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church growth pastor: I wanted more. As a wife and mother, I found myself
especially interested in his wife Louise’s journey, and their journey as parents
and how childrearing fit in with this work. Only occasionally did I find
references to the balance of personal and public life.
Also, this book (as he acknowledges in the postscript) doesn’t touch on
the path of the international church outside of the United States and Europe.
I hope that other pastors will feel called to write their own experiences and
insights about the varied ways the Church is growing, and where we need to
grow or evolve further.
What now?
This book is not only a history, but also an invitation to look at ourselves as
individuals and a church and do better. The narrative leads us to ask ourselves,
“What now?” and “How can our organization’s history inform our evolution?”
I would urge anyone reading this book to consider your own path in the
General Church. Where have you witnessed areas of growth? Where have
there been setbacks? Where could our church expand? How can we reform
our systems to support growth? How can we reform ourselves of old habits
holding us back?
While part of us may not want to hear what Mr. Rose has to say, I believe
that if we are courageous and willing to hear the wisdom of his experience, we
will find that there is an important message here for each of us.
Th is review would be incomplete without referencing the Epilogue. It is a
must-read and a poignant call for each of us.
It was a delightful opportunity to get this broad view of one man’s journey
through the General Church. I was touched by Mr. Rose’s humility and his
sense of Providence along his path. He has clear trust in the Lord’s guidance,
seen in the unfolding of nearly a century of faithful New Church life and work.
With this broad view one can see the Divine leading, and how apparently
serendipitous moments take their place as part of a powerful journey. It offers
hope that one’s own journey might have just such a beautiful thread of purpose
and impact.
The breadth of experience, the humility with which it is written, the
candor, the longing for insight, the honoring of the history and casting a vision
for the future – all of these make for a book well worth reading for all who care
about the past, present or future of the General Church.
Information: Order this book at NewChristianResources.org
Contacts: Rev. Frank Rose – [email protected]
Bronwen Henry – [email protected]
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