What would you do if you met someone you thought just might be one of Jesus original disciples still living in the 21st Century? That's Jake's dilemma as he meets a man who talks of Jesus as if he had known him, and whose way of living challenges everything Jake had previously known. So You Don t Want to Go To Church Anymore is Jake s compelling journal that chronicles thirteen conversations with his newfound friend over a four-year period and how those exchanges turn Jake's world upside-down. With his help, Jake faces his darkest fears, struggles through brutal circumstances and comes out on the other side in the joy and freedom he always dreamed was possible. If you're tired of just going through the motions of Christianity and want to mine the depths of what it really means to live deeply in Christ, you ll find Jake s story will give you hope for your own. This book probes the difficult questions and offers some far-reaching answers. It just might turn your world upside-down as well!
So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore
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Editorial Reviews
Review
This is an exceptional story that will make you laugh, cry and be in awe of the love that Father has for all his children! It will challenge you to rethink what church is all about! Chris, Student, East Tennessee State University --Lifestream.org
I left my church after 12 years and felt I needed to be in a church until I read your book and discovered it was not about going to church but being the church. And that is to be done everywhere I go and in everything I do. I am now fellowshipping in a small house group and feel at home. This book will definitely inspire you to be the church and not just go to church. Ronda, Mother and care-giver, Canby, Oregon --Lifestream.org
I left my church after 12 years and felt I needed to be in a church until I read your book and discovered it was not about going to church but being the church. And that is to be done everywhere I go and in everything I do. I am now fellowshipping in a small house group and feel at home. This book will definitely inspire you to be the church and not just go to church. Ronda, Mother and care-giver, Canby, Oregon --Lifestream.org
About the Author
Jake Colsen is a pseudonym for the combined work of two long-time friends, colleagues and fellow-travelers. Wayne Jacobsen is an author whose books and articles can be found at lifestream.org. He was a Contributing Editor to Leadership Journal for more than 20 years and also co-hosts a weekly podcast at thegodjourney.com for those thinking outside the box of organized religion. Dave Coleman has been a pastor and hospice chaplain but has most effectively lived his life as a brother helping others sort out the journey of life in Jesus.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
175 of 187 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
*****
This book is perfect for people who have been alienated by the Christian church and/or by Christians, but also for people who are happy with the Christian church. It is actually a book about how to be in love with Jesus, and how that can manifest in today's church environment. I am sharing this book with everyone I know who is a Christian, and will read it again myself.
It doesn't matter what your denomination is or what your beliefs are; if you want to return to a "first love"-type relationship with Jesus, buy and read this book. You will not be able to put it down.
It is written as a novel, with a mysterious character who may be the disciple John, and a burnt-out pastor as the main character, Jake. Pastor Jake's life is suspenseful over the four years that the novel takes place, and the changes that take place in his life and in his thinking are riveting.
I read this in one day and am sharing it with my daughter, friend, and husband on our vacation. It will deliver an experience---a memory recreated in the present, if that makes sense---of the closest moments you have had with God.
If you are offended by or disillusioned with Christians, and especially if you are out of church altogether, it will help you to deal with what has happened to you. It may or may not bring you back to the institutional church, as this is totally irrelevant to the book---it's about how we've substituted church for Jesus, and in doing so, missed the best thing of all.
Highly recommended.
*****
This book is perfect for people who have been alienated by the Christian church and/or by Christians, but also for people who are happy with the Christian church. It is actually a book about how to be in love with Jesus, and how that can manifest in today's church environment. I am sharing this book with everyone I know who is a Christian, and will read it again myself.
It doesn't matter what your denomination is or what your beliefs are; if you want to return to a "first love"-type relationship with Jesus, buy and read this book. You will not be able to put it down.
It is written as a novel, with a mysterious character who may be the disciple John, and a burnt-out pastor as the main character, Jake. Pastor Jake's life is suspenseful over the four years that the novel takes place, and the changes that take place in his life and in his thinking are riveting.
I read this in one day and am sharing it with my daughter, friend, and husband on our vacation. It will deliver an experience---a memory recreated in the present, if that makes sense---of the closest moments you have had with God.
If you are offended by or disillusioned with Christians, and especially if you are out of church altogether, it will help you to deal with what has happened to you. It may or may not bring you back to the institutional church, as this is totally irrelevant to the book---it's about how we've substituted church for Jesus, and in doing so, missed the best thing of all.
Highly recommended.
*****
144 of 154 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I finished the book in about two days. A very good and intriguing read. Perhaps the greatest thing that I have taken away from the book is a reminder of both the complexity and simplicity of Father's love.
I have read several of the comments written about this book, and I can't help but wonder if the majority of them have still missed the central message of the book and the gospel itself: Everything is about the Father's love.
A search of scripture will quickly reveal that the Father is much more interested in our unqualified fellowship with him than making sure that our ecclesiology is correct.
I read the book and immediately wanted my wife and all others I know to read it too. My hope was that they would get the same revelation that I did. Unfortunately, Father doesn't work that way. Father understands that this thing called "Christianity" is a journey not a destination. As He leads us, He desires intently that we remain in fellowship with him. His holiness is not subverted merely because we we forsake structure and seek him as a loving father, rather his holiness is magnified the tighter we cleave to him.
Paul wrote in Galatians that is was for freedom that Christ set us free. Not so that we can be burdened again with the yoke of the law; or as this book alludes, institutional religion. To be sure, in nearly every body of believers there are those who love the Lord with abandon and who deem it a privilege to be on this journey, seeking more and more about His person. But there are also those who seek their own gain and labor to perpetuate the institutionalism of the establishment. Serving the "church" for the sake of the "church." Doing away with "church" was not the goal of this book; rather it was about focusing on Father's love and leading--however that may look.
Let's not miss the proverbial forest for the trees. Gal 5:6 (NIV) "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." If we remain focused on Father's love for us, then our motives, actions, speech and direction will follow his leading and will be centered upon him. We won't need regulations, bylaws and rules because the driving factor is Father's love. When we miss the mark (sin) his forgiveness and grace readily abound. We then use our forgiven, grace-infilled lives as testimonies of Father's love.
If a fictional book can shift our focus to Father's love--great! If a Sunday morning service can shift our focus to Father's love--awesome! If a movie, car accident, children's book, documentary, tragedy, illness, or whatever can shift our focus to Father's love than praise be to God! The goal is Father's love. Period.
Look for Him to reveal His love as you read this book and know that He has promised that He will reveal it to you. Blessings on your journey!
I have read several of the comments written about this book, and I can't help but wonder if the majority of them have still missed the central message of the book and the gospel itself: Everything is about the Father's love.
A search of scripture will quickly reveal that the Father is much more interested in our unqualified fellowship with him than making sure that our ecclesiology is correct.
I read the book and immediately wanted my wife and all others I know to read it too. My hope was that they would get the same revelation that I did. Unfortunately, Father doesn't work that way. Father understands that this thing called "Christianity" is a journey not a destination. As He leads us, He desires intently that we remain in fellowship with him. His holiness is not subverted merely because we we forsake structure and seek him as a loving father, rather his holiness is magnified the tighter we cleave to him.
Paul wrote in Galatians that is was for freedom that Christ set us free. Not so that we can be burdened again with the yoke of the law; or as this book alludes, institutional religion. To be sure, in nearly every body of believers there are those who love the Lord with abandon and who deem it a privilege to be on this journey, seeking more and more about His person. But there are also those who seek their own gain and labor to perpetuate the institutionalism of the establishment. Serving the "church" for the sake of the "church." Doing away with "church" was not the goal of this book; rather it was about focusing on Father's love and leading--however that may look.
Let's not miss the proverbial forest for the trees. Gal 5:6 (NIV) "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." If we remain focused on Father's love for us, then our motives, actions, speech and direction will follow his leading and will be centered upon him. We won't need regulations, bylaws and rules because the driving factor is Father's love. When we miss the mark (sin) his forgiveness and grace readily abound. We then use our forgiven, grace-infilled lives as testimonies of Father's love.
If a fictional book can shift our focus to Father's love--great! If a Sunday morning service can shift our focus to Father's love--awesome! If a movie, car accident, children's book, documentary, tragedy, illness, or whatever can shift our focus to Father's love than praise be to God! The goal is Father's love. Period.
Look for Him to reveal His love as you read this book and know that He has promised that He will reveal it to you. Blessings on your journey!
62 of 68 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A must for all tired, oppressed, work-driven, bored Christians who lead a joyless existence. Many know that a drastic change is needed in their Christianity, but few know what to do or what the real problems are. Many will be blessed and encouraged by this book, others will be furious and denounce it as heretical or rebellious. If you are happy with your church, thank God and don't read this book. Others fed up with dead religiosity will read it and rejoice. Those who have marvelled at the life and vibrancy of Christians in places like China after reading books such as "The Heavenly Man" by brother Yun will find this book helpful in their path of pursuing more of Jesus.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
So you dont want to go to church anymore
This book was bought to give to a friend but I started to read it to see what help it gave. It is amazing as it gives amazing insight and help even to the best of Christians about... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Juliemac
Boring, and unrealistic plot
I'm a christian,
I don't go to church,
This book was rather boring to me. I tried my best to read the first 40 pages of this little book, but it was just too much for me;... Read more
I don't go to church,
This book was rather boring to me. I tried my best to read the first 40 pages of this little book, but it was just too much for me;... Read more
Published 11 days ago by H B
great book
great devotional or study guide. love his books and his topic of God's love for us. recommended reading for all.
Published 15 days ago by DW
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!
This was extraordinary. It has changed my thinking about church and friendship. From what I have seen in our area, it has obviously changed the thinking of a few others as well. Read more
Published 2 months ago by G. Pass
Insightful and understanding but gives no practical advice/application
If you don't see anything wrong with the structure of the modern church, don't read this book - it will only cause you to ask questions to which it does not give answers. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Annie
Fiction for Thinkers
I LOVE the things this book made me think about. Even though it is fiction, I marked things for further thought later, and wrote many notes to myself along the way. Read more
Published 3 months ago by J. Ortega
So you don't want to go to church anymore.
Arrived quickly and in great shape. Thank you so much. So excited to give this book to my son-in-law for Christmas!!! He is going to love it! Merry Christmas!!!
Published 4 months ago by charlene lowry
eyes wide open
The author brings back to the forefront the main issue that has been obscured by thousands of years of religeon. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Redeyefury
This book freed me to be a living expression of the Church in everyday...
I was always told to weigh the fruits of something to determine if its growing you closer to Christ or not. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Brook Potter
For those who are ready, this can change your life!
For those who are burned out on religion, and are ready for an incredibly positive change in their relationship with Jesus!
Published 6 months ago by Christian Explorer
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
At that moment he was the last person I wanted to see. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
City Center, Christian Education, Box By Any Other Name, Taking Flight, The Great Gathering, Walk In the Park, Hole For Yourself, Fairy Godmother, New Testament, Unplayble Lies, Loving Father, Nellie Lake, San Luis Obispo, The Final Parting New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
At that moment he was the last person I wanted to see. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
City Center, Christian Education, Box By Any Other Name, Taking Flight, The Great Gathering, Walk In the Park, Hole For Yourself, Fairy Godmother, New Testament, Unplayble Lies, Loving Father, Nellie Lake, San Luis Obispo, The Final Parting New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 2
books:
- Tales of the Vine by Wayne Jacobsen in Front Matter
- The Naked Church: Revised Third Edition by Wayne Jacobsen in Front Matter
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