Description:
For the fifteenth anniversary of its publication, this revised edition features a new introduction from the author on the state of the church and its "radical welcome" today, along with new reflections on how it continues to reshape the church.
This book is at once a theological, inspirational, and practical guide for congregations that want to move beyond diversity and inclusion to present a vision for the church of the future: one where the gifts, voices, and power of marginalized groups bring new life to the mainline church. Based on two years of work and over 200 interviews with people in congregations all around the United States--in urban, suburban, and rural settings--it asks the question: How do we face our fears and welcome transformation in order to become God's radically welcoming people?
Each chapter introduces a particular congregation and the challenges it faced, and lays out the theological underpinnings of tackling fears head-on to embrace change as a welcome part of community life. This new edition features essays from Michael B. Curry, Mark Bozzuti-Jones, Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, and Mark Richardson.
Brief description:
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry is the Episcopal Church's 27th Presiding Bishop. He was the Bishop of North Carolina from 2000 to 2015. Bishop Curry has a national preaching and teaching ministry and is a regular on TV and radio and a frequent speaker at conferences around the country. His books include Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus; Following the Way of Jesus: Church's Teachings for a Changing World; and Love Is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times.
Review Quotes:
Praise from the first edition:
"More than a primer, more than a handbook, Spellers offers us a thoughtful, in-depth look at what 'radical welcome' really entails--discernment, openness and willingness to change, along with intentional "holy boldness." A must-read for any who dare entertain the idea of authentic Christian inclusivity."
--The Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris, Bishop Suffragan (Ret.), Diocese of Massachusetts
"This a book about renewal. About growth. About intelligent change. I believe that any person who cares for authentic ministry in open and affirming ways will find a home in radical welcome. This is a resource many of us have been waiting for. It is a message whose time has come."
--The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, Dean and President, Episcopal Divinity School Bishop of Alaska (Ret.)