Growing Edge
October 1, 2001
I'm about to recommend What Have We Learned? (Abingdon, 2001), the latest compilation of genius by that master technician of church mechanics, Lyle Schaller. But not yet. I wouldn't recommend it for its carefully stated and masterfully supported unifying theme. I couldn't find a theme. There's something about forty years of astute observations of church life, but not enough to sustain a thesis. I wouldn't recommend the book for its theological integrity. It is far more sociological than exegetical. Schaller shines brilliantly in understanding the nuts and bolts of how churches work, but he will win no ribbons for ecclesiology. I even found myself in rare disagreement with Schaller in his section on denominational oversight of congregations. Yes, I'll recommend the book, but not for its disciplined approach. Schaller will give you a swarm of reasons when a handful would make the point, a list of 44 when 4 would do. And my recommendation won't be for Schaller's elegant style. Schaller writes clearly. He's accurate. He's interesting. But his prose has all the artistry of a Yugo. A contrived conversation followed by a sizable list of explained observations makes a typical chapter. He's an industrious workman, but not an artist. With that off my chest, now I can happily recommend What Have We Learned? for a mini-Schaller-esque number of reasons: 1. Lyle Schaller knows churches, like Tiger Woods knows golf or Orville Redenbacher knows popcorn. Schaller has forgotten more about churches than I may ever know. That encyclopedic understanding sweetens chapter after chapter of this book. 2. Schaller remains a cockeyed church optimist, and that's positively refreshing. He refuses to be deterred by a society leeching the nutrients out of an ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
