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The Church and the Parachurch: An Uneasy Marriage
Book by White, Jerry E.
Hardcover
First published July 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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July 30, 2018The title says it all. Definitely the best start for reading on Church and Parachurch.
White does a killer job writing on the tension between the local church and the para-local church organizations. He says some hard things for both sides to hear. This book is jam-packed with information relevant to understanding that tension as well as addressing the tension and working towards a solution. I want to keep coming back to this piece of literature. Yes, I disagreed with a few things like Paul's apostolic authority and that relevance today, but that doesn't deter me from recognizing White's mind as a good gift from God in resolving this conflict.
Here's what I think is important: amidst theological disagreements with each group, can these two groups work toward practical solutions as members of Christ's Church? White holds this same question high in this piece of literature.
A few points to address in solving this problem:
1) Apostolic authority and relevance today - Who has the authority to preach the word and administer the ordinances to others for their good?
2) Laymen/women and their ministry work within a local congregation
3) Both parties sharing ideas and executing ministry work (ex: discipleship, evangelism)
Even after reading, this tension still looks and feels like a mountain I'll be climbing my whole life. It seems simple to address but so complex with the history the Church and Parachurch have together. But, I'm ready for the work and reading ahead!
White does a killer job writing on the tension between the local church and the para-local church organizations. He says some hard things for both sides to hear. This book is jam-packed with information relevant to understanding that tension as well as addressing the tension and working towards a solution. I want to keep coming back to this piece of literature. Yes, I disagreed with a few things like Paul's apostolic authority and that relevance today, but that doesn't deter me from recognizing White's mind as a good gift from God in resolving this conflict.
Here's what I think is important: amidst theological disagreements with each group, can these two groups work toward practical solutions as members of Christ's Church? White holds this same question high in this piece of literature.
A few points to address in solving this problem:
1) Apostolic authority and relevance today - Who has the authority to preach the word and administer the ordinances to others for their good?
2) Laymen/women and their ministry work within a local congregation
3) Both parties sharing ideas and executing ministry work (ex: discipleship, evangelism)
Even after reading, this tension still looks and feels like a mountain I'll be climbing my whole life. It seems simple to address but so complex with the history the Church and Parachurch have together. But, I'm ready for the work and reading ahead!
January 13, 2021
Jerry Whites book, the Church and Para Church is important for leaders on either or both sides of this discussion. The local church really cannot exist without para church agencies but Jerry addresses the problems honestly and compassionately. Very helpful and enlightening.
September 11, 2013
re-read in 2010 at the start of The Ark. Book gives great practical guidance on being really a para-local-church organization in working closely with the local church (distinction made that there is only One Church).
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews