Quitting church to follow Jesus
Quitting church to follow Jesus: A friend of mine (in the interest of self-disclosure), Ian Morgan Cron has just written a book called Chasing Francis (published by NavPres, 2006). I'd call the book rather edgy. In fact, I applaud NavPress for having the courage to publish it.
A young megachurch pastor (who reminds me of a younger version of me) discovers that he can no longer keep up the pretenses of a deep faith and passionate church leadership, and he interrupts his sermon one day to tell this to his congregation. And then he walks out.
And, in effect, he doesn't stop walking until he retraces the steps of St. Francis and discovers a whole new way of following Jesus. I read this book marking something on almost every other page. I would say my friend, Cron, has done just about the best job I've seen of explaining the usefulness of a so-called postmodern view of Christian faith. I'd like to be part of a church that his hero ends up proposing.
I'm no pastor but I'm struggling with some of the same stuff. I've left recently and am still trying to sort out why I should go back. I'll look into the book, thanks.