Reclaiming the "L" Word: Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core [Paperback]

Kelly A. Fryer (Author), Timothy F. Lull (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

Reclaiming the "L" Word is a book about renewing congregations by recognizing and living out the core teachings of the Lutheran faith. In the introduction, the author states: "I hope that people of every denomination will find this book helpful as they wrestle with these important issues within their own traditions. But this little book is primarily written for those who call themselves Lutheran and, specifically, those who are members of ELCA congregations, and it is intended to help us answer central questions: Who are we? What DOES it mean to be a Lutheran today, anyway? And, why does it matter?" Inspirational, engaging, and challenging, this book is a must-read for pastors and congregational leaders!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A warning label should be on this book: 'Caution: Reading this book could result in the transformation of the Church.'" -- Bishop Gary M. Wollersheim, Northern Illinois Synod, ELCA

"Pastor Fryer's reminder of where Lutheran Christians stand: at the foot of the cross, where we are met by Jesus..." -- The Reverend Mary Ann Moller-Gunderson, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

"This book reflects her passions for the theological integrity, for mission-driven congregations, and for painting outside the box." -- Dr. Rick Bliese, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

About the Author

Kelly A. Fryer is a missiologist with nearly 20 years experience leading congregations in renewal. She is the author of the best-selling Reclaiming the Word: Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core and writer for the No Experience Necessary Bible study series (both Augsburg Fortress). Kelly taught congregational leadership at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and now serves as executive director of A.R.E.: A Renewal Enterprise, which offers keynote speaking, renewal events, organizational consulting, and leadership coaching.

Product Details

• Paperback: 111 pages
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806645962
• ISBN-13: 978-0806645964
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 7.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Lutheran

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just a Pew Warmer, January 27, 2005

By 

Miranda Gray (Ottawa, ON Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Reclaiming the "L" Word: Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core (Paperback)

I read Pastor Fryer's book about a year ago and am re-reading it now as part of a congregational look at our Lutheran roots. This book has been widely circulated in the Eastern Synod of Canada since our bishop sent a copy to all active pastors in late 2003.

I recommend this book because it is not so deep that it is intimidating and because it has enough content to stick with you. I am not a theologian, just a pew warmer. I didn't find that the book spoke down to me. I felt it met me where I was. (One of the themes of Chapter 2).

I like her style of writing as it is approachable. She provides good stories to highlight her points. I like the conversational style. I am also had the privilge of hearing Pastor Fryer speak last summer. She is an excellent storyteller.

I also like that "Reclaiming" is a short book and that it is written in a style that encourages sampling. You can read the whole book in a few hours or just read a chapter in a few minutes. I know that many members of my congregation have browsed the church's copies.

It is accessible. And I value that as a way to get people into the discussion far more than I would value a detailed commentary on current theological thought.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, December 1, 2011

By 

Bruce Myers - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reclaiming the "L" Word: Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core (Paperback)

Using this and Reclaiming the "C" word in our bible study. Everyone likes the book. It leads to great discussions.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, thought-provoking and funnry, September 30, 2005

By 

C. Trevallee (WI.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Reclaiming the "L" Word: Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core (Paperback)

Pastor Fryer's take on Lutheranism is enlighening and humerous. She touches aspects of the church community that certainly
relate to both small (rural) and large (urban) congregations. All can surely learn from her insights. It's touching to see a little bit (or a lot) of ourselves and our former (and present?) congregations in her stories of her own congregation and church life. This is a must-read for pastors, church staff, both paid and volunteer, including Sunday school teachers, secretarial staff, choir directors, council members, and the like. After all, as Fryer reminds us as the book concludes, Luther asked us all to be pastors.