The Vitality of Christian Community: Find This Book and Read It! (Part 10)

By Michael C. Mack

 

The Relational Way: From Small Group Structures to Holistic Life Connections
M. Scott Boren
Houston: TOUCH Publications, 2007

The model of the church today stands in stark contrast to the church of the New Testament. In this book, Scott Boren calls for a new restoration””a restoration of the “relational way” that is at the very heart of God and his design for his church. The ideas Boren proposes are revolutionary within our culture; indeed, they are counter-cultural, which is exactly what he intends and proposes in this book.

If you are not directly involved in small groups, don”t let the subtitle of this book fool you. While Boren does share specific ideas for small group leaders and directors, this book”s real value is in Boren”s focus on the vitality of Christian community, whether in small groups or any other form, especially in the midst of this highly individualistic, consumeristic culture in which we live.

I have been an avid reader of books on community, small groups, church growth, discipleship, and leadership for many years. It would not be an overstatement to say this is the most provocative, visionary, thought-provoking book I”ve read. I believe every leader involved in any kind of church ministry should read it.

The book identifies 10 assumptions we as church leaders often make as we start or build our ministries. Boren categorizes these as “structural myths” that have quietly crept into how we think and act. In the ministries I”ve led, I have either believed these myths or, even if I knew them not necessarily to be true, I organized ministry according to them. As I read Boren”s book, I knew I should have known better, but as Boren says, they have become such a subtle part of our “operational system” that until we read a book like this, we assume them to be true. Boren then provides a relational truth in opposition to each structural myth.

I really like how Boren presents each chapter. He begins with Scripture, presenting strong, sound theology to the relational truth. Then in the rest of the chapter, he provides practical application in accordance with those theological truths. The way Boren has organized this book helped me to listen to God speak on each subject first, and then consider how I might apply these truths in my situation. This book has stimulated my imagination, and I”m hoping it will do the same for other leaders as well. It is sure to begin a dialogue that could be transformational for God”s church.

 

Michael C. Mack is author of Small Group Vital Signs (TOUCH Publications, www.touchusa.org) and many other small group books and studies, including I”m a Leader . . . Now What? available from Standard Publishing (www.standardpub.com). His column for small group leaders, “Group Think,” appears monthly in CHRISTIAN STANDARD.