Book Review: Why Bother With Church by Sam Allberry

Have you ever heard someone say, "I love Jesus, but not the church?" What about "I am a Christian and I don't attend church?" Some people have different ideas about the church including some Christians. Some look to the church as a building full of oppressive people who are hypocrites. Christians who read the Bible know the church is more than that.

In the series, "Questions Christians Ask," Sam Allberry deals with the issues Christians have with the church in his latest books, Why Bother With Church? Allberry begins with what is the church. He uses the Bible to support what the church should be. One thing he does mention is the church is not perfect because it is full of people who are sinners yet saved by grace.

He continues to share why Christians need the church which is not just getting money to pay the staff. The church is for the building up of the body of Christ and fellowship. The church is also to minister to one another and the community. Allberry talks about how the church is run. The leadership of the church should consist of a plurality of elders to meet the spiritual needs of the church while the deacons deal with the physical needs of the church.

Allberry addresses an issue that is controversial especially in American churches which is a can a small group be viewed as a church. While small groups are great for fellowship and building one another up, they should never take the place of the church. He closes the book on how a Christian can be a good church member. One of those ways is being involved which is more than sitting in a pew on Sunday morning. There is also prayer, submitting to the elders as they follow Christ, and serving.

This is a simple book on what the church is and what it should be. Christians and non-Christians who have questions about the church will benefit from this book.

Thanks Good Book Company for letting me review this book.