The Jesus Sensitive Church: Would Jesus Worship Here? [Paperback]

Ron Auch (Author), Dean D. Niforatos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2006

Surveying the new century and the direction they see the Church heading in, authors Ron Auch and Niforatos give readers the opportunity to take stock in just how Americans "do church." Is worship primarily for us? Do we seek our own comfort above all else? Has God's house become more ours than His? In stark contrast to the plethora of books offering marketing tips for attracting new church members, Auch and Niforatos suggest that the key to real growth and success for pastors and laypeople alike is to focus on "What Would Jesus Want?" Drawing on polling data, statistics, and personal experience, they provide a startling picture of the modern American church-- and its drift into the dangerous waters of marketable compromise and conformity.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dean Niforatos has been actively involved in an Assemblies of God ministry along with his family-- most recently in Europe, Southeast Asia, and various parts of Africa, including war torn Sudan. He has been married to his wife Carol for 22 years, and they are the parents of two boys, ages 15 and 11. After hearing Dick Eastman teach about prayer in 1980, Auch established Pray-Tell Ministries. His two decades of experience take him to all parts of the globe as he teaches on developing a prayer life. In 1999, Auch accepted the pastorate of a newly planted church in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Lou Ann, have one child, Ron Jr.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: New Leaf Press (AR) (August 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892216573
• ISBN-13: 978-0892216574
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,040,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Well-Written, Good Read, Eventhough I Disagree, November 10, 2010

By 

Michael Leake "Borrowed Light" (Huntingburg, IN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Jesus Sensitive Church: Would Jesus Worship Here? (Paperback)

If Jesus were on earth today where would he worship? That is the intriguing question posed by Ron Auch and Dean Niforatos in their work The Jesus Sensitive Church: Would Jesus Worship Here? . I received this book free from New Leaf Press to review.

I actually received this book without much knowledge of it. The title was compelling, and the central question was one the piqued my interest. I was further interested by the fact that these men are of the Pentecostal faith. I am not. It is always interesting to here ecclesiological critiques from people of different denominational backgrounds.

It is interesting that most of what you read in the first few chapters could have easily been taken out of a book from the Reformed community critical of the "seeker-sensitive" movement. Chapter 2's Give Them What They Want is a familiar sounding critique that is not exclusive to Pentecostalism.

I typically feel a great disconnect between myself and many of those in Pentecostalism. Honestly, much of that is probably my own limited exposure (ala TBN). I was shocked to hear these guys saying much the same thing that my own communities are saying.

Then in chapter seven the Pentecostal beliefs begin to really thunder through the pages. The first six chapters deconstruct the seeker-sensitive church. Essentially they are saying that Jesus would not worship in a seeker-sensitive church.

Well then, what type of church would Jesus worship in? What they are really asking is--what type of church gathering will have the blessing of Almighty God. Their answer? One that is Spirit-filled, full-gospel believing, and baptized in the Spirit manifested through the speaking of tongues.

The last six chapter are about the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" and that this is the mark that is missing in modern churches. If you know me, then you know that I disagree. Debating with Pentecostals is not the point of this review. I'll just simply say I disagree with this major thrust of the book--and leave it at that.

So, since I won't be following the advice to pursue "getting filled" what can a Jesus-loving Southern Baptist take from this book? For one, even though I disagree with their application and interpretation of passages on the Spirit, I do agree that a de-emphasis on the Holy Spirit is rampant in churches. This book can be a wake up call to consider the Spirit in our ecclesiology.

Also to be respected is their passion for holiness. And I really do think that the author's of this book have a deep love for Jesus and want to see Him glorified in churches and throughout the world. Many of their critiques are spot on and there is much to commend here.

However, at the end of the day I think this book falls into the same trap that many books of this type do. That is the if you do ___ then God will do _____ formula. They are not nearly as bad as many of the other books--because I don't think they really are hoping to have mega-churches. They want to be faithful to God. But I think their underlying theological presuppositions necessitate this formulaic understanding. In other words Pentecostalism stems from this very If I do ___, God does ____ formula.

Would I recommend it? Honestly, probably not. I think if I were a Pentecostal then this book would be great and serve as a wonderful wake up call. I hope the Lord uses it this way. I hope God uses this book in Pentecostal churches to call the people to get back to the Scriptures, pursue holiness, embrace the gospel, and surrender to Jesus and not to methodologies.

But I would not suggest this book to those in my congregation because I fundamentally disagree with the last six chapters. And where this book is strong I can find other books that are also strong and do not end at the Pentecostal conclusion.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!!, November 30, 2009

By 

Gary Basinski - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Jesus Sensitive Church: Would Jesus Worship Here? (Paperback)

Every Christian should read this book!! It really shows how we are supposed to live our lives and how important a true prayer life is in our lives!! This book and Dean have had an amazing impact these men just didn't right a book, they live it out on a daily basis. Anyone who wants to grow NEEDS THIS BOOK!!

4.0 out of 5 stars Life Change, August 10, 2007

By 

Gerald L. Dahl "Stephen" (Shakopee) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Jesus Sensitive Church: Would Jesus Worship Here? (Paperback)

I was given this book during a time when I was really struggling with issues related to the Holy Spirit. It sat on my shelf for about 3 months. One day, my wife stumbled across this book and decided to read it. She started and stayed up half the night - until she finished it. This book has changed our spiritual lives. We then went and bought it for our small group and pastor. I wish more Evangelical Pastors would read this book. I believe it is dead on. He is straight forward and easy to read. Enjoy - and be ready for what the Lord had for you.