Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other and the Spirit of Transformation [Paperback]

Stephanie Spellers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2006

Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit ofTransformation is a practical theological guide for congregations that want to move beyond mere inclusivity toward becoming a place where welcoming "the other" is taken seriously and engaging God's mission becomes more than just a catch-phrase.

The book is based on two years of work and over 200 interviews with people in urban, suburban, and rural congregations around the United States. Each chapter introduces specific congregations and their challenges, and lays out the theological underpinnings of tackling fears head-on and embracing change as a welcome part of community life.

Contents include: The Radical Welcome Journey; Mapping theWay; God of Welcome, God of Grace; With Hearts Wide Open; Getting Real; Facing Our Fears and Embracing the Dream; The Joy in the Struggle.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephanie Spellers is an Episcopal priest and the Cox Fellow and Minister for Radical Welcome at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to ordination, she was a professional religion journalist.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: CHURCH PUBLISHING INC (October 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898695201
• ISBN-13: 978-0898695205
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Church Administration

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Amen, Sister! March 11, 2008

By C. B. Park

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Stephanie Spellers writes of and helps us plan for congregations who offer hospitality "Jesus' style". Idealism is tempered by truth-telling. Radical Welcome is hard work, but it is necessary to renew and spark growth in churches that find themselves clinging to the past, and dying because of it. Spellers is an Episcopal priest, and the book is targeted for that denomination, however it can be used by anyone in any church who wishes to make their altar/table open to all God's people.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Radical Welcome in Practical Ways July 28, 2008

By Mary Austin

Format:Paperback

This lively, engaging book is full of practical ways, drawn from a diverse array of local congregations, to make any congregation more welcoming. Spellers helps sort out the unconscious (and deliberate) habits of congregations which keep the doors effectively closed, and which contribute to a lack of spiritual hospitality. The book keeps the goal of welcoming all people to church before us in thoughtful ways. Easy to read in small bites, but the reflections endure.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good News for the church December 21, 2010

By Devin

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a rector of a growing family-sized parish in the suburb, I found this book full of wonderful hope and excellent challenges. Spellers invites us to faithfully leap towards Christ, but she also invites us to let Christ change our hearts, our community and our church in surprising ways. Radical Welcome opens a door into the church that I believe Jesus wants -- a churched transformed and resurrected by the new work the Spirit is bringing.
I love the stories and experiences that this book brings together; it provides a great spoonful of sugar that is so helpful in small groups and vestries. Don't hesitate -- add this to your cart right now!