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Reviewed by: Gary Knarr

Christianity for the Rest of Us describes the characteristics of congregations that are vibrant, renewed and thriving.  By studying several mainline congregations, she proves that not only conservative evangelical or charismatic congregations are finding renewal and vitality in North America today.

Bass found that vital congregations are faith communities in which people can be themselves and express their true thoughts and feelings.  They are safe places to question, doubt, and disagree with one another, and still be in fellowship together.  There is a "spirituality of imperfection," a realization that we do not have all the answers but are "living the questions" as God makes "wholeness out of human woundedness."  There is a sense of love, joy and healing in worship that helps people connect with God.  People also hear a call to live a life that is rooted in God, rather than in the consumerism and stimulation that society offers.  It is where people realize that they have a mission to love one another, and a mission to the world.

This book is an excellent resource for pastors and lay leaders, but it would also be useful for study groups that are seeking to discover what makes a congregation one that people will want to be part of to share its life and mission.

Gary Knarr

Meet the Reviewer:

Gary Knarr is a pastor at First Mennonite Church in Kitchener. Gary began ministry at First Mennonite in 2002 after teaching History at Montana State University. Earlier, he served as pastor in the Elmira and Hawkesville congregations. He completed studies at Queen's University, University of Waterloo, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, and Wilfrid Laurier University. Gary also worked in Voluntary Service in Eureka, Illinois.