Jake Colsen, an overworked and disillusioned pastor, happens into a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance (in manner) to the apostle John. A number of encounters with John as well as a family crisis lead Jake to a new understanding of what his life should be like: one filled with faith bolstered by a steady, close relationship with the God of the universe. Facing his own disappointment with Christianity, Jake must forsake the habits that have made his faith rote and rediscover the love that captured his heart when he first believed.

Compelling and intensely personal, So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anything relates a man's rebirth from performance-based Christianity to a loving friendship with Christ that affects all he does, thinks, and says. As John tells Jake, "There is nothing the Father desires for you more than that you fall squarely in the lap of his love and never move from that place for the rest of your life."

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Product details

Publisher : Word Alive (Sept. 2 2008)
Language : English
Paperback : 192 pages
ISBN-10 : 0964729229
ISBN-13 : 978-0964729223
Item Weight : 170 g
Dimensions : 13.34 x 2.79 x 20.19 cm

Best Sellers Rank: #322,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #760 in Christian Faith (Books)
- #7,434 in Christian Fiction (Books)
- #19,652 in Literary Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
563 ratings

Product description

Review

"To anyone who is wondering if God still moves among us as He did in the Bible, here is a story to show the truth--He does! It spoke to something so deep inside me that I couldn't relax until I reached the end. And even then I knew it was just the beginning."

About the Author

Wayne Jacobsen and Dave Coleman are longtime friends, former pastors, and current ministers in the name of Jesus. Formerly a contributing editor to Leadership Journal, Wayne has written numerous books on Christianity. You can find his other books, blog, and articles at lifestream.org, and his weekly podcast at thegodjourney.com. Wayne lives in Moorpark, California, with his wife, Sara. Dave Coleman is a retired hospice chaplain who continues to teach and counsel people on how to live closely with Jesus. Dave lives in Visalia, Caifornia.

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3 star		6%
2 star		3%
1 star		1%

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Top reviews from Canada

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Occipitallobe

Life changing book

Reviewed in Canada on September 29, 2020

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This book changed my life. As a Christian I've often wondered, "What wrong with me? Why am I not getting this church thing, why does it so often drain me instead of give me life? It must be me." This book helped me see what Jesus meant by the church, people doing life with Jesus and each other, period. Buildings, institutions, creeds, program, can have their place, but only if they facilitate the relationships that church is about.

Instead of taking the shape of a theological book or a "how to", the authors share the simple biblical truths through a story, which appealed to me immensely. Just as Jesus used parables, so the story of Jake and John conveys powerful truth about what it means to live the life Jesus has for us. I've shared this book with others and a small group formed and we have discovered a life in Jesus that we've never known before. We still "go to church", but the reality is that church is just people following Jesus together, and it happens every day, in multiple ways.

If you're burned out on church, religion, trying to be good enough, and longing for authenticity and real relationships, this book will open your eyes to the beauty and simplicity of what church really is!

Helpful

G. Harnish

I highly recommend this book on so many levels

Reviewed in Canada on November 8, 2015

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I have read this book myself, and then purchased this one as a gift. I highly recommend this book on so many levels. It will perhaps make you think of practices you are doing in church each week. I love this book, and is part of the short list of books I recommend when Christians are struggling with church and their daily life with God.

Helpful

mencio vidal

Very good book that will change a lot of your views about the Church

Reviewed in Canada on August 24, 2012

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This is a book that can change your views on your Church and your relationship with God. The author tells a story of a mysterious man that helps a Pastor in a small Church to deal with the problems in the congregation by shading a new light over topics that most of us hold too dear and precious to dare to challenge. And the man does it without deviating a single step from what the Bible says. In fact what the writer wants to see through the book is that you should stop viewing the Church as a religious safe place to keep you in your comfort zone and start acting more like the Christians of the early Church. Very nice pleasant reading and lots of food for thought.

Helpful

p farrell

The change will do you good

Reviewed in Canada on September 29, 2015

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This story is so helpful for those who desire to serve God. Unfortunately, have run into people who desire power and control in
institutionalized religious setting.This book has helped turn my mourning into dancing and has contributed to my returning to a desire to serve God and trust him in a new (to me) and different way. Christians! walk away from the brick and mortar fortress and go walk with Jesus.
Find out daily what he wants you to do.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Drew Stenway

One of the better books I have read on really seeing the journey ...

Reviewed in Canada on January 16, 2016

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One of the better books I have read on really seeing the journey you are on with the Lord. It's not in a building and church attendance. We will not stand before God one day and give account of our attendance or performance in following a denomination or a pastor.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

youshi56

Insightful

Reviewed in Canada on March 25, 2014

Verified Purchase

Now I read this book sometime back and it offered healing in things God recognized I suffereduunrecognized by others. Books have often offered opportunities in healing and understanding that is not present in those I meet or whom I sought answers from in the past.

Helpful

Dan Hoffman

Interesting and Insightful Read

Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2013

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This book was recommended to me by someone on our church board. At first I was skeptical that it would just be another church bashing book, but was pleasantly surprised by the author's ability both to draw the reader in as well as to argue for an encounter with Christ beyond the patterns of religious adherence.

It is fiction and needs to be read like that, but I would recommend this for anyone who feels like the patterns of church they have given themselves to are not drawing them closer to God.

Helpful

Susan Robertson

Honest Book

Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2015

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I liked this book because it brings all the excuses we use out into the light and examines them individually and honestly.

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Top reviews from other countries

Neil Colchester

An Unexpected But Liberating Journey!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2020

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I absolutely loved this story that unfolds before you, the struggles that many people begin having in their hearts over the years about, 'what is church really, is this it'? This story takes you to the heart of this question & encouraged me. It's not a negative book in anyway but focuses on Christ's life in us and how He longs to express it through us to each other & those yet to believe in God!

I. Watts

Good Concept and good themes but a little simplistic

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 3, 2019

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A good introduction to some deep topics but presented on a very simplistic level. I'm looking forward to digging deeper, and the book has ignited a desire in me to do that. It just feels everything fell into place far too easily. I would recommend it but as an intro to the topic.

Clive Richardson

Very helpful

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 17, 2019

Verified Purchase

Wife bought this book because she was intrigued by the title. Don't be fooled. A brilliant book if you are struggling with your Spiritual life within the Church. Helped her a lot and gave her much peace of mind that she isn't the only one who struggles with main stream religion.

Mr. P. Walters

Encouraging the personal relationship with Christ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2012

Verified Purchase

I'm always wary of fictional spiritual books but I found this one superb. It creates a story that illustrates how easy it is for all of us to go wrong and the sort of relationship that Jesus actually wants with us, as well as some ideas on how to have that.

This is definitely contrary to the very traditional, formal, structured church but offers some very interesting ideas and perspectives on what church should be, in keeping with the original teachings of Jesus. It also suggests how that can happen in real day-to-day life.

This isn't necessarily a deep thinking book and can just be enjoyed on a more simplistic yet, still valuable, level. Personally I found it fun, exciting at times, challenging and thought provoking. All the things that I love and which some of you may not, so don't read this if you like to just be comfortable in Christ. Or rather do..... :)

3 people found this helpful

marigold white

religion

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2019

Verified Purchase

book was in really excellent condition, and very intriguing, that you could meet someone from 2000 years ago! It makes feel I should be more watchful in how i am towards others, especiall y those less fortunate. as you never know.......

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