LONGWOOD, FL-Christian churches occupy certain archetypes in cultural consciousness-and John W. Friesen and Virginia Lyons Friesen's What's Your Church Like? Compared to Nine New Testament Models (paperback, 978-1-60266-607-8) examines a few of them to motivate church congregations to examine their welcome strategy. The Roman church is described as laid-back, the Corinthian church as having potential, and the Galatian church as orderly. The Ephesian congregation is an affirming fellowship, the Philippian church is a joyful place to worship, and the Colossian congregation is one that enjoys philosophizing. The last three fellowships described in the book represent a charismatic congregation (Thessalonians), the alternative church (James), and a striving church (Thyatira).
Say the authors of their joint endeavor, "Sadly, it will point out that there are many cold congregations out there that are not really interested or ready to welcome strangers into their midst. However, they do not need to remain that way."
Biblically based and backed by multiple visits to church congregations across North America, What's Your Church Like? offers readers the opportunity to adjust their own front door policy and warmly welcome those who enter their sanctuary for the first time.
John W. Friesen, Ph.D., D.Min., D.R.S., is a professor in the faculty of education, University of Calgary. Virginia Lyons Friesen, Ph.D., is a sessional instructor in the faculty of communication and culture, University of Calgary.
Xulon Press, a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world's largest Christian publisher, with more than 3,900 titles published to date. Retailers may order What's Your Church Like? through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. Salem Communications is the country's leading Christian communications company with interests in radio, Internet, and magazine publishing.
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2007