THE SELF-SCARRED CHURCH
New title calls for change in Sabbath-keeping churches everywhere
Author Issues a Relevant, Passionate Cry for Reform
New title calls for change in Sabbath-keeping churches everywhere
2009-04-20
LONGWOOD, FL--In the 1500s, Martin Luther posted to the church doors the famed 95 Theses, a call for reform that sparked the Protestant Reformation. Now in 2009, Rosemarie T. Downer, Ph.D., Xulon Press author, has released a relevant, passionate cry for reform to Sabbath-keeping churches everywhere in The Self-Scarred Church: Healing for the Seven Most Damaging Self-Inflicted Wounds to the Church ($16.99, paperback, 978-1-60791-473-0). This book highlights the seven most common--and damaging--means by which the members of the body of Christ stray from our one most important reason for existing, which is to bring glory to God through service. This book also provides information on practical steps that we can take to bring healing to the church.
Says Downer, who's been involved with youth ministry for more than 20 years, "I've been in the church all my life. Based on the limited growth and progress of the church that I've experienced over the years, it warrants writing this book. Working in the ministry is not for our cause or benefit; it is always about helping someone else. We can do much more together than we can do independently. We are the hands, feet, eyes, and ears of Jesus on earth and we must become one body--the body of Christ--to represent Him well and bring the lost to Him."
This book uncovers a sleeping giant. It is a thought-provoking, conscience-jarring book that lifts up many mirrors through which leaders and lay members can see themselves. "[You] cannot read this book and go on having church as usual," the author says. "This book calls for change."
Rosemarie T. Downer, Ph.D., is founder and president of BRYDGES, Inc., a youth-serving ministry that benefits the church at large and communities.