This short book addresses a question that seems more and more widespread.  How many times have you heard someone say, “I’m spiritual but not religious”? Churches are morphing into new forms–emergent  churches, shopping mall churches, megachurches–yet surveys show that an increasing number of believers are opting out altogether.  Is involvement with a local church really that important?

I describe my own checkered history with the church (I sometimes joke that I’m “in recovery” from my childhood church), toy with some images of the ideal church, and ponder why the New Testament seems to place so much value on such a motley assembly.

Endorsements and Honors

• Christian Book Award Winner, ECPA, US, 1999