Pastor Wagner issues some straight-talk directives as he energetically declares what a compassionate church is not. For the record, a healthy Christian fellowship isn't a factory, high-tech firm, spa, retreat center or psychiatric ward. Wagner notes that the church should follow a much more relationally based model as a "household of faith, community of the redeemed, people of God, family, body, royal priesthood [and] holy nation." Wagner (Escape from Church, Inc.; Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper) brings his shepherding expertise as the current pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte, N.C., to bear upon the hot topic of church development. He challenges the now-popular corporate mindset that focuses on a performance standard rather than the preeminent priority of knowing, serving and enjoying a holy God. In a lovely section that depicts what "safe pasture" looks like, Wagner describes numerous success stories where church members saw the desperate need of fellow seekers and ministered to them through the tough times. Wagner likewise blends an appealing glimpse of how a nurturing, healing church can develop while simultaneously delivering a timely message of warning to those seeking "results" rather than inner transformations of the soul. This book is so packed with helpful information that wise readers will want time to savor and contemplate the material presented. Wagner's message of caution is clearly warranted, yet his optimism laces the overall tone with a vision of hope. (May)
