Reclaiming Church: A Call to Action for Religious Rejects

by J.J. Warren

In Reclaiming Church, J.J. Warren continues his call to reaffirm the Church be welcoming to all, including young people like those he led at Sarah Lawrence College who "didn't know God could love them because their churches said God didn't."

The book addresses three points of importance to young people looking to be part of a church community, and a call:
1. The identity and nature of God
2. The role of Scripture in discerning God's call
3. The author's own experience of God, church, and identity

In the final chapter, "We Are the Church," Warren focuses on practical and positive steps for joining voices, being heard, building bridges, and working together for young people to reclaim Church in their lives.

Key Features
- Affirms to the LGBTQ community and those who love them that the Church is for all.
- Inspires younger progressive people to stay within the Church and work to renew the call of ministry.
- Explores the Church's beginnings and emphasis on community.
- Calls readers to focus on practical and positive steps to reclaim Church in their lives.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Theology

96 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2020

Reviews

[Travis Penney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s past time that the church take their hammers and stop tearing down our brothers and sisters, and start tearing down some of our damaging and discriminating practices that have long since been established.

Thankful for JJ’s witness and passion he brings to this work.

[Karen Loos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot off the press, a book for anyone who's ever felt they aren't worthy of God's love. whether or not they are sure there is a God, and for anyone who is concerned for someone like that. I ordered it as soon as I saw it and have just finished. His message is clear, deep and life-affirming. I am grateful to read such a critical and scholarly grounded message for lgbt+ youth and any queer folk who haven't heard the message of God's love and acceptance for them before. It is also a great read for anyone who has experienced self-loathing and for lgbtq+'s parents and advocates like myself. My trans-daughter is a nearly 50yr old successful and happy wedded woman, and I'm still going to share it with her and her family.

[Rachel Patchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone in ministry. As a straight, white, female, this book shed light on perspectives I couldn't possibly understand on my own. JJ has a beautiful way of illustrating his points that both break your heart and make you want to jump up and start a religious revolution.

As a pastor who has been through "deconstruction," this book has been profoundly impactful.

As a female pastor I have struggled to "earn my place" in church leadership and JJ gives voice to that too.

Thank you JJ for sharing your stories and your insights with us ♥️🧡💛💚💙💜

[Rob Laycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant little book that really helps those who, for whatever reason, have been told God can't love them becuase of who they are. Takes things apart really succinctly and helps you to rebuild in a bible based way.......whilst a small book it read it in two hour long flights and it held my attention and thoughts for that time, and longer!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book during Holy Week and a huge thank you to the author. For our Queer community and friends this book helps us look at how spirituality and church can cause so much harm BUT can also be a welcoming door and peace within the pews. Thank you!!! So we’ll written

[Lauri Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful for the author’s insight, his ability to be real and vulnerable, and his amazing knowledge and research. I wish more people would read this!

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is preaching to the choir for me, as I'm all in on inclusion of my LGBTQ+ siblings in the church, specifically the UMC. The engaging writing explained the truth clearly, and included personal details from JJ's life that add to the argument. I think, hope and pray this book can be a balm for any queer youth reading it, particularly those who have been told the harmful lie that God can't love them. (Spoiler: God does love you!) I can't wait to watch JJ's career unfold, and I was proud to pre-order and read his first book even before official launch day.

[Kasper]

Imperfect but beautiful. I actually appreciate that the chapter on the clobber verses was only 20 pages - reconciling Christians will talk themselves in circles about the clobber verses but I find a simple "it's a translation error and you're a bigot" defense to be one of the most compelling.