52 Churches

Visit fifty-two churches in a year? Am I crazy? Maybe. I spent a year visiting a different Christian church every Sunday: Protestant mainline, evangelical, and charismatic, Roman Catholic, and more. I visited a church just like yours. I'm positive. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cringe. But 52 Churches doesn't rip at the modern church. It's not a church-shopping romp or a mean-spirited journalistic exposé. Instead it's a gift that offers encouragement, hope, and support to the Christian Church. And I share some suggestions, too. Written as narrative, 52 Churches calls us to embrace all the branches of Jesus's church and expand our practice of worshiping God. And I invite you to join me on this personal, spiritual sojourn of discovery. Read 52 Churches for education, read it for entertainment, and read it for the insight gained only from visiting a boatload of churches. 52 Churches is ideal for church leaders, church members, and church outsiders. And if you're still reading this, it's perfect for you, too.

Visit fifty-two churches in a year? Am I crazy? Maybe. I spent a year visiting a different Christian church every Sunday: Protestant mainline, evangelical, and charismatic, Roman Catholic, and more. I visited a church just like yours. I'm positive. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cringe. But 52 Churches doesn't rip at the modern church. It's not a church-shopping romp or a mean-spirited journalistic exposé. Instead it's a gift that offers encouragement, hope, and support to the Christian Church. And I share some suggestions, too. Written as narrative, 52 Churches calls us to embrace all the branches of Jesus's church and expand our practice of worshiping God. And I invite you to join me on this personal, spiritual sojourn of discovery. Read 52 Churches for education, read it for entertainment, and read it for the insight gained only from visiting a boatload of churches. 52 Churches is ideal for church leaders, church members, and church outsiders. And if you're still reading this, it's perfect for you, too. Peter DeHaan, PhD, often makes religious people squirm, but spiritual seekers cheer. He's not trying to be provocative, but he seeks truth, even if it makes some people uncomfortable. He yearns for Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives. Peter earned his doctorate, awarded with high distinction, from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary.

What would you learn if you visited 52 churches? How might that change the way you treated visitors at your church? You don't need to go to a boatload of churches. Peter already has. “The 52 Churches Workbook” is the perfect tool to gain valuable insights without the pain and hassle of going to a different church every Sunday for a whole year. Merely thinking about making your church better isn't enough. It's time to act. With over 200 thought-provoking questions to propel you and your church forward, you'll explore: How to greet visitors well. The importance of making a good first impression and a parting memory. The way one person can make the difference between success and failure. Best practices from churches that treat visitors well, along with what to avoid. Why a website is critical and shouldn't resemble a dating profile. “The 52 Churches Workbook” is the perfect companion for 52 Churches, but it also works great as a standalone book for those who haven't read 52 Churches. Don't go another Sunday without this essential resource. Perfect for leaders and members.

Wasn't visiting 52 churches in a year enough? No way. Not even close. Let the journey of discovery continue in this poignant sequel to 52 Churches. This time we take a wider swath as we visit more of Jesus's churches. In More Than 52 Churches you'll get: More variations in Jesus's church. More cringe-worthy moments. More ways to worship God and celebrate Jesus. More spiritual diversity to explore. More of God at work. You'll get all this and much more in More Than 52 Churches. More education, more entertainment, and more insight. Only you won't have to endure the gut-churning apprehension of walking into a different church each Sunday. Instead experience the journey vicariously week by week, church by church. Join Peter and his wife as they bravely-some might say naïvely-seek what God teaches as they engage with more local branches of Jesus's church. More Than 52 Churches is an insightful journey for church members, an essential guide for church leaders, and a hopeful encouragement for church visitors. If 52 Churches left you wanting more, then More Than 52 Churches is sure to deliver. Peter DeHaan, PhD, often makes religious people squirm, but spiritual seekers cheer. He's not trying to be provocative, but he seeks truth, even if it makes some people uncomfortable. He yearns for Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives. Peter earned his doctorate, awarded with high distinction, from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary. He lives with his wife in beautiful Southwest Michigan and wrangles crossword puzzles in his spare time.

You've read More Than 52 Churches. Now it's time to put thoughts into action. This workbook will guide you-if you dare let it. Consider 175 thought-provoking questions to propel your faith forward. Discover how the narrative of More Than 52 Churches can.

Most people don't like online church. But that doesn't mean we should dismiss it. With many having endured a season of attending church over the internet, they want to put it behind them. They desire to return to in-person gatherings. Not so fast. Online church plays a vital role in our faith communities, both now and in the future. In “Visiting Online Church”, you'll discover: The two programming formats for digital church and how they differ. How to engage people from a distance and not push them away. The new front door to church and why it's essential. Tips to follow and traps to avoid. The forgotten people on the fringes who can't or won't attend in person. Then contemplate over three dozen key online church principles-illustrated through real-world examples-that can guide your internet content to meet viewer needs and promote participation to spur spiritual growth. An advocate for significant church experiences, Peter DeHaan, PhD champions meaningful Christian community. And this doesn't only apply to in person gatherings. Providing endearing online experiences is just as important, perhaps even more so. Create a virtual church that matters to your congregation and will interest visitors and seekers alike.