The following is unapologetically written by an imperfect Christian: There has been a deep decline in Christian credibility. Many believers have replaced a desire to live authentically with the phony business-like relationships found in exclusiveness and excess. In the process of seeking to take care of ourselves, we've turned away from relationships and vainly chased the empty trappings of success. My book, Worship of Mass Dysfunction, "What Happened When Our Purpose-Driven Church Failed To Care For People," relates my decade of dysfunction while serving under a Purpose-Driven pastor who was sentenced to five years in prison for stealing from the people who trusted him to lead his church in Jesus' name. I examine our propensity to seek out packaging while neglecting to care for people. And inspire everyone to rethink what it truly means to be not just Christian, but Christ-like. My research stems from attending seminary and actual experience as I was part of a church where the Bible was treated as secondary when compared to Purpose-Driven concepts. I spent eight years in the mental health field in the Air Force (alcoholism rehabilitation, substance abuse recovery and neuropsychological testing). I graduated from the Austin Graduate School of Theology with a degree in Ministry and Christian Studies, completed internships at The Heart Hospital of Austin as a Chaplain, and at The Fellowship at Forest Creek as a minister understudy. I am also a Director of Drummer's For Jesus. In addition, I am married and the father of 5 young boys. Mine is a story which needs to be told, and I relate detail after agonizing detail in my book with hope that other churches can learn from our mistakes. It isn't a happy, feel good, puppy dogs and sunshine kind of book highlighting the genuine care found in our churches. The pages are not filled with nice topical discussions on how churches are doing a great job. I provide a sobering look into a world where Christians aren't always the way we like to portray ourselves. It's honest. Some of it isn't pretty, but life gets messy and I've captured the pain and frustration of working with church leadership which unquestionably followed the questionable philosophy found in Rick Warren's model of a Purpose-Driven church.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Words from a Fellowship attender,
By Fellowship member "Fellowship member" (Round Rock, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Worship of Mass Dysfunction (Paperback)
I had the pleasure of reading a pre-release version of this book. There will be those who defensively say the author is simply casting stones at the Fellowship or at his former pastor. In reality, the book presents a view of the turmoil the church endured that is both unique and worth understanding. The lesson this book provides is that even the questions, or especially the questions, that provoke a painful answer can be useful in creating stronger churches and better leaders. Those who question without fear help all of us gain wisdom from tragedy. Ed is one of those fearless questioners."
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A 'Must Read' for Those in Ministry,
By Mommykins (Texas) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Worship of Mass Dysfunction (Paperback)
This book is definitely a 'must read' for those in ministry. As a person involved in church work for a number of years, I saw myself in many of the situations detailed in the book. There is a fine line between helping people utilize their gifts and talents to serve others, and using them. This happens in so many churches across America...sometimes we don't even realize that it is not good or right. This book will help those in ministry to avoid falling into the same traps that this church did.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for the modern day Christian,
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This review is from: Worship of Mass Dysfunction (Paperback)
This is a wonderfully written account of what happened at The Fellowship at Forest Creek. The pastor there was convicted of stealing $800,000 from the church he grew using purpose driven principles. Worship of Mass Dysfunction details the events leading up to and following the conviction.
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