I’ve been all about the Church for most of my life. I’ve been a pastor, a denominational official, a Church Administrator, an Elder, a Chairman of the Board and while I’m not currently in a formal Church Ministry role, I’m finishing up a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and writing a Master’s Thesis on Leadership Styles and impact within the organization of the Church.

On some levels, I’m sick and tired of the organization of the Church. Many of the criticisms leveled at it for being impersonal, political, manipulative, disingenuous and full of petty people are unfortunately true. There are literally millions of people who comprise the walking wounded who have brushed paths with many Churches and have sworn that they are never going back to such a place because it is full of hypocrites and toxic people.

I understand that. I’m reminded of the man who said all the things above to his wife and ended up with the comment, “And I’m never going back there again.” His wife responded, “But you have to go back. You’re the Senior Pastor ……”

For all who have felt this way, this book is for you.

Through the masterful use of dialogue in the context of a fictional setting with a pastor who has been wounded, this book touches on all these themes and brings the reader through to the end with an alternative view of Church.

It’s not about the organizational Structure. Some imagine that if we just structured the Church right the problems would be solved. I can vouch from a level of involvement that exceeds many, that sadly this is not the case.

The church will never be perfect in this age because I am not perfect.

What is needed is a new view and understanding of the Church. This book does an excellent job of illustrating where hope lies.

I recommend it highly!

Jake’s story doesn’t negate the law or talk about being free without responsibility; Its about religion vs relationship.

We are not without the law but under “the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). The New Testament verses concerning God’s law explain that those who love God will follow God’s instructions—His ways, His paths (Romans 2:23; Ephesians 6:2-3; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Hebrews 10:16; James 1:25; 2:11; 8-26; 1 John 2:3-4, 24; 3:22; 5:2,3; 2 John 6; Revelation 22:14). The law was never meant to save—only to guide. Without God’s instruction, it would be impossible for people to live together. Without God’s law, there could be no grace. As David said in Psalm 119, God laid down precepts that are to be obeyed. He said he meditated on God’s precepts and ways, and if we walk in God’s paths our hearts are set free.

Jake’s story asks,”Is the church in America what Jesus had in mind?” and how to escape the walls of religion to a free and delightful walk with Christ. It is balanced.

It is amazing how God moves

The Law is impossible to keep, but that doesn’t mean we are exempt from keeping it. All people will still be judged according to the Law at the final judgment. Those who are “in Christ” will be judged based on Christ’s merit only. He was the propitiation (substitution) sacrifice which satisfied God’s judgment against those who are The Called. Everyone else will still be judged by every letter of the Law; no sin will go unpunished.

The Law is in place to amplify our shortcomings and sinful nature so that we see our desperate need for a Savior. It’s purpose is to push us towards a total reliance on God, through Christ, who is the only one who can (and has) satisfied the Law.

The freedom to be found in Christ isn’t a willy nilly “free to live as I please” freedom, but rather a sigh of relief freedom that we are not bound by every letter of the Law that Christ himself satisfied, AND a knowledge of our true desperate helpless state of being. We are freed from the religious pressure of perfectionism which we are unable to keep anyway. This was Jesus’ beef with the Pharisees. They were religious hypocrites who forced impossible laws down the people’s throats, but they themselves couldn’t even keep the Law.

Jesus himself IS the Sabbath rest. Even all this squabbling over what day the Sabbath should be is a religious millstone. Jesus IS the Good News, he is the end, not just a means to an end. What a relief! Thank God for our gentle Savior, High Priest, and King.

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