Book Review
In Dying We Are Born: The Challenge and the Hope for Congregations
Peter Bush (Alban Institute, 2007)
by Jeanne Radak
Associate Executive for Congregational Ministry
Presbytery of Philadelphia
March 14, 2008
A few weeks ago, a book found its way to my office mailbox. I did not know where it came from or why it was in my box. I pulled it out and stuck it in my rolling brief case. On my way to a conference in Texas, as I rummaged through my briefcase for something to read, I pulled out the mystery book and buried my nose into it in order to block out the crying baby a few seats away.
In Dying We are Born: The Challenge and the Hope for Congregations, by Peter Bash and published by Alban Institute is a must read for all pastors, staff and church leaders. The question that begins the book is, "Does a congregation have to die in order to live?" Do we truly understand the resurrection if we cling to a congregation life that does not reflect the ministry of Jesus Christ and the love of God?
Congregations continue with ministries and programs that squash away the energy instead of creating it. They cling to these programs and ministries for various reasons such as: tradition, history, denial, identity and lack of knowing what else to do. They hang onto them until there is nothing left except a memory. Many people know that something needs to be different but cannot articulate what "different" should look like. Others lament that past is gone and struggles and fights to try to recover that it.
Resurrection only comes after death. In Dying We are Born, leads the reader through a well thought out Biblical and Theological discussion and reflection on the need to let go and let God be in control. He avoids the shallowness of trite phrases and backs up his "let go" with substantial discussion on the life of a dying congregation. This is not a book for just congregations near the end of their ministry, but for all church leaders who are willing to go above and beyond maintaining the status quo and truly want to live as resurrected people.
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