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Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community
Does your church make you uncomfortable?
It's easy to dream about the "perfect" church--a church that sings just the right songs set to just the right music before the pastor preaches just the right sermon to a room filled with just the right mix of people who happen to agree with you on just about everything.
Chances are your church doesn't quite look like that. But what if instead of searching for a church that makes us comfortable, we learned to love our church, even when it's challenging? What if some of the discomfort that we often experience is actually good for us?
This book is a call to embrace the uncomfortable aspects of Christian community, whether that means believing difficult truths, pursuing difficult holiness, or loving difficult people--all for the sake of the gospel, God's glory, and our joy.
It's easy to dream about the "perfect" church--a church that sings just the right songs set to just the right music before the pastor preaches just the right sermon to a room filled with just the right mix of people who happen to agree with you on just about everything.
Chances are your church doesn't quite look like that. But what if instead of searching for a church that makes us comfortable, we learned to love our church, even when it's challenging? What if some of the discomfort that we often experience is actually good for us?
This book is a call to embrace the uncomfortable aspects of Christian community, whether that means believing difficult truths, pursuing difficult holiness, or loving difficult people--all for the sake of the gospel, God's glory, and our joy.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2018
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January 5, 2019
This book covers some important concepts. McCracken addresses the consumerist mindset with which modern evangelicals often approach the Church. He proposes a different mentality in which we commit to a particular local church body because we know we need it, not simply because it matches all of our personal preferences and tastes. I agree with him that the consumerist mindset is a problem (13 years ministering in a very small church makes that abundantly clear) but I was not entirely comfortable with the tone he takes at times. He fails to recognize that many of us who "grew up Christian" (seemingly his primary audience) have drifted to the sidelines not just because of laziness or snobbishness, but because of deep wounding. We were not equipped with a solid enough theological understanding to withstand the abuses and failures of those in leadership. Our understanding of God’s character is not big enough to see past the fray. I know many people who love God, yet struggle to invest or commit to a local body because they are deeply afraid. They've been manipulated, dismissed, misunderstood, misrepresented, used, abused or in some other way hurt by the very entity that is supposed to shepherd and care for them. The PTSD is real and they do not trust those in leadership over churches and often for good reason. This is a complex and pervasive problem. I wish Brett had acknowledged that we need to learn to distinguish between idealist-consumerism and woundedness and at least pointed out that they must be handled very, very differently, even if that was not the intended audience for this book.
We must keep faith that one day Christ will present the Church to himself spotless and flawless because he will, despite our best efforts. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
We must keep faith that one day Christ will present the Church to himself spotless and flawless because he will, despite our best efforts. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
October 6, 2017
First sentence of the introduction: If you could dream up the perfect church, what would it look like?
First sentence of chapter one: There was at least a four-year gap between when I prayed to ask Jesus to be my Savior, and when I publicly confessed him as such in my church and asked to be baptized. That’s how much of an introvert I am.
Premise/plot: To sum it up simply, the premise of this one is that church is not about you and what you want; it is not about your comfort level. (It's not about any one person's wants.) Church is NOT a product to be consumed--packaged, repackaged. From the introduction, "Church shouldn’t be about being perfectly understood and met in our comfort zone; it should be about understanding God more, and meeting him where he is." McCracken continues in chapter one, "We grow most when we are outside of our comfort zones. We are more effective when we are on the edge of risk. We hold beliefs more dear and pursue goals more passionately when they are accompanied by a cost."
The first part is "Uncomfortable Faith." It consists of seven chapters: "Embrace the Discomfort," "The Uncomfortable Cross," "Uncomfortable Holiness," "Uncomfortable Truths," "Uncomfortable Love," "Uncomfortable Comforter," and "Uncomfortable Mission." The second part is "Uncomfortable Church." It consists of seven chapters: "Uncomfortable People," "Uncomfortable Diversity," "Uncomfortable Worship," "Uncomfortable Authority," "Uncomfortable Unity," "Uncomfortable Commitment," and "Countercultural Comfort." My favorite chapters were "Uncomfortable Holiness" and "Uncomfortable Love."
My thoughts: I loved this book. I think the book is definitely needed. I think the concept of church is radically misunderstood by believers and unbelievers. I think there have been several generations--at least--that have grown up believing that church was ALL about them: what they wanted, what they liked, what felt right to them. A culture had developed where it's perfectly normal to church hop your entire life and never commit to any one church for any serious length of time. I think the book is thought-provoking and rich in insight. I know those phrases can be so overused that they become meaningless. But I will give you examples to back up my claims.
Consider this paragraph from the introduction:
I do not want to imagine a fickle God. Do you? God is faithful, good, true, gracious, and merciful. We are not. We are fickle and restless, discontent with everything, unthankful. We take God for granted. And take the church for granted too. The idea that church membership is like a covenant is a foreign concept. Though the Bible tells us in Old Testament and New that the church is God's bride--the imagery of marriage is consistent in both Testaments--we are content ignoring that for the most part. We are content giving God a little of ourselves when God demands the whole heart. We are uncomfortable with that.
The gospel McCracken clings to--the gospel he advocates preaching and believing--is an offensive one. He calls out those who would compromise the gospel to make it more palatable, less offensive, more welcoming to anyone and everyone. The church's health--your health, my health, our health--depend on the church believing, preaching, teaching, proclaiming the truth of the gospel, the truth as revealed in the Word of God, resting confidently in the authority of Scripture. There is no spiritual health when the church separates itself from the God of Truth. The whole heart, the whole mind, the whole soul--that is what the body of Christ is called to give God.
The Bible can dose out uncomfortable medicine. It is our job to accept that uncomfortable-ness as being for our own good, and exactly what we need in order to become who we're meant to be as God's children. I'll close with this statement from the introduction: "What we think we want from a church is almost never what we need."
First sentence of chapter one: There was at least a four-year gap between when I prayed to ask Jesus to be my Savior, and when I publicly confessed him as such in my church and asked to be baptized. That’s how much of an introvert I am.
Premise/plot: To sum it up simply, the premise of this one is that church is not about you and what you want; it is not about your comfort level. (It's not about any one person's wants.) Church is NOT a product to be consumed--packaged, repackaged. From the introduction, "Church shouldn’t be about being perfectly understood and met in our comfort zone; it should be about understanding God more, and meeting him where he is." McCracken continues in chapter one, "We grow most when we are outside of our comfort zones. We are more effective when we are on the edge of risk. We hold beliefs more dear and pursue goals more passionately when they are accompanied by a cost."
The first part is "Uncomfortable Faith." It consists of seven chapters: "Embrace the Discomfort," "The Uncomfortable Cross," "Uncomfortable Holiness," "Uncomfortable Truths," "Uncomfortable Love," "Uncomfortable Comforter," and "Uncomfortable Mission." The second part is "Uncomfortable Church." It consists of seven chapters: "Uncomfortable People," "Uncomfortable Diversity," "Uncomfortable Worship," "Uncomfortable Authority," "Uncomfortable Unity," "Uncomfortable Commitment," and "Countercultural Comfort." My favorite chapters were "Uncomfortable Holiness" and "Uncomfortable Love."
My thoughts: I loved this book. I think the book is definitely needed. I think the concept of church is radically misunderstood by believers and unbelievers. I think there have been several generations--at least--that have grown up believing that church was ALL about them: what they wanted, what they liked, what felt right to them. A culture had developed where it's perfectly normal to church hop your entire life and never commit to any one church for any serious length of time. I think the book is thought-provoking and rich in insight. I know those phrases can be so overused that they become meaningless. But I will give you examples to back up my claims.
Consider this paragraph from the introduction:
Commitment even amidst discomfort, faithfulness even amidst disappointment: this is what being the people of God has always been about. Imagine if God were as fickle and restless as we are. But he isn’t. God’s covenant faithfulness to his people, even when the relationship is difficult and embarrassing, should be instructive to us. A healthy relationship with the local church is like a healthy marriage: it only works when grounded in selfless commitment and a nonconsumerist covenant.
I do not want to imagine a fickle God. Do you? God is faithful, good, true, gracious, and merciful. We are not. We are fickle and restless, discontent with everything, unthankful. We take God for granted. And take the church for granted too. The idea that church membership is like a covenant is a foreign concept. Though the Bible tells us in Old Testament and New that the church is God's bride--the imagery of marriage is consistent in both Testaments--we are content ignoring that for the most part. We are content giving God a little of ourselves when God demands the whole heart. We are uncomfortable with that.
The gospel McCracken clings to--the gospel he advocates preaching and believing--is an offensive one. He calls out those who would compromise the gospel to make it more palatable, less offensive, more welcoming to anyone and everyone. The church's health--your health, my health, our health--depend on the church believing, preaching, teaching, proclaiming the truth of the gospel, the truth as revealed in the Word of God, resting confidently in the authority of Scripture. There is no spiritual health when the church separates itself from the God of Truth. The whole heart, the whole mind, the whole soul--that is what the body of Christ is called to give God.
The Bible can dose out uncomfortable medicine. It is our job to accept that uncomfortable-ness as being for our own good, and exactly what we need in order to become who we're meant to be as God's children. I'll close with this statement from the introduction: "What we think we want from a church is almost never what we need."
September 18, 2017
**I received this book for free from the publisher through Netgalley. My review and opinions are my own.**
Uncomfortable. Awkward. These are words that can be - and often are - used to describe church and Christians. We want to avoid awkwardness and be where we are comfortable, so we should look for a church that makes us comfortable, right?
Brett McCracken says no, being uncomfortable is good for us. In fact, he starts off the book with the idea that we should find the closest non-heretical church that preaches the Bible and commit to that church, regardless of whether or not we "fit" there.
As someone who has often felt like the square peg in the round hole at church - for example, I'm a Calvinist who attended a church in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition for many years - I found this book to be extremely helpful. Looking at the discomfort of not quite fitting in as an opportunity for spiritual growth gave me a new sense of how we are all called to be the body of Christ, each with different gifts and weaknesses.
The only place where the book falls is the chapter called "Uncomfortable Spirit." I believe the point of the chapter is that the Spirit sometimes manifests himself in ways that are uncomfortable for us, which is true. However, the chapter reads as a defense of charismatic Christianity. I have nothing against charismatics; the chapter simply didn't fit the book.
I would highly recommend this book to any Christian, especially anyone who feels like they never fit in at church.
Uncomfortable. Awkward. These are words that can be - and often are - used to describe church and Christians. We want to avoid awkwardness and be where we are comfortable, so we should look for a church that makes us comfortable, right?
Brett McCracken says no, being uncomfortable is good for us. In fact, he starts off the book with the idea that we should find the closest non-heretical church that preaches the Bible and commit to that church, regardless of whether or not we "fit" there.
As someone who has often felt like the square peg in the round hole at church - for example, I'm a Calvinist who attended a church in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition for many years - I found this book to be extremely helpful. Looking at the discomfort of not quite fitting in as an opportunity for spiritual growth gave me a new sense of how we are all called to be the body of Christ, each with different gifts and weaknesses.
The only place where the book falls is the chapter called "Uncomfortable Spirit." I believe the point of the chapter is that the Spirit sometimes manifests himself in ways that are uncomfortable for us, which is true. However, the chapter reads as a defense of charismatic Christianity. I have nothing against charismatics; the chapter simply didn't fit the book.
I would highly recommend this book to any Christian, especially anyone who feels like they never fit in at church.
April 20, 2020
audio. This book has been on my list for a while, but it was extremely timely for me. I appreciate his story, his candor and his empathy for how hard being a faithful church member is. I didn't agree with certain theological points (and there was a time this would have bothered me more than it does now), but I needed and appreciated his pointed words of truth. I'm struggling in my current church. To the point I wish I could slink out the back door and move on. McCracken reminded me of what I know but is so, so hard right now. I've made vows and until I have biblical grounds to leave (I don't), I need to endure the "uncomfortable" and serve faithfully. But in my attempt to be a faithful member, I will meet with the session.
May 30, 2019
This book is a much-needed wake-up call to Christians who have fallen into a consumerist mindset about church. In effect, McCracken reminds his readers that finding a church isn't like picking out a pair of shoes--it's not about finding the "perfect fit" or the "most comfortable" brand. It's more like a marriage--a relationship that requires commitment through the discomfort.
McCracken spends the book outlining the various elements of church that make it both uncomfortable and necessary to each Christian. He does an excellent job of picking out the aspects of church that have historically been reasons for churchgoers to leave a church. He then dissects these elements for the reader in a way that challenges the reader to examine his own motives in his search for a "perfect church."
At times, McCracken begins to get a little repetitive in the message he shares, and the ambitious number of topics he covers means that he can give only a cursory look at each element. I also noticed that he was raising a lot of questions without answering them. This left me wanting more depth and detail.
However, it seems like this birds-eye view of the issue is the very purpose of the book. It's not meant to answer every question but, instead, to wake people up to their own unhealthy view of the church. It's meant to encourage them to dig deeper into what it really means to be a part of the body of Christ. And, for some readers, maybe it will take a bit of repetition to hammer this crucial message home.
McCracken spends the book outlining the various elements of church that make it both uncomfortable and necessary to each Christian. He does an excellent job of picking out the aspects of church that have historically been reasons for churchgoers to leave a church. He then dissects these elements for the reader in a way that challenges the reader to examine his own motives in his search for a "perfect church."
At times, McCracken begins to get a little repetitive in the message he shares, and the ambitious number of topics he covers means that he can give only a cursory look at each element. I also noticed that he was raising a lot of questions without answering them. This left me wanting more depth and detail.
However, it seems like this birds-eye view of the issue is the very purpose of the book. It's not meant to answer every question but, instead, to wake people up to their own unhealthy view of the church. It's meant to encourage them to dig deeper into what it really means to be a part of the body of Christ. And, for some readers, maybe it will take a bit of repetition to hammer this crucial message home.
March 31, 2024
Insightful.
“The Christian life is not a call to be true to yourself. It’s a call to deny yourself, or at least to deny those parts of yourself that are incompatible with the human type we should all aspire to imitate: Jesus Christ.”
Because as christians, we already have a new identity (a child of God) therefore we are being more authentic when we do what is right in spite of what we feel.
I sometimes would not attend service and refuse to fellowship with God's people because I didn't want to be hypocritical by contradicting what i really feel inside. But I realised with the help of this book, what real aunthenticity is —that is doing things in accordance to your identity and not to your feelings. Yes it is indeed uncomfortable, but in enduring the discomfort we are glorifying God.
“The Christian life is not a call to be true to yourself. It’s a call to deny yourself, or at least to deny those parts of yourself that are incompatible with the human type we should all aspire to imitate: Jesus Christ.”
Because as christians, we already have a new identity (a child of God) therefore we are being more authentic when we do what is right in spite of what we feel.
I sometimes would not attend service and refuse to fellowship with God's people because I didn't want to be hypocritical by contradicting what i really feel inside. But I realised with the help of this book, what real aunthenticity is —that is doing things in accordance to your identity and not to your feelings. Yes it is indeed uncomfortable, but in enduring the discomfort we are glorifying God.
September 15, 2017
I needed this book.
I pastor a small, quasi-traditional church in a very hip, cutting-edge, affluent community. One might say that we are a bit awkward and quiet insignificant, in the grand scheme of things, but we are doing our very best to worship together, grow together, and serve together in genuine, relational community.
Even as I disagreed with various minor sub-points, I found every chapter both challenging and encouraging.
What a timely book. It needed to be written.
I pastor a small, quasi-traditional church in a very hip, cutting-edge, affluent community. One might say that we are a bit awkward and quiet insignificant, in the grand scheme of things, but we are doing our very best to worship together, grow together, and serve together in genuine, relational community.
Even as I disagreed with various minor sub-points, I found every chapter both challenging and encouraging.
What a timely book. It needed to be written.
June 29, 2024
One of my most important reads of the year. I attend what many would call an overtly homogeneous church. It's comfortable. As such I felt that I really benefited from reading the discussions in this book.
I also really appreciated the chapter discussing cessationism vs continuationism. Reform vs revival. It was a powerful chapter for me.
A confession....I attend a cessationist, deeply Word-driven chapel but I lean a tiny bit more on the continuationist Spirit-led side than my church family does. As such, I have often felt a bit out of place. This chapter affirmed to me what I believe to be true, that a balance of both Word and Spirit are important.
I also really appreciated the chapter discussing cessationism vs continuationism. Reform vs revival. It was a powerful chapter for me.
A confession....I attend a cessationist, deeply Word-driven chapel but I lean a tiny bit more on the continuationist Spirit-led side than my church family does. As such, I have often felt a bit out of place. This chapter affirmed to me what I believe to be true, that a balance of both Word and Spirit are important.
November 4, 2022
McCracken is Reformed and has a few other quirks, but I like his book. Big Fan.
March 11, 2019
McCracken has given us an important call to the uncomfortable things of Christianity and the church. The things that are actually good for is and serve to transform us. While you might disagree on a few areas, I didn't, they is so much valuble insight here for our day.
December 26, 2019
Powerful book. Cannot recommend you read this book enough. Many underlines in my copy. Now on to applying what I’ve been taught.
May 18, 2018
Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community by Brett McCracken is a book dealing with the consumer culture within Christianity. In particular, it focuses on the way we all want things that are comfortable. This affects the way we choose our churches, whether it’s based on kids programs, easy-going relationships, comfortable preaching, great lattes or cool worship.
Brett McCracken questions whether such an I-centred should be an emphasis in the Christian life. In other words, it asks to what extent does our culture influence our Christian life and that of the church. This is a great question to ask. The church as a whole has ignored how the culture has shaped its understanding of comfort in a pursuit of relevance and attractiveness. Uncomfortable is a timely re-examination.
Uncomfortable isn’t afraid to tackle issues like church shopping. This is refreshing in a culture which is interested in personal preferences and ‘what’s in it for me.’ We need this because it is too easy to leave a church when it no longer feeds or fits us.
Pastors need this book because it is tempting to shape our church around the needs and preferences of millennials and seek continued numerical growth. McCracken’s book shows why contemporary services, hip amenities, and Hillsong-esque worship isn’t enough capture a vision of the church as family and its place within society.
Uncomfortable is broader than I anticipated. It consists of 2 parts. Part 1 looks at the uncomfortable nature of the Christian faith. One of the author’s guiding principles is ‘When the Christian church is comfortable and cultural, she tends to be weak. When she is uncomfortable and countercultural she tends to be strong.’ McCracken notes we are tempted to make Christianity ‘cool’ instead of embracing the discomfort of the cross and foundational tenants of the faith. He argues that by embracing cool, we blend in and embrace blandness.
Part 2 of Uncomfortable was the stronger part of the book, and more what I anticipated. It dealt with the benefits of embracing discomfort within the local church community. He investigates issues of relationships, worship, diversity, and matters of authority and commitment.
Throughout the book Brett McCracken offers ideas on how followers of Jesus can embrace discomfort within their contexts. Not everyone will agree with his conclusions, however they do opportunity for reflection and self examination. McCracken also ties his ideas to his church ministry context which adds a refreshing touch of realism to his work, however at times his proposals could be fleshed out further by including examples from other situations.
Conclusion
Uncomfortable is a book the church needs today. It seeks to frame the ecclesial conversation around theology. Brett McCracken should be commended for this. Too long discussion of church has revolved around business models and that which is practical. Uncomfortable leads us to consider the community of God’s people by directing us to the Bible.
Overall, Uncomfortable is a book that will make you think. It will help you consider your rationale behind the church you attend. It will help you think about what is involved for Christian growth to take place. And it will allow you to see a vision of a thriving church community.
Uncomfortable is definitely worth checking out. It will make you think about what is important when it comes to church. The book will also challenge your own choices – what are aspects of your faith are based around comfort and consumption?
This review originally appeared on darryleyb.com.
Brett McCracken questions whether such an I-centred should be an emphasis in the Christian life. In other words, it asks to what extent does our culture influence our Christian life and that of the church. This is a great question to ask. The church as a whole has ignored how the culture has shaped its understanding of comfort in a pursuit of relevance and attractiveness. Uncomfortable is a timely re-examination.
Uncomfortable isn’t afraid to tackle issues like church shopping. This is refreshing in a culture which is interested in personal preferences and ‘what’s in it for me.’ We need this because it is too easy to leave a church when it no longer feeds or fits us.
Pastors need this book because it is tempting to shape our church around the needs and preferences of millennials and seek continued numerical growth. McCracken’s book shows why contemporary services, hip amenities, and Hillsong-esque worship isn’t enough capture a vision of the church as family and its place within society.
Uncomfortable is broader than I anticipated. It consists of 2 parts. Part 1 looks at the uncomfortable nature of the Christian faith. One of the author’s guiding principles is ‘When the Christian church is comfortable and cultural, she tends to be weak. When she is uncomfortable and countercultural she tends to be strong.’ McCracken notes we are tempted to make Christianity ‘cool’ instead of embracing the discomfort of the cross and foundational tenants of the faith. He argues that by embracing cool, we blend in and embrace blandness.
Part 2 of Uncomfortable was the stronger part of the book, and more what I anticipated. It dealt with the benefits of embracing discomfort within the local church community. He investigates issues of relationships, worship, diversity, and matters of authority and commitment.
Throughout the book Brett McCracken offers ideas on how followers of Jesus can embrace discomfort within their contexts. Not everyone will agree with his conclusions, however they do opportunity for reflection and self examination. McCracken also ties his ideas to his church ministry context which adds a refreshing touch of realism to his work, however at times his proposals could be fleshed out further by including examples from other situations.
Conclusion
Uncomfortable is a book the church needs today. It seeks to frame the ecclesial conversation around theology. Brett McCracken should be commended for this. Too long discussion of church has revolved around business models and that which is practical. Uncomfortable leads us to consider the community of God’s people by directing us to the Bible.
Overall, Uncomfortable is a book that will make you think. It will help you consider your rationale behind the church you attend. It will help you think about what is involved for Christian growth to take place. And it will allow you to see a vision of a thriving church community.
Uncomfortable is definitely worth checking out. It will make you think about what is important when it comes to church. The book will also challenge your own choices – what are aspects of your faith are based around comfort and consumption?
This review originally appeared on darryleyb.com.
January 17, 2023
Totally recommend. I didn’t necessarily agree with everything he argued, but I love his motives and heart behind embracing discomfort. This book made me uncomfortable in the best way.
“Until we recognize the beautiful myriad of diversity that can and should comprise the ‘we’ pronouns of our church, our ‘we’ will mostly be a narrow and narcissistic extension of ‘me.’ Church made in my image, with people who look and talk and worship like me. It’s more comfortable that way for sure, but it’s less biblical.”
“Until we recognize the beautiful myriad of diversity that can and should comprise the ‘we’ pronouns of our church, our ‘we’ will mostly be a narrow and narcissistic extension of ‘me.’ Church made in my image, with people who look and talk and worship like me. It’s more comfortable that way for sure, but it’s less biblical.”
July 29, 2019
Helpful, challenging and relevant book seeking to unpack the biblical mandate for participation in Christian community. Especially appreciated the way he addressed the specific challenges of this in our current culture. At times he feels a little overly critical of the Church, especially in his lists of small critiques, but I think these are usually done as much to help connect with a wide audience as they are to criticize the church. All in all I highly recommend!
January 7, 2018
Reading this book was like swinging on a pendulum. What I liked about this book I really liked. Same thing goes for what I disliked.
So let me begin with the positives:
-McCracken's repeated calls for the church to be countercultural. To borrow some of McCracken's language, we need churches that are more concerned with being gospel-sensitive than seeker-sensitive. Indeed, true Christianity is not all that comfortable. We worship a Savior who was humiliated on a cross, we are called to holiness that makes us stick out in a very wicked world, we are supposed to love others in ways that are demanding and inconvenient, and much more.
-McCracken's repeated calls to view the church from the lens of covenant-keeping, not consumerism. Here's an attitude that is missing more than almost any other in contemporary Christianity. For one thing, there are a number of commitment-phobes within the church. There are people who regularly attend but will not take the next step of becoming a member. And on the flip side, there are people who are members of a local church but see no necessity in their regular attendance and involvement. Coupled with this commitment phobia is consumerism, something McCracken quite excellently describes as "chronic dissatisfaction." People flit from one church to another according to what suits their desires and comfort. Either way you look at it, the body of Christ suffers immensely.
As for negatives:
-McCracken's failure to distinguish good and bad discomfort. This book left me under the impression that pretty much any discomfort we experience within the church is a good thing, something we ought to learn to welcome. However, this view does not sufficiently account for discomfort we may experience on matters of conscience (cf. 1 Cor. 10 and Rom. 14). I see nothing healthy or biblical about plugging oneself into a church whose practices violate the conscience.
-McCracken's views on the Holy Spirit, worship, and ecumenism. Sorry, but I just couldn't get on board with him after reading the chapters dealing with these three issues. My disagreement with him extends far beyond mere preference. My presuppositions and Scriptural understanding in these areas vary so much from what he says, that there is no reasonable way to bridge the gap unless one or both of us were to radically shift our thinking.
So let me begin with the positives:
-McCracken's repeated calls for the church to be countercultural. To borrow some of McCracken's language, we need churches that are more concerned with being gospel-sensitive than seeker-sensitive. Indeed, true Christianity is not all that comfortable. We worship a Savior who was humiliated on a cross, we are called to holiness that makes us stick out in a very wicked world, we are supposed to love others in ways that are demanding and inconvenient, and much more.
-McCracken's repeated calls to view the church from the lens of covenant-keeping, not consumerism. Here's an attitude that is missing more than almost any other in contemporary Christianity. For one thing, there are a number of commitment-phobes within the church. There are people who regularly attend but will not take the next step of becoming a member. And on the flip side, there are people who are members of a local church but see no necessity in their regular attendance and involvement. Coupled with this commitment phobia is consumerism, something McCracken quite excellently describes as "chronic dissatisfaction." People flit from one church to another according to what suits their desires and comfort. Either way you look at it, the body of Christ suffers immensely.
As for negatives:
-McCracken's failure to distinguish good and bad discomfort. This book left me under the impression that pretty much any discomfort we experience within the church is a good thing, something we ought to learn to welcome. However, this view does not sufficiently account for discomfort we may experience on matters of conscience (cf. 1 Cor. 10 and Rom. 14). I see nothing healthy or biblical about plugging oneself into a church whose practices violate the conscience.
-McCracken's views on the Holy Spirit, worship, and ecumenism. Sorry, but I just couldn't get on board with him after reading the chapters dealing with these three issues. My disagreement with him extends far beyond mere preference. My presuppositions and Scriptural understanding in these areas vary so much from what he says, that there is no reasonable way to bridge the gap unless one or both of us were to radically shift our thinking.
September 22, 2023
It takes a lot to write a book and put it out into the world for everyone to read (and potentially rip apart). I appreciate the effort, but this one totally fell flat for me.
+ : I found one tiny sliver of helpful advice wedged in one of the chapters. Yay.
- : Why do so many Christian books feel like graduate theses that have been turned into published volumes for marketplace consumption? This felt like a paper that got turned into a book. It's littered with loads of bible verses and lists (awful to slog through on audio), but there's very little in here that can be called practical advice. Ok, so Christian community is awkward and uncomfortable.. but, what do we actually *DO* about it? The one tiny sliver of advice I mentioned in the positive section was the one thing I found useful in the whole book - something I could actually translate into action. I didn't read this book to find out WHY Christian community is weird (hello, ever met any humans?), I wanted to know what to DO about it. I went into this book with an expectation of getting some answers on that... and I got a book that was somewhat about Christian community but also a lot about Christianity in general. I know the Bible is weird. I know believing in God is unpopular. I know there are uncomfortable truths in the Bible. Unfortunately, not only is this not what the book is supposed to be about, but the author tears apart theology, makes it sound absolutely awful, and then just leaves it there. Um, what?! Additionally, I couldn't really tell sometimes what was sarcasm and what was advice. This could just be an audio book issue, but only a few seconds after I listened to a snide comment could I discern that it was something the author was casting in a negative light.
I would've DNF'd this book, but it was a buddy read.
+ : I found one tiny sliver of helpful advice wedged in one of the chapters. Yay.
- : Why do so many Christian books feel like graduate theses that have been turned into published volumes for marketplace consumption? This felt like a paper that got turned into a book. It's littered with loads of bible verses and lists (awful to slog through on audio), but there's very little in here that can be called practical advice. Ok, so Christian community is awkward and uncomfortable.. but, what do we actually *DO* about it? The one tiny sliver of advice I mentioned in the positive section was the one thing I found useful in the whole book - something I could actually translate into action. I didn't read this book to find out WHY Christian community is weird (hello, ever met any humans?), I wanted to know what to DO about it. I went into this book with an expectation of getting some answers on that... and I got a book that was somewhat about Christian community but also a lot about Christianity in general. I know the Bible is weird. I know believing in God is unpopular. I know there are uncomfortable truths in the Bible. Unfortunately, not only is this not what the book is supposed to be about, but the author tears apart theology, makes it sound absolutely awful, and then just leaves it there. Um, what?! Additionally, I couldn't really tell sometimes what was sarcasm and what was advice. This could just be an audio book issue, but only a few seconds after I listened to a snide comment could I discern that it was something the author was casting in a negative light.
I would've DNF'd this book, but it was a buddy read.
April 20, 2019
A challenging book about choosing community (the church) over comfort. This was difficult to read because so many of the points were aimed at people like me who have eschewed church in recent years for the variety of reasons McCracken mentions in his book. However, I didn't perceive it as condemnatory, but as a call for Christians, like myself, to do the hard work of commitment. It was more of a challenge than a scolding.
May 8, 2021
I don't remember who recommended this book to me, or if I just stumbled upon it. And I don't want to be critical of honest efforts to improve the way the church relates to the world.
Mr. McCracken had some fine points throughout this book, but I repeatedly found that just as I was beginning to appreciate his ideas, he would say something that illuminated his true feelings about certain groups with which he does not agree.
I haven't fully explored this thought yet, but there's something off-putting about spending a great deal of one's time lecturing about the errors of a sin that will never be a temptation to the lecturer.
Mr. McCracken had some fine points throughout this book, but I repeatedly found that just as I was beginning to appreciate his ideas, he would say something that illuminated his true feelings about certain groups with which he does not agree.
I haven't fully explored this thought yet, but there's something off-putting about spending a great deal of one's time lecturing about the errors of a sin that will never be a temptation to the lecturer.
March 22, 2025
McCracken attacks a consumerism mindset towards the church in Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community.
I have to admit the first half of the book was good –but I was somewhat disappointed because it wasn't really about the church, the main reason I was reading the book— but then when I got to the second half what McCracken writes really connected with me and provided a framework for some of the truths I already knew but needed help verbalizing.
McCracken argues for humility when it comes to preferences, patience when it comes to unity, and commitment when it comes to disagreements:
HUMILITY: “But can all preferences coexist without contradiction? What happens if four drivers at a four-way stop all prefer to run through the stop sign? What if one member of a band prefers to play a song in a different key than the other band members? What if one pilot on The LAX tarmac disregards the air traffic control directions because he prefers to do his own thing? The problem with preferences is that they cannot be absolute. And they are conversation killers” (McCracken 162-163).
PATIENCE: “Interpersonal conflict has been part of the church since its earliest days. Think of the rivalry between Peter and John, or the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:36-41. There’s a reason scripture doesn't hide from these difficulties. The tension of a diverse conglomeration of people coming together in Christ's name will often be combustible, but it's also at the heart of the gospel” (McCracken 125).
COMMITMENT: “Compatibility matters when it comes to finding a spouse, as it does when finding a church. But it isn't everything. Commitment matters more than compatibility….Often the way a church challenges us or makes us uncomfortable is precisely the reason why it is good for us” (McCracken 175, 176).
McCracken speaks directly to Millennials, addressing the wrongness of our FOMO/YOLO mindsets, individualism and consumerism. Christianity is offensive and uncomfortable, he argues, and we remove its power when we pretend otherwise. “There is a reverse correlation between the comfortability of Christianity and its vibrancy. When the Christian church is comfortable and cultural, she tends to be weak. When she is uncomfortable and counter-cultural, she tends to be strong” (McCracken 34). He ends by stating, “If the church is going to thrive in the twenty-first century, she needs to be willing to demand more of her members…Comfortable Christianity is not going to change your life. It's not going to make a dent in the world” (McCracken 183, 188).
WORK CITED:
McCracken, Brett. Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community. Wheaton: Crossway, 2017. Print
I have to admit the first half of the book was good –but I was somewhat disappointed because it wasn't really about the church, the main reason I was reading the book— but then when I got to the second half what McCracken writes really connected with me and provided a framework for some of the truths I already knew but needed help verbalizing.
McCracken argues for humility when it comes to preferences, patience when it comes to unity, and commitment when it comes to disagreements:
HUMILITY: “But can all preferences coexist without contradiction? What happens if four drivers at a four-way stop all prefer to run through the stop sign? What if one member of a band prefers to play a song in a different key than the other band members? What if one pilot on The LAX tarmac disregards the air traffic control directions because he prefers to do his own thing? The problem with preferences is that they cannot be absolute. And they are conversation killers” (McCracken 162-163).
PATIENCE: “Interpersonal conflict has been part of the church since its earliest days. Think of the rivalry between Peter and John, or the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:36-41. There’s a reason scripture doesn't hide from these difficulties. The tension of a diverse conglomeration of people coming together in Christ's name will often be combustible, but it's also at the heart of the gospel” (McCracken 125).
COMMITMENT: “Compatibility matters when it comes to finding a spouse, as it does when finding a church. But it isn't everything. Commitment matters more than compatibility….Often the way a church challenges us or makes us uncomfortable is precisely the reason why it is good for us” (McCracken 175, 176).
McCracken speaks directly to Millennials, addressing the wrongness of our FOMO/YOLO mindsets, individualism and consumerism. Christianity is offensive and uncomfortable, he argues, and we remove its power when we pretend otherwise. “There is a reverse correlation between the comfortability of Christianity and its vibrancy. When the Christian church is comfortable and cultural, she tends to be weak. When she is uncomfortable and counter-cultural, she tends to be strong” (McCracken 34). He ends by stating, “If the church is going to thrive in the twenty-first century, she needs to be willing to demand more of her members…Comfortable Christianity is not going to change your life. It's not going to make a dent in the world” (McCracken 183, 188).
WORK CITED:
McCracken, Brett. Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community. Wheaton: Crossway, 2017. Print
November 16, 2017
You can read my full review here: https://wp.me/p3JhRp-16m
Brett McCracken, a writer and journalist in South California and author of Hipster Christianity, says we need to destroy our consumeristic approach. “Rather, church should be about collectively spurring one another to ‘be fit’ to the likeness of Christ (Ephesians 4–5). And this can happen in almost any sort of church as long as it’s fixed on Jesus, anchored in the gospel, and committed to the authority of Scripture” (25).
Divided into two sections, McCracken gives us an explanation of the uncomfortable faith and the uncomfortable church. He says, “A healthy relationship with the local church is like a healthy marriage: it only works when grounded in selfless commitment and a nonconsumerist covenant” (26, 178).
Summary
Christianity is becoming less normal, “and that’s a good thing. Christianity, founded on belief in the supernatural resurrection of a first-century Jewish carpenter, has been and always will be abnormal” (35). This outward discomfort will help us realize how much those in the Church need each other—because we will be all we have. There is growth in discomfort. We are meant to grow in holiness, but many want “authenticity.” Yet it’s in becoming more Christlike that we become more real. Jesus was authentic. Jesus was also holy (Mic 6.7–8).
We have weird beliefs as Christians (God being born into this world through the birthing canal of a virgin). Without trying to solve these difficulties, McCracken summarizes why they are uncomfortable (and provides a Further Reading section at the end of the chapter).
Love is risky, especially when you don’t know how someone will respond. But we’re called to enter in to love and be patient. A long-suffering love requires the Holy Spirit’s power, although “most of us are going to be more of an Ampliatus (Rom. 16:8) or Phlegon (v. 14) than an apostle Paul” (123). But if Jesus is associated with his church, we can’t leave the church and be a disconnected pinky toe. Keeping our covenant promises to the churches we attend (even if you’re not enrolled in an actual “membership”) shapes who we are. Keeping a promise to another “is more important than being true to yourself” (189).
In a world of sovereign autonomy from rules, who wants to follow Christ the sovereign Lord? We fit into Scripture, Scripture does not fit into our perceived reality. There is mystery and paradox in the Bible, and we are to embrace it, wrestle with it, but accept it. This requires unity with a sinful people. Just as we grow through training and practice, we grow through discomfort. Instead of growing into a better musician, we grow toward unity, holiness, lives pleasing to God. We are growing as his temple, one rock on top of another, looking forward to the holy city, growing in character together.
The Spoiled Milk
McCracken has a keen imaginative sense for detail, and it’s quite obvious in his “ideal” comfortable church in the beginning of the book. It is a level of detail you can see, hear, and feel. But his precision cuts the other way. In his chapter titled “Uncomfortable People,” McCracken lists “some of the weird church-people types” he has “had the hardest time with over the years” (125). He doesn’t list five generally odd types of people, but fifteen all-too-specific types of people whom he has met. Some types on this list are indeed frustrating, while other examples are unnecessary.
These fifteen types are too accurate, and such detail is dispensable. While some (#6) should think through their questions before they ask an offensive and personal question, some (#2) don’t know whether to hug or shake a hand because they do think through their actions, and they don’t want to be offensive.
The rest of the chapter, however, was great and reminds the reader that they are in a covenant community, one of many living stones making up God’s temple and one of many holy priests serving one another in that temple.
Recommended?
McCracken’s book has given me a greater appreciation, care, and concern for the church in his short book. It is a simple book to read, but in it’s simplicity were deep truths. Bonhoffer has said, “Confession in the presence of a brother is the profoundest kind of humiliation.” Yet it was the excruciating cross that allows us to be uncomfortable which allows us to grow closer.
Brett McCracken, a writer and journalist in South California and author of Hipster Christianity, says we need to destroy our consumeristic approach. “Rather, church should be about collectively spurring one another to ‘be fit’ to the likeness of Christ (Ephesians 4–5). And this can happen in almost any sort of church as long as it’s fixed on Jesus, anchored in the gospel, and committed to the authority of Scripture” (25).
Divided into two sections, McCracken gives us an explanation of the uncomfortable faith and the uncomfortable church. He says, “A healthy relationship with the local church is like a healthy marriage: it only works when grounded in selfless commitment and a nonconsumerist covenant” (26, 178).
Summary
Christianity is becoming less normal, “and that’s a good thing. Christianity, founded on belief in the supernatural resurrection of a first-century Jewish carpenter, has been and always will be abnormal” (35). This outward discomfort will help us realize how much those in the Church need each other—because we will be all we have. There is growth in discomfort. We are meant to grow in holiness, but many want “authenticity.” Yet it’s in becoming more Christlike that we become more real. Jesus was authentic. Jesus was also holy (Mic 6.7–8).
We have weird beliefs as Christians (God being born into this world through the birthing canal of a virgin). Without trying to solve these difficulties, McCracken summarizes why they are uncomfortable (and provides a Further Reading section at the end of the chapter).
Love is risky, especially when you don’t know how someone will respond. But we’re called to enter in to love and be patient. A long-suffering love requires the Holy Spirit’s power, although “most of us are going to be more of an Ampliatus (Rom. 16:8) or Phlegon (v. 14) than an apostle Paul” (123). But if Jesus is associated with his church, we can’t leave the church and be a disconnected pinky toe. Keeping our covenant promises to the churches we attend (even if you’re not enrolled in an actual “membership”) shapes who we are. Keeping a promise to another “is more important than being true to yourself” (189).
In a world of sovereign autonomy from rules, who wants to follow Christ the sovereign Lord? We fit into Scripture, Scripture does not fit into our perceived reality. There is mystery and paradox in the Bible, and we are to embrace it, wrestle with it, but accept it. This requires unity with a sinful people. Just as we grow through training and practice, we grow through discomfort. Instead of growing into a better musician, we grow toward unity, holiness, lives pleasing to God. We are growing as his temple, one rock on top of another, looking forward to the holy city, growing in character together.
The Spoiled Milk
McCracken has a keen imaginative sense for detail, and it’s quite obvious in his “ideal” comfortable church in the beginning of the book. It is a level of detail you can see, hear, and feel. But his precision cuts the other way. In his chapter titled “Uncomfortable People,” McCracken lists “some of the weird church-people types” he has “had the hardest time with over the years” (125). He doesn’t list five generally odd types of people, but fifteen all-too-specific types of people whom he has met. Some types on this list are indeed frustrating, while other examples are unnecessary.
These fifteen types are too accurate, and such detail is dispensable. While some (#6) should think through their questions before they ask an offensive and personal question, some (#2) don’t know whether to hug or shake a hand because they do think through their actions, and they don’t want to be offensive.
The rest of the chapter, however, was great and reminds the reader that they are in a covenant community, one of many living stones making up God’s temple and one of many holy priests serving one another in that temple.
Recommended?
McCracken’s book has given me a greater appreciation, care, and concern for the church in his short book. It is a simple book to read, but in it’s simplicity were deep truths. Bonhoffer has said, “Confession in the presence of a brother is the profoundest kind of humiliation.” Yet it was the excruciating cross that allows us to be uncomfortable which allows us to grow closer.
April 24, 2019
A must read for all Christians. McCracken doesn’t hold back a single punch in his assault on the consumeristic, conforming, compromising trend in Christendom, challenging all believers to hold to our uncomfortable faith and to commit to our uncomfortable church community.
The first part of this book (really good but not incredibly original - worth skipping if you’re only going to read some of the book) touches on the uncomfortable aspects of the Christian faith such as the cross, holiness, dogmas, love, the Spirit, and mission. The chapter on holiness was especially insightful, challenging the claim of “authenticity” as the supreme Christian virtue for the more biblical call to holiness and an abhorrence of sin.
He writes, "We've become too comfortable with our sin, to the point that it’s how we identify ourselves and relate to others. But shouldn’t we find connection over Christ, rather than over our depravity? By focusing on brokenness as proof of our “realness," have we made authenticity a higher calling that holiness?"
The second part is where this book really shines. McCracken takes the Tender-swiping, à la carte consumerism in Christian “church shopping” and lays the axe at the root. He challenges the Christian to remain in covenant relationship to the Church in the same way he would (or should) a marriage. There is no perfect church, and the church’s mission is not to conform to you, but rather to help conform you to Christ - and that’s usually uncomfortable.
Here’s just one of the many great quotes along these lines:
“One of the ways Western individualism informs how we think about church is that we conceive of "fit" in terms of how a church fits us. Does its worship style, architecture, preaching, values, and demographic makeup fit well with our personality and preferences? This approach puts the burden on the church to adapt or perform to our liking if it wants to keep us around. But what if we have it backwards? What if the biblical approach is actually that we should fit ourselves into the life and mission of the local church, adapting ourselves to the family and filling gaps where needed, even if that means we are the ones who have to change? We shouldn't look for a church that will change to fit us. We should look for one where we will be changed to better represent Christ.”
Great read. Everyone should read it.
The first part of this book (really good but not incredibly original - worth skipping if you’re only going to read some of the book) touches on the uncomfortable aspects of the Christian faith such as the cross, holiness, dogmas, love, the Spirit, and mission. The chapter on holiness was especially insightful, challenging the claim of “authenticity” as the supreme Christian virtue for the more biblical call to holiness and an abhorrence of sin.
He writes, "We've become too comfortable with our sin, to the point that it’s how we identify ourselves and relate to others. But shouldn’t we find connection over Christ, rather than over our depravity? By focusing on brokenness as proof of our “realness," have we made authenticity a higher calling that holiness?"
The second part is where this book really shines. McCracken takes the Tender-swiping, à la carte consumerism in Christian “church shopping” and lays the axe at the root. He challenges the Christian to remain in covenant relationship to the Church in the same way he would (or should) a marriage. There is no perfect church, and the church’s mission is not to conform to you, but rather to help conform you to Christ - and that’s usually uncomfortable.
Here’s just one of the many great quotes along these lines:
“One of the ways Western individualism informs how we think about church is that we conceive of "fit" in terms of how a church fits us. Does its worship style, architecture, preaching, values, and demographic makeup fit well with our personality and preferences? This approach puts the burden on the church to adapt or perform to our liking if it wants to keep us around. But what if we have it backwards? What if the biblical approach is actually that we should fit ourselves into the life and mission of the local church, adapting ourselves to the family and filling gaps where needed, even if that means we are the ones who have to change? We shouldn't look for a church that will change to fit us. We should look for one where we will be changed to better represent Christ.”
Great read. Everyone should read it.
October 6, 2020
Winsome, challenging, and convicting.
I’ve had more than my share of uncomfortable experiences in church and in Christian community–oh how shall I count the ways?!
Finally, in college, I more or less gave up on it all. Why endure the discomfort–bad music, awkward conversation, misunderstandings, sweaty handshakes, theological differences, weird people, unpolished sermons–when you don’t have to? I did the Millennial thing and threw the church baby out with the bath water.
I bought into the idea that my Christianity could be MINE–community not necessary, thanks. I spent a lot of time googling support for why this was a superior (or at least acceptable) way to be, and scrolled through Reddit forums critiquing the church.
I was missing more than I even knew.
For the past few years, I’ve been tiptoeing back to church, but Brett McCracken’s book has convinced me to run–to find the nearest non-heretical, Bible-believing church, and like...join it. What a concept! As soon as I can, I plan to do just that. Thankful for this convicting and honest take on church from someone who really gets it–who himself has wondered if it’s all even worth it. He’s reminded me (with much biblical support) that it is.
“There are many ordinary ways to be ambassadors of the extraordinary gospel, but none more important than building up the body of Christ by committing to a local church, no matter how boring it may seem.”
I’ve had more than my share of uncomfortable experiences in church and in Christian community–oh how shall I count the ways?!
Finally, in college, I more or less gave up on it all. Why endure the discomfort–bad music, awkward conversation, misunderstandings, sweaty handshakes, theological differences, weird people, unpolished sermons–when you don’t have to? I did the Millennial thing and threw the church baby out with the bath water.
I bought into the idea that my Christianity could be MINE–community not necessary, thanks. I spent a lot of time googling support for why this was a superior (or at least acceptable) way to be, and scrolled through Reddit forums critiquing the church.
I was missing more than I even knew.
For the past few years, I’ve been tiptoeing back to church, but Brett McCracken’s book has convinced me to run–to find the nearest non-heretical, Bible-believing church, and like...join it. What a concept! As soon as I can, I plan to do just that. Thankful for this convicting and honest take on church from someone who really gets it–who himself has wondered if it’s all even worth it. He’s reminded me (with much biblical support) that it is.
“There are many ordinary ways to be ambassadors of the extraordinary gospel, but none more important than building up the body of Christ by committing to a local church, no matter how boring it may seem.”
May 30, 2018
"Often the way a church challenges us or makes us uncomfortable is precisely the reason why it is good for us. That has been the argument of this book" (176).
The Western church is afflicted by a consumerist laity and a concessionist leadership. The laity is looking for the perfect church with the right style and all the right services. The leadership is bending over backwards to draw people in, and, while motivated nobly to reach the lost, is losing the drawing power of the distinctives and challenges of the gospel. McCracken argues for commitment to a local church despite its prickly aspects, or even because of its prickly aspects, for your own sake and growth.
The book is readable and helpfully supplemented with illuminating quotations. I love the outline of the book (see amazon for chapter titles). The author is like a coach who inspires their athletes to greatness precisely by telling them how hard that road is going to be. Almost makes me want to go out and find a new church to commit to (except that, well, I'm employed by my current one).
The Western church is afflicted by a consumerist laity and a concessionist leadership. The laity is looking for the perfect church with the right style and all the right services. The leadership is bending over backwards to draw people in, and, while motivated nobly to reach the lost, is losing the drawing power of the distinctives and challenges of the gospel. McCracken argues for commitment to a local church despite its prickly aspects, or even because of its prickly aspects, for your own sake and growth.
The book is readable and helpfully supplemented with illuminating quotations. I love the outline of the book (see amazon for chapter titles). The author is like a coach who inspires their athletes to greatness precisely by telling them how hard that road is going to be. Almost makes me want to go out and find a new church to commit to (except that, well, I'm employed by my current one).
February 3, 2018
Uncomfortable is the new comfort. It should be the “norm” for those who are citizens of the Upside-Down kingdom of Christ where countercultural living renders one an anomaly in a society of comfort and conformity. I love how this book first establishes our identity in Christ as those who embrace the uncomfortable, because Jesus was all about it. Brett then moves on to dissecting where our embrace breaks down and provides sobering doses of truth and conviction to build up that resolve once again. This book is amazing at pulling in diverse perspectives, including Brett’s own raw confessions of “the struggle”, which collectively demonstrate the arduous, but oh so worth it pursuit of uncomfortableness for the sake of the world and the Gospel. A must read for all who desire to unsubscribe from every “me-centric” element that hinders faithfulness to the “for better or for worse” covenant we’ve made with Christ.
May 7, 2019
I have to admit, I was expecting this book to be more about the reasons why Christian community is necessary and important, and less about the many ways in which it is uncomfortable. However, this book does an excellent job of covering all of the above, and talking about discomfort on a lot of different levels, including but not limited to interpersonal and interdenominational differences. Since we move so frequently, and are thus church hunting on a regular basis, there were a good number of helpful takeaways that I will be trying to apply the next time we're looking for a church. There were also various points that were relevant to living as a part of the church community where we are currently, including reinforcement of things I've been convicted about over the past year or so. 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded down because if I have to debate that much over rounding up, the book probably doesn't quite deserve it.
September 30, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading McCracken's Uncomfortable. The message is timely for a community that over time seems to value commitment to a church less and less. He effectively encourages us to rethink and examine not only our corporal holiness but our personal holiness as well. Brett reminds us to give the love and respect that the body of Christ deserves, guiding us with and pointing us back to the Bible and it's sometimes uncomfortable truths.
In addition, I really appreciated his humorous, relevant and thought-provoking personal stories, which further drove home his points and gave practical examples on how to carry out his recommendations.
I plan on giving this book to a handful of people I know that are wondering about their place in the church and also my church leader friends who could use affirmation that their callings to serve are not in vain.
In addition, I really appreciated his humorous, relevant and thought-provoking personal stories, which further drove home his points and gave practical examples on how to carry out his recommendations.
I plan on giving this book to a handful of people I know that are wondering about their place in the church and also my church leader friends who could use affirmation that their callings to serve are not in vain.
September 18, 2022
I didn't find anything glaringly unbiblical about this book and it paints a beautiful and theologically sound picture of the church coming together as the body of Christ despite the discomfort, but it was also painful to get through due to just how short my church comes in living out such a culture and how futile it often feels like it would be to even attempt to implement some of the tips in the book there. On the other hand, this book did offer some good encouragement to stay committed through the difficulties, so I guess for me at least the author did accomplish what he set out to do.
January 19, 2021
This book is an excellent and convicting read for all Christians. It inspire the church of today and it’s member to
lean into the discomforts of diversity in order that all may grow. It calls the church to be a body that is growing and thriving in a day and age of much materialism, tensions, and distraction. Highly recommend any Christian to read!
lean into the discomforts of diversity in order that all may grow. It calls the church to be a body that is growing and thriving in a day and age of much materialism, tensions, and distraction. Highly recommend any Christian to read!
August 3, 2022
Audiobook. The holy spirit chapter made me the most uncomfortable 😆. This book touches on alot of aspects of the church. If you struggle to find the perfect church or struggle with your existing church then read this book....it will make you uncomfortable and also encourage you!
November 11, 2024
While I agree with his overarching premise, I didn’t agree with all of the ways in which he fleshed it out. Some of his views felt a bit postmodern to me. I would have like to hear how he views objective truth playing into commitment to church and to Christ.
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