I don't usually do book reviews, and this is not one, at least in the traditional sense. Yet this book has made a significant impacts in my life both personal and ministerial. With that said I thought it would be appropriate to share some of those views here. So that is my disclaimer as it were, if you are looking for the "traditional" report (i.e. content) there are many who are more qualified that have done that already.
Mr. Heidler presents a historical perspective of what the early church was, how it operated, and how it eventually succumbed to the cultural influences under Constantine. The presentation of the new wineskin vs. the pastoral model was insightful, creating a picture of where the church is and where it needs to go. Furthermore the book depicted how the early churches apostolic hubs worked leading to the spread of the gospel and the kingdom of God. Chapter 12 – “Making the transition” gives a basic outline towards becoming a “new wineskin church”; while this is admirable I personally found it only led to more questions leaving many gaps between the suggested points. More specific information, especially as it relates to the congregations perspective would’ve been welcomed.
The book underscores how we have strayed far from the early church model. so much so that were we to return to said model overnight it would be categorized as fringe or dare I say even heretical.To be honest that information has caused me to question the validity of the “church” – at least as we understand it in America. Church today offers little in the way of evangelism, with much of its growth owing itself to member transfer rather than new conversions. Church today has been ineffectual in influencing the culture as evidenced by the increasing moral depravity of our nation. Church today fails in its mission to disciple, train and equip; leaving many members sidelined as it relates to their callings resigning believers to a life of spiritual dependence and inactivity in the kingdom. The church as we know it is not the Ecclesia of the bible; and that fact has me questioning the value and purpose of the “church” as it stands today. Consequently this reflects upon my involvement as a believer and leader in similar structures. This much I do know, if the current church is the bride of Christ we are in a woeful state.
This book has given me more insight into what an apostolic hub looks like – at least generally, and it has re-kindled a hope that the church as we know it can become that “something more” I’ve always believed it could be, namely a place where those desiring God can be used. Not used merely to further a man-made kingdom of control but used to further Gods kingdom through our own unique gifting’s and callings. A church where Gods people can become fully alive in every sense. For when the world sees a people who radiate their creator they cannot help but to desire the one who gives that life. I want to be a believer whose life ultimately points to Christ. And if an apostolic hub can help me fulfill that calling than I take the vision of the “new wineskin” as my own.
No matter what direction the church heads, we as individual believers must take it upon ourselves to "go" and "do" the work of the kingdom. If we can do that with the assistance of the church and its leaders all the better. But if those who are over us fail to lead, we still have no excuse, we are called to make disciples, to preach the gospel, to expand the kingdom. when we stand before the throne of judgement (and we all will) we will have no excuse for why we did not do what God has called us to do. For it is He that has equipped us for every good work. It is true that our works do not save us, yet that is not to be confused with our Lord's expectation that we do "good works" while here on this earth - let us act accordingly; whether the church supports us or not.
Luther.
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