Church Beyond Belief

A new approach to evangelism, particularly useful with seekers and young adults

* Addresses “belonging before believing” and other new patterns for remaking
congregations

As we move beyond the “emergent” or “missional” church paradigm, pastors and other
church leaders are discovering a new reality: people (especially younger generations)
are coming to church not as believers, but to find a place to belong-with or without
faith. This book describes the dilemma and the distractions that currently prevent
congregations from being the place where that sense of belonging can unfold and guide
newcomers in the discovery of faith.

The authors argue that despite elaborate talk of change, spirituality, transformation,
and conflict resolution, congregations are still mired in old patterns of belonging. Using
broad-based career experiences, surveys of religious life, historical precedent, and
insights from social psychology about what it means to belong today, the book suggests
new and effective approaches to help churches make vital connections.

For church leaders (lay and ordained) and seminarians across denominational lines.