A new book that is generating a lot of buzz is Jim Belcher’s Deep Church: A Third Way Between Emerging and Traditional (IVP, 2009). Surprisingly, this is a book I really want to read. I say “surprisingly” because, as a general rule, I am totally uninterested in reading yet another book about the over-hyped emerging church movement. Been there, read that, and now ready to move on. But those of you who know me know that I’m very sympathetic to attempts to retrieve the best of the “Great Tradition” of conciliar catholicity for the sake of evangelical (particularly Baptist) renewal. And it turns out that Jim Belcher, though a Presbyterian, is also singing that tune.
Because of teaching and writing responsibilities (and readings related to them), I have not yet read Deep Church. But I’ve enjoyed reading several thoughtful reviews of Belcher’s book by a number of bloggers. Confession time: it’s pretty rare that a blog-review interests me in reading a book, but this time I’m sold. I hope to pick it up and read it before the end of the fall semester. Since I haven’t read the book, I can’t formally recommend it. But I can share my interest, knowing that perhaps many of you might also be interested in Deep Church.
Check out the reviews by Trevin Wax, Michael Spencer, and especially Kevin DeYoung. And if they peak your interest (as they have mine), read Deep Church and let me know what you think about it.
I look forward to reading your review.
But let’s all take a deep breath and pause before we think that we can find recipes or guarantees for a “deep church.”
From my experience and observation, the only way to have a deep church is by being close to Christ and to allow that to permeate and drive all of the ministries and emphases.
That usually means suffering, sacrifice, service, prayer, and commitment.
I am looking forward to your review.
Louis
Comment by Louis — October 5, 2009 @ 5:17 pm