"Finding Organic Church" is essential reading for those disillusioned with religion-as-usual and ready to experience the church the way God always intended — as a dynamic expression of His life among His people. Should be recommended reading for all church planters.
What makes this book stand out is its blend of biblical depth, practical wisdom, and personal experience. Viola writes with both passion and clarity, offering a roadmap for believers yearning for genuine fellowship that reflects the early church’s simplicity and spiritual vitality.
He doesn’t merely critique traditional forms of church life; he provides a constructive and attainable alternative rooted in Scripture and the indwelling life of Christ. The book’s tone is gracious yet challenging, guiding readers to rethink leadership, worship, and community in light of God’s eternal purpose. Readers will come away inspired and equipped to cultivate churches that embody love, mutuality, and spiritual growth.
"Finding Organic Church" is essential reading for those disillusioned with religion-as-usual and ready to experience the church the way God always intended — as a dynamic expression of His life among His people. Should be recommended reading for all church planters.
December 19, 2025
Frank Viola’s "Finding Organic Church" is a refreshing and empowering guide for anyone longing for a more authentic expression of church life grounded in Jesus Christ Himself. Drawing from decades of experience in planting and nurturing organic churches, Viola offers a rare blend of solid biblical insight and hands-on, practical wisdom that is both accessible and deeply challenging.
What stands out most is the book’s relentless focus on Christ-centered community rather than institutional models or trendy methodologies. Viola shows how first-century churches were birthed out of a living revelation of Christ and then patiently walks readers through how such communities can be planted and sustained today. He tackles real-world issues—leadership, apostleship, money, children, Bible study, evangelism, and prayer—in a way that feels grounded, hopeful, and doable.
For pastors, planters, or believers who feel disillusioned with traditional approaches and are searching for deeper fellowship, this book is a treasure. It does not merely critique; it equips, offering concrete tools for cultivating churches that don’t just grow, but genuinely thrive in God’s original design. High recommendation!
What stands out most is the book’s relentless focus on Christ-centered community rather than institutional models or trendy methodologies. Viola shows how first-century churches were birthed out of a living revelation of Christ and then patiently walks readers through how such communities can be planted and sustained today. He tackles real-world issues—leadership, apostleship, money, children, Bible study, evangelism, and prayer—in a way that feels grounded, hopeful, and doable.
For pastors, planters, or believers who feel disillusioned with traditional approaches and are searching for deeper fellowship, this book is a treasure. It does not merely critique; it equips, offering concrete tools for cultivating churches that don’t just grow, but genuinely thrive in God’s original design. High recommendation!
March 30, 2025
This is the new touchstone on church planting, that is, biblical church planting. There is no other church in the New Testament but the organic church. This book is based on strong scholarship (many quotes by scholars throughout) and it traces the four ways churches were planted in the New Testament. The description of an apostle is the best I've ever read. It has a practical section on how to start meeting organically with Christ as the central. Wonderful book for those who are capable of thinking outside the traditional, institutional box.
December 17, 2025
Best book on church planting I've ever read. Draws from experience and Scripture rather than tradition and man-made inventions. It's part of the author's ReChurch series. So "From Eternity to Here" and "Reimagining Church" should be read wiht this book along with the author's new book "The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded" (2025). All of these books work together to create a biblically solid, Christ honoring, theologically informed vision of the church as God desires it.
December 14, 2025
This is a superb study of how churches were planted in the New Testament era and how those principles apply today. Readers who don't know the New Testament story will not like this book. It's too different from the way man-invented ideas took over the church of the living God, so what is real and true looks odd and strange. Those who feel called by God to plant churches need to read this. If one's heart is for truth and seeking God's will, they will be turned inside out by this powerful work.
August 1, 2021
Excellent book and I want to read more from Viola. While I don’t agree with everything he says, he makes a great case for modern day apostleship. I already believed in 5-fold ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13), but this really helped me to understand what an apostle does. He also talks about how the church should grow organically (as opposed to more of the corporate model we see today).
May 22, 2023
Best book on New Testament church planting I've ever read. Profound and based on experience as well as New Testament teaching. This builds on Roland Allen and Watchman Nee and their great work on church planting.
December 10, 2018
Really gives God's original intent for the fellowship of His children
February 3, 2023
I’d give this 3.5 stars. It does have good info & practical tools. But some arguments fall flat & some practical
suggestions in later chapters are…sophomoric. Not Viola’s best book & not his worst.
suggestions in later chapters are…sophomoric. Not Viola’s best book & not his worst.
December 15, 2025
This is the go-to book on New Testament apostles and apostolic ministry and church planting based on the New Testament. Well crafted and rooted strongly in Scripture.
December 15, 2025
Outstanding book on the apostolic ministry and church planting the way the New Testament teaches. Should be a must read for all church planters and missionaries.
December 20, 2025
Incredible book on church planting and apostolic work. Covers the waterfront on the subject in a brilliant and biblicaly way.
November 6, 2012
This book was better than "The House Church Book" by Wolfgang Simpson -- but then if you read my review, you'd know it would almost HAVE to be better than that dismal little volume.
Viola offers a number of helpful thoughts (including practical arrangements for starting a new group -- where to meet, time, etc), an detailed view of what he considers "apostolic" church planting based on his reading of the New Testament, and the idea that "organic" is the way to go. The organic, as he describes it, method of church planting seems to me to have much to commend it and indeed reminds me of early Quakers establishment of meetings and the way our meetings today (at their best) conduct worship and business. Some of his suggestions could come straight from a "Quaker church playbook" were there such a thing. But, he seems not to have heard (or at least, studied) us at all.
Some things about this book were off-putting. The main one is his use of the male pronoun -- "he" this, "him" that. He says in the preface that he "has no problem wiith the idea that women can engage in apostolic work" but that "it's simpler to write 'he' than "he or she." Lame.
Another thing is what I consider his tortured reading of the New Testament to make it conform to his "apostolic" method. I think that he makes a lot of assumptions about what scripture says and infers that are not laid out as clearly as he implies they are.
He's also a bit repetitive -- especially when giving the biblical basis for his model, which he contends begins with how the Trinity interacts. A bit of a stretch there, too, I think.
Still, there's a good deal of helpful material here.
Viola offers a number of helpful thoughts (including practical arrangements for starting a new group -- where to meet, time, etc), an detailed view of what he considers "apostolic" church planting based on his reading of the New Testament, and the idea that "organic" is the way to go. The organic, as he describes it, method of church planting seems to me to have much to commend it and indeed reminds me of early Quakers establishment of meetings and the way our meetings today (at their best) conduct worship and business. Some of his suggestions could come straight from a "Quaker church playbook" were there such a thing. But, he seems not to have heard (or at least, studied) us at all.
Some things about this book were off-putting. The main one is his use of the male pronoun -- "he" this, "him" that. He says in the preface that he "has no problem wiith the idea that women can engage in apostolic work" but that "it's simpler to write 'he' than "he or she." Lame.
Another thing is what I consider his tortured reading of the New Testament to make it conform to his "apostolic" method. I think that he makes a lot of assumptions about what scripture says and infers that are not laid out as clearly as he implies they are.
He's also a bit repetitive -- especially when giving the biblical basis for his model, which he contends begins with how the Trinity interacts. A bit of a stretch there, too, I think.
Still, there's a good deal of helpful material here.
August 17, 2017
Viola da un paso adelante para mostrarnos ideas prácticas y señales para identificar y tener una expresión corporativa de la iglesia y a como comenzar y sostener verdaderas comunidades cristianas en un ambiente libre de religiosidad, legalismo, autoritarismo o sectarismo, donde Cristo sea revelado profundamente mediante la participación de todos y cada uno de los miembros en canciones, conversaciones y todo lo que se haga durante el encuentro libre de ritualismo. Frank nos reta a examinar bíblicamente la iglesia y los obreros del primer siglo para imitarlos y rechazar los métodos "fáciles y rápidos" de edificar la iglesia. El ofrecimiento de un escenario perfecto y libre de dificultades en la expresión corporativa de la iglesia es descartada, mostrándose un panorama bastante amplio de esa imponente tarea que no puede ser posible a menos que Dios mismo llamé y capacite a los que han sido llamados a construir la casa de Dios en este mundo.
May 22, 2021
alright little book about house church planting. very instructive. Holy spirit did lead me to this book in the wrong section of a half price books though so theres that going for it.
August 9, 2011
This is what I was looking for- the down and dirty of how to start a house church under Christ's headship. I'm a goal-oriented person and Mr. Viola gave me the details on which to understand how to organize the wonderful thoughts and passions I've gleaned from his other books on being a part of an authentic community meeting together to worship our Savior! Even if I'm not actually called to start a church, I have plenty to do to be a part of community, fellowship, and ground preparing to do!
I would have to agree with some of the other reviewers that have posted, that the book (due to the suggestions of organization) does seem to go against the grain of being organic vs. institutional in the second half but I'm hoping that I'm extending the content the grace it deserves in it's spirit of instructing us believers who this is so foreign to- we do need all the help, no matter how trivial, we can get :-)
I would have to agree with some of the other reviewers that have posted, that the book (due to the suggestions of organization) does seem to go against the grain of being organic vs. institutional in the second half but I'm hoping that I'm extending the content the grace it deserves in it's spirit of instructing us believers who this is so foreign to- we do need all the help, no matter how trivial, we can get :-)
March 30, 2025
This book is exceptional. Critics either haven't read it all or they are so stuck in traditional extra-biblical mindsets that they cannot entertain what the New Testament actually teaches.
The description of apostolic workers is grounded in the New Testament and scholarship. The author stands on the shoulders of Robert Banks (a great scholar), Watchman Nee, Roland Allen, and F.F. Bruce (another wonderful scholar).
The four ways that the New Testament shows how churches were planted is incredible. The book is practical and powerful. It's also written with great humility. Highly recommended for the open minded who take the New Testament seriously. People who put tradition over Scripture should avoid.
The description of apostolic workers is grounded in the New Testament and scholarship. The author stands on the shoulders of Robert Banks (a great scholar), Watchman Nee, Roland Allen, and F.F. Bruce (another wonderful scholar).
The four ways that the New Testament shows how churches were planted is incredible. The book is practical and powerful. It's also written with great humility. Highly recommended for the open minded who take the New Testament seriously. People who put tradition over Scripture should avoid.
July 24, 2011
I did not care all that much for this one, I thought "re-imagining church" was way better. There is another reviewer who said Finding Organic Church seemed a bit to elitist and know it allish and I must say that I agree. I don't care for his tone and how quick he is to criticize all house churches that do not follow his exact mold. Also I felt he contradicted himself several times and sometimes he would be extremely vague. It was not all that comprehensive either, I am still left with plenty of questions. But with all that said, there is some good stuff in the book.
October 26, 2012
An excellent and practical book about starting a shared-life community church. Frank Viola has had 20 years of experience on the ups and downs of this type of life and is a great authority on the subject. This book is a must read for people interested in Organic Church life.
July 30, 2012
Excellent practical manual on planting organic churches. It contains one of the best explanations of apostolic ministry from the new testament I've ever come across. A modern-day "Paul's Missionary Methods" for our time.
December 3, 2009
I liked this one, but he sounds a bit elitist and know-it-all"ish" for me.
Good ideas to counter the crazy place we find the church in today.
Take it with a grain of salt...
Good ideas to counter the crazy place we find the church in today.
Take it with a grain of salt...
May 1, 2012
I'm no apostle, but I'm not sure that was comprehensive.
July 7, 2012
Ministers my read and then resign.
July 30, 2012
Revised and replaced by "Finding Organic Church."
March 14, 2013
Good for what it: a very practical guide to doing non-leader led meetings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews