Being Church, Becoming Community - Softcover

To John Buchanan, mainline churches have an obligation to be in the world, and their effectiveness requires that they not abandon their traditions. Churches need to steer a course that allows them to maintain a singular way in the world and to creatively respond to questions of meaning, hope, vocation, and values. In this book, Buchanan explores the specific ways the church intersects with community life. He vigorously affirms the Reformed tradition's unique strength and heritage, as well as its ongoing relevance in today's world.

John Buchanan, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, challenges the church to have an impact on the community at large. Drawing from his experience at Fourth Presbyterian, he explores the specific ways the church intersects the life of the community. He vigorously affirms the Reformed tradition's unique strengths and heritage, as well as its ongoing relevance in today's world. To Buchanan, mainline churches have an obligation to be in the world, and their effectiveness requires that they not abandon their traditions. Churches need to steer a course that allows them both the ability to maintain a singular way in the world and a creative response to questions of meaning, hope, vocation, and values.