Finding Our Way: Reclaiming the First- Century Church in the Twenty-First Century

by Jeff Lockyer

What if the way the Church is "doing church" is the very reason the world is seeing less of Jesus in it every day?

Beginning with the biblical basics, Jeff Lockyer walks readers through the underlying theology and practical application of how Southridge Community Church has approached ministry for nearly a quarter century. While providing a fresh approach to ministry, the book stimulates how to think-not what to think. It's written by a local church practitioner for local church practitioners.

By providing clarity to the confused, it helps church leaders find their way. By providing practical examples delivered uniquely in multiple church contexts, it supports leaders in finding their own way. And, most of all, by re-framing the operation of the church around fostering full devotion instead of facilitating consumerism, it enables leaders of local churches to reclaim the lifestyle of Jesus among its people. It supports churches and leaders to find their Way-the Way of Jesus.

176 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2021

Reviews

[Tom Greentree · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much to chew on here. Thanks, Jeff, for offering your church's story to us.

I'm particularly intrigued with the three fold theological underpinnings from the Genesis story (something I've been teaching for years but have never applied in this way), and how that then drives the way of Jeff's church.

Further to this, the insights around Anchor Causes (operationalizing justice and compassion) and making that drive the locations and identity of the various church (in location) is so challenging to me.

Also, the core of everything being the formation of people in Christ and who look more and more like Christ -- bang on. We all say it, but to see how they are intentionally pursuing this is very compelling (particularly the idea of Sunday gatherings as a "spiritual gymnasium" designed "to equip our people for a practice-based faith that abides in Christ").

This book was gifted to me by a very enthusiastic friend, and I'm looking forward to not only further discussion, but intentional implementation of some of these key ideas.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone navigating ministry in the 21st century. There are not nearly enough books that address the uniqueness of post-Christian Canadian religious landscape, and Finding Our Way does a fantastic job of providing to the point, practical ways to lead through that context while being faithful to practicing the way of Jesus.

Jeff’s writing style is easy to follow and this book is jammed full of content. From multi-site models and missional minded ministry to female empowerment and LGBTQ+ inclusion, Finding Our Way covers a broad range of topics, all united by a fanatical commitment to living a lifestyle of full devotion to Jesus.

If you are looking for a relevant, thoughtful, Christlike approach to becoming a 1st century church in a 21st century context, this book is absolutely for you!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Our Way: Reclaiming the First-Century Church in the Twenty-First Century
Written and narrated by Jeff Lockyer
Oasis Audio, 2021

I imagine that Jeff Lockyer is an excellent preacher. He clearly manifests his passionate belief in Jesus through his energetic and sincere narration with its brisk cadence and warm tones. Unfortunately, the very qualities that make for the excellent delivery of a church message, do not necessarily translate well to an audiobook that is almost eight hours long. Additionally, Lockyer’s explication of how he and his leadership team enlarged the scope of his church’s mission and vision may be helpful for other churches looking to expand their goals, but there were times I wanted to take notes, or highlight certain passages, and this is a difficult task when listening. Interesting information for church leaders, but perhaps not the best format.

[Tim Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Similar to how the early church is explained in the Bible, I think most people hope that their church is transforming the lives of the people who attend - and that their congregation is making the world around them a better place. Unfortunately, most of us don't know how to make this happen with the challenges and realities of the 21st century.

That's why "Finding Our Way" is such an important book. Jeff Lockyer, provides a clear and practical path for churches to follow, that on one hand, gets back to the "early church basics", yet on the other hard, is completely relevant and exciting today.

And what makes all of this so powerful is hearing how Jeff has lived out this journey in the church that he leads, and the unbelievable impact is has had.

[Andreas Naundorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The initial chapters of "Finding Our Way" lay down the foundation for the stories Jeff wants to tell. I resonated more with the later chapters that described the various experiences and stories within the Southridge community that illustrate the concepts Jeff is sharing. I find Jeff's writing very approachable and the experiences of Southridge are challenging and encouraging at the same time.

I firmly believe this book is a "must read" for anyone interested in clarifying the purpose of the church and looking for a fresh perspective. The book is of significant value to both church leadership and those involved in the life of the church. Don't let the opportunity to glimpse into this extraordinary journey slip by you.

[Mark Wessner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Our Way is a well-written and provocative book. I resonate with the critique of the attractional/consumer model and the necessary call to rethink and repurpose Sunday morning gatherings. The call to Anchor Causes and the need for resources to reflect their priority is an essential message church leaders need to hear and wrestle with. Although I would put more weight on the importance of belief and theological clarity than Jeff does, I appreciate the transparency with which the book is written. It is a good read!

[Kathy Van Driel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a part of this church community for over 40 years this book was a walk down memory lane. But much more than a journey in nostalgia, it was a reminder of the ways God has worked in the past and has reinvigorated me to anticipate the ways He wants to work in the future.
This books is not only an invitation to leaders but provides practical questions for them to ask themselves as the seek to see God’s kingdom come “on earth as it is in heaven.”

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Finding Our Way, Jeff Lockyer challenges us to see God's vision for the church in a fresh way. This book is full of real life stories of a church that continues to grow and change in order to become more of the first-century church pictured in the Bible. Leaving no stone unturned, Jeff unpacks the highs and lows of decades of church leadership. You will be both challenged and inspired.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical book that will help church leaders and pastors not merely change things for ministry and mission but think through a healthy lens for it. Jeff doesn’t tell you what to do or give you a silver bullet but guides you to understand how they processed scripture, mission and vision to discern for their context. A fresh read that didn’t feel like a church growth tactic. And it’s Canadian!!

[Valerie Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to Southridge church. How they got to where they are, who they are and how they operate.