Rethinking the Church ─ A Challenge to Creative Redesign in an Age of Transition

Why is it important to rethink the church? Today many leaders focus on how their ministries can be run more efficiently. But the foundational question, according to James Emery White, should be Why do we have this ministry? and then, Why do we do this ministry the way we do? Is it effective? Rethinking the Church helps pastors and lay leaders work through questions that must be answered if a church is to rethink evangelism, discipleship, ministry, worship, community, and the structure of the church. Break old molds, check assumptions, and be sensitive, says White. He uses the language and aims of "seeker-targeted" churches but urges readers not to tie themselves to any model without understanding the individual purpose of their church. Now thoroughly revised and expanded, Rethinking the Church contains more emphasis and key material on how to move from rethinking to transition. White blends biblical reflection and hands-on experience and uses the early church as described in the Book of Acts as the ultimate example.

James Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He holds M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from Southern Seminary and has completed advanced graduate study at Vanderbilt University and continuing education at the University of Oxford, England. White is also an adjunctive professor of Christian Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the author of several books, including A Search for the Spiritual and Life Defining Moments. He and his wife, Susan, have four children.