Letters to the Church, by Francis Chan, may quite possibly be the most important book of our day. I don’t say that lightly. There are lots of good books out there. But this one is different.
It’s hard to describe how this book affected me. Chan left his mega church because he believed, after reading the New Testament with fresh eyes, that the church he was a part of didn’t look very much like the church described in Scripture. And that’s a very big deal.
And while you may think that’s not a book that would appeal to you, stay with me.
Letters to the Church changed me personally. It reminded me of the awesome privilege of being included in the Body of Christ. It changed the way I worship. It left me with tear-filled eyes as I realized how our American comforts dull our hearts to the boldness and zeal the New Testament disciples had for their Savior–that the persecuted church today has. It made me ponder the wonder of just being in the Lord’s presence, worshiping, each Lord’s day, with all the saints in the very presence of Heaven.
It gently rebuked my careless approach to worship (even though I wouldn’t have described it as careless) and my failure to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit to transform my daily life.
It challenged me to live like a true, New Testament Christ-follower, counting the costs, but believing that nothing is worth more than the treasure of loving Christ, the truth, and other people. It’s a non-watered down message to the Church: Jesus has called us to something far greater than ourselves.
As with any book, there are a few points with which I don’t agree completely with Chan, but principally, I wholeheartedly agree.
What does God love most? What does He hate most? What does He demand, command of the Church? Let us pursue those things. (Francis Chan)
I believe you will be changed by it. I believe every Christian should read it. In fact, I’ve ordered a number of copies to give away. I hope you’ll read it too.
3 comments
I ordered this book after reading your recommendation and wholeheartedly agree with you. My husband and I are currently reading this together after reading it once already.
That’s great! My husband is starting to read it now too. I want to read it again. I’m so glad you loved it.
I don´t know that book, but I have read “Crazy love”, also by Chan. It was challenging and interesting.
And yes, I also think we can take for granted the enormous privilege of just being in a sanctuary with the body of believers, worshiping the Lord. In many parts of the world, our brothers and sisters have to hide to do that. God uses both families and churches for His purposes.