After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry, and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty

by John Drane

In The McDonaldization of the Church, John Drane critiqued church trends toward "fast food" spirituality while offering suggestions for change. In his long-awaited sequel, After McDonaldization, Drane addresses key questions for Western Christianity in a global context. He argues that increasing numbers of people are turning to "spirituality" even while church attendance has continued to decline in the US and Europe, and that the continuing impact of globalization and consumerism has been joined by a post-9/11 culture of fear and a search for truth. In light of these developments, Drane presents a case for a more practical theology, a reinvigorated style of ministry, and a restatement of classic Christian beliefs for the twenty-first century. This accessible book will appeal to church and culture readers, pastors, and those interested in the emerging church.

Genres: Theology, Faith, Christian, Discipleship

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Andy Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never appreciated just how much my thinking has been inspired by this book - I need to read it again and again to mould better my practice.

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful and reflective follow-up to The McDonaldisation of the Church. I had a slightly weary feeling that I'd read it all before - but that's partly because I have, and given that this book is now 8 years old much of what I've read was published subsequently.

Drane nuances some of his categorisations from the previous book but there are still too many generalisations for my liking. The Kendal research by Linda Woodhead, of which much is made, raises questions in my mind about how representative an attractive Cumbrian market-town is of the wider UK. I'm also not wholly convinced by Lyotard's well-known belief in the death of the metanarrative. I think there are more, and looser, metanarratives than there once were but many still live with them. The final chapter on practical theology will be familiar ground for anyone who has done ministerial training in the last decade or so

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps John Drane will lose a few friends in the 'successful' Christian world (at least among the academics and leaders who read his contributions) as this is another book that challenges and drives forward, daring even to question the likes of Alpha and the mega-churches. There is a lot to explore, unpick and take on board or leave alone here but as one reviewer noted, this should be essential reading for all in ministerial training.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book. A well rounded look at the church and culture. Drane avoids making complex issues easy. Instructive and helpful. A good counterpoint to Michael Frost's Exiles.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting development of the themes developed in Drane's other books