"Christians belong in churches—the only places where we can thrive and grow spiritually. In Why Church Matters, Joshua Harris makes ... read full description
reviews
Feb 13, 2012
Jeremy
rated it: 
Why Church Matters: Discovering Your Place in the Family of God
by Joshua Harris
Do you go to church? Yes? Okay, why?
This book helps you answer that question. It is aimed to help restore your vision for what the church is all about and what your role is in relation to a real and tangible local church – you know “the church down the street” (the phrase he uses for the local church that you attend).
Joshua Harris first gained notoriety in the Evangelical world for h More...
by Joshua Harris
Do you go to church? Yes? Okay, why?
This book helps you answer that question. It is aimed to help restore your vision for what the church is all about and what your role is in relation to a real and tangible local church – you know “the church down the street” (the phrase he uses for the local church that you attend).
Joshua Harris first gained notoriety in the Evangelical world for h More...
Feb 12, 2012
Kevin
rated it:
This small book is a very important book. It just might need to become the one small book you hand to anyone or any family who walks into your church and says, "I'm looking for a church home." It needs to be the one book you hand to someone who says "I don't really need to belong to a church; I can just show up when I can."
Joshua Harris writes in a homely and winsome style. As you're reading, you think to yourself, "This is good stuff. Why haven't I heard this More...
Joshua Harris writes in a homely and winsome style. As you're reading, you think to yourself, "This is good stuff. Why haven't I heard this More...
Feb 10, 2012
Robert
rated it: 
Homo Homini Lupus
http://manisawolftomen.blogspot.com/
Its called Why Church Matters; but it hardly matters. I'm sorry WaterBrook Multnomah, but I couldn't finish this one. I almost put it down after the first three pages, but I did power through about three quarters before I just could not take it anymore.
I was an atheist for nearly 7 years before Christ came for me, and had I read this book in that period I would have avoided the church like it were a leper. More...
http://manisawolftomen.blogspot.com/
Its called Why Church Matters; but it hardly matters. I'm sorry WaterBrook Multnomah, but I couldn't finish this one. I almost put it down after the first three pages, but I did power through about three quarters before I just could not take it anymore.
I was an atheist for nearly 7 years before Christ came for me, and had I read this book in that period I would have avoided the church like it were a leper. More...
Dec 13, 2011
Coyle
rated it: 
This book by Joshua Harris (formerly titled Stop Dating the Church!: Fall in Love with the Family of God) is a little primer on, appropriately, why church matters.
To that end, a few observations:
1) this book is only written for Christians. Of course non-Christians are welcome to attend church on Sunday mornings, even encouraged to do so. But there is no obligation on someone who does not self-identify as a Christian to join a local church.
2) if you are a Christian and are More...
To that end, a few observations:
1) this book is only written for Christians. Of course non-Christians are welcome to attend church on Sunday mornings, even encouraged to do so. But there is no obligation on someone who does not self-identify as a Christian to join a local church.
2) if you are a Christian and are More...
Aug 21, 2011
Joseph
rated it:
What an excellent book!
Joshua Harris loves the church, but it is not a love that blinds him from all of the warts and stains the church has. He looks at the church with an honest view but he still understands the Biblical truth regarding God's people and he clings to that truth tenaciously.
Each chapter in this book is tightly and well-written and rich with theology and Biblical exposition. Yet each chapter can be easily understood and applied by anyone. No higher degrees More...
Joshua Harris loves the church, but it is not a love that blinds him from all of the warts and stains the church has. He looks at the church with an honest view but he still understands the Biblical truth regarding God's people and he clings to that truth tenaciously.
Each chapter in this book is tightly and well-written and rich with theology and Biblical exposition. Yet each chapter can be easily understood and applied by anyone. No higher degrees More...
Aug 30, 2011
Debi
rated it:
Short and sweet, this book cuts through to the heart of the matter - why being a part of a local church (not just the Universal church) is important in the life of the Christian. The author points out several reasons why being part of a local church is important, including because of the importance that God placed on the church and our need for other believers in living out the Christian life. We are not meant to live this life as Christ-followers on our own but as part of a greater community.
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Aug 30, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
Joshua Harris wants you to “discover your place in the family of God.” Previously published as “Stop Dating the Church!” this book discusses why committing to a local church is important, giving Biblical scripture as support. He looks at the misconceptions people have about church and even discusses the idea of people having been “hurt” by the church. Why are there so many denominations? Why don’t church members act like true Christians? What is the true role of the church? Harris then expl
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Dec 28, 2011
Matt
rated it:
Why Church Matters is a relatively quick read, consisting of only seven chapters and a section for discussion questions. I thought Harris could've elaborated in great detail on the topic, as this seemed a very basic (but accurate) overview of why Christians need to be involved in their local congregation. He covers some very important requirements, like doctrinal accuracy and clarity, but didn't explore the issues and obstacles in depth like I would have preferred.
Harris makes good poi More...
Harris makes good poi More...
Sep 12, 2011
Was the recipient of this book in a Goodreads.com book giveaway. Will post review once received. Thank you!!
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