Very easy read, but a very good read. I could not put it down, as much of the advice in this book is an extension of most of the reading material I've been led to read of late.

This book is worthy of five stars when Mr. Frazee finds time to add one or two chapters on Suffering. Because when a church becomes countercultural, there will be those who take advantage of it. Mr. Frazee keyed on Jesus' foundational teaching of "Love God . . . Love your neighbor as yourself." Not all in the church will "sign up" and fully participate. Mr. Frazee needs to give us warning - just as the apostles have in their epistles - that even those in the church will persecute their fellow Christians. Turning the other cheek, walking the extra mile, giving in when it isn't fair is not always reciprical in the Christian community. Even though it should be. And we need practical advice on how to react when fellow Christians are not being Christ.

And this persecution will not just come from within, but without the church as well. Not all the principalities and powers, both spiritual and non-spiritual, will like what we're doing when we're building common purpose, common place and common possessions in such a counter-cultural way. Again, how do we react to such situations?

Some dissappointments: the lack of quality quotations from our church's past. This breakdown in the church is not just a late 20th century phenomenom. It's happened before. Looking deeper into our church history can help us "discover" how our forebearers "fixed" these problems, and what methods we can use today.

A small request is to eliminate Mr. Frazee's numerical growth goals for his church. Although I appreciate the need to strategize for church growth, and it is good to have goals, it may be better to keep these goals internal to his church. We must never be pictured as simply number crunchers. Mr. Frazee admitted his addiction to the ABC's of church management and growth early in the book (attendence, buildings, cash). But we should be quite content in allowing God to "add to the church daily those who would be saved."

The important offering this book makes to the Church in this day, I think, is how it recaptures the idea of Biblical community (which of course, fleshes itself out as sharing a common vision, common values, a common place...etc...). It speaks of "connecting" to each other, connecting to God...

I will be intrigued to see how Frazee's vision (no doubt God-inspired) fleshes itself out in other locales, as other leaders begin implementing like ideas. Even if you can't lead your congregation to do the things he suggests (going to a small group structure, etc.) there are still some valuable concepts you can take that will show you how to connect better with those around you at your church, your work, and in your home.

Face it, we're lonely people. And we need each other. This book is important in that it takes an honest look at that... the lost art of belonging...

Many will be attracted by the premise of this book: the loss of community and its recovery.

Frazee and his church have made significant research and effort into exploring the topic and beginning its recovery. The main culprits that have allowed community to be eroded out of the American scene are individualism, consumerism and isolationism/independence.

The solution they discovered from among "community" doers exhibited a given set of characteristics (fifteen in all) which can be organized into three central foci: common purpose, common possessions and common place.

The stickler here is that this necessitates being countercultural.

Frazee outlines one way how this idea of Christian community could be played out in a congregational setting. He must be credited with not being dogmatic about his ideas or thoughts on implementation, e.g. "I openly confess that this is not an all-or-nothing proposition. ... In my estimation, the application of any of the characteristics of community will dynamically enhance the life of your congregation." This is exceedingly well said and is the premium reading this book provides.

A Biblical study of NT fellowship and unity, i.e. koinonia will garner much more emphasis around the God given means of grace, Word and Sacraments. As this is where the Lord is to call, nourish and lead His people, this should be far more the emphasis than programmatic organizational schemes. For this to happen as the Good Shepherd proclaims, He gives the church "the called and ordained servants of the Word" which Frazee downplays severly (pg. 233).

Christ's body should rejoice as this reader for this fine work which addresses many of the inherent faults with church growth up till now. His diagnosis of the need for more common creed, etc. are commendable. Get's one truly thinking about what should be at the core of "church," i.e. community.

I concur with the first reviewer. The lack of true spirituality and presence of God within the church, especially since the move, is very disturbing. The exodus of long time and commited members is impressive.
The book is okay, but you have to consider its' source first.

And there is no agenda here, I am just a simple man that has been there and seen.

Before implementing the ideas presented by this author in this and in his new book, readers would be wise to check out the depth of spirituality and commitment currently in existence at Pantego Bible Church.

Contrary to the reader above (who stated that the church which the author pastors, wasn't spiritual, etc.), who certainly has his own biased agenda, Pantego Bible Church is a very dynamic and mature church. In addition, the Pastoral staff has an amazing heart for the Lord and His people. I suggest you read "The Connecting Church" by Frazee to see how on fire this church is! Their emphasis on spiritual formation and community is transforming lives and impacting neighborhoods. This book is great to learn principles for change, revitalization, and other leadership issues. I have seen first hand how Pantego Bible Church has been used by Jesus Christ for His Kingdom!