Customer Reviews

The Jesus Sensitive Church: Would Jesus Worship Here?

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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.

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!!

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.

This is an excellent book. Everyone should read it. The authors deal with relevant topics that will challenge the reader regarding their life for Jesus and their service through the local church. It is a practical book and will help churches do a better job for God. Read it and be ready to be changed.