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What on Earth is the Church?: An Inquirer's Guide

by Robert Thornton Henderson
Paperback |English |1498238858 | 9781498238854

What on Earth is the Church?: An Inquirer's Guide

by Robert Thornton Henderson
Paperback |English |1498238858 | 9781498238854
Overview

The author's focus and intention for this book was provoked by several stimuli. One is that more than 50 percent of the world's population is under twenty-five years of age, and for the most part not formed by the church. Secondly, in the coffee shop where he hangs out, when his conversation partners learn of his long career as a pastor, they inevitably ask about the church: ""What in the world is the church? What is its purpose?"" And thirdly, it is provoked by the lament of a very gifted journalist and editor who rejected his strict Christian upbringing and has been in his adult years an avowed agnostic--but who recently, while visiting a monastery in Spain and hearing the monks chant their evening prayers, sensed a longing for what he had forsaken. These three stimuli have inspired this attempt at an alternative narrative to the essence of the church, an attempt to give a definition to an inquirer from square one. This book may not resonate with those who are content with religious Christianity and its familiar institutions. Its timely message is this: the church has got to be a thrilling and purposeful dimension of the good news of Jesus Christ. ""With the humor and wonder of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy . . . Henderson's book gets it right--we are all questing for hope and meaning in a noisy world where there are so many competing truth claims. In this book we find hope and a clear call back to the church as a reimagined community bent on living lives that are wholly committed to remaking the world in God's image."" --Erik Vincent, Humanities Instructor ""This is a needed, timely book. . . . Bob rightly likens a rediscovery of the church to the restoration of a masterpiece, uncovering ages of neglect and abuse to reveal the stunning beauty of what was laid down by the artist. . . . Read this book. See Jesus' masterpiece of the church and all the skillful strokes and bold colors that are you and me."" --Shayne Wheeler, Senior Pastor, All Souls Fellowship; Author, The Briarpatch Gospel ""Bob Henderson's book sheds light upon the often elusive, enigmatic 'elephant in the room'--the church. Readable, down-to-earth, practical, illuminating."" --Ed Elzey, Musician; Mime; Storyteller ""There is an emerging generation of younger adults for whom the church is a building full of aging folks. . . . So Henderson engages [them] about a topic always on his heart, and often on theirs. His tone is warm and friendly. This is an engaging conversation worthy of wide acceptance."" --Bill Pannell, Professor of Preaching Emeritus, Founding Director, African-American Studies Program, Fuller Theological Seminary ""This book is full of worthwhile information on the church through historical and Biblical contexts. I highly encourage anyone who is even remotely interested in Christianity, or the church, to read this book. It will bless and encourage you."" --Robert Hays, coffee shop manager Robert Thornton (Bob) Henderson has had a long and colorful career as a pastor, mentor, Presbyterian denominational leader, ecumenical participant, author, encourager, and missiologist through some tumultuous cultural episodes. But it was South African missiologist David Bosch who said that missiologists are always gadflies in the church, always challenging its expressions and self-understanding. In that sense, Mr. Henderson is comfortable with his role as an ecclesiastical gadfly who has influenced many emerging collegians and young adults for over five decades.
ISBN: 1498238858
ISBN13: 9781498238854
Author: Robert Thornton Henderson
Publisher: Wipf and Stock
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2016-04-25
Language: English
PageCount: 126
Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.29 x 8.5 inches
Weight: 5.6 ounces

The author's focus and intention for this book was provoked by several stimuli. One is that more than 50 percent of the world's population is under twenty-five years of age, and for the most part not formed by the church. Secondly, in the coffee shop where he hangs out, when his conversation partners learn of his long career as a pastor, they inevitably ask about the church: ""What in the world is the church? What is its purpose?"" And thirdly, it is provoked by the lament of a very gifted journalist and editor who rejected his strict Christian upbringing and has been in his adult years an avowed agnostic--but who recently, while visiting a monastery in Spain and hearing the monks chant their evening prayers, sensed a longing for what he had forsaken. These three stimuli have inspired this attempt at an alternative narrative to the essence of the church, an attempt to give a definition to an inquirer from square one. This book may not resonate with those who are content with religious Christianity and its familiar institutions. Its timely message is this: the church has got to be a thrilling and purposeful dimension of the good news of Jesus Christ. ""With the humor and wonder of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy . . . Henderson's book gets it right--we are all questing for hope and meaning in a noisy world where there are so many competing truth claims. In this book we find hope and a clear call back to the church as a reimagined community bent on living lives that are wholly committed to remaking the world in God's image."" --Erik Vincent, Humanities Instructor ""This is a needed, timely book. . . . Bob rightly likens a rediscovery of the church to the restoration of a masterpiece, uncovering ages of neglect and abuse to reveal the stunning beauty of what was laid down by the artist. . . . Read this book. See Jesus' masterpiece of the church and all the skillful strokes and bold colors that are you and me."" --Shayne Wheeler, Senior Pastor, All Souls Fellowship; Author, The Briarpatch Gospel ""Bob Henderson's book sheds light upon the often elusive, enigmatic 'elephant in the room'--the church. Readable, down-to-earth, practical, illuminating."" --Ed Elzey, Musician; Mime; Storyteller ""There is an emerging generation of younger adults for whom the church is a building full of aging folks. . . . So Henderson engages [them] about a topic always on his heart, and often on theirs. His tone is warm and friendly. This is an engaging conversation worthy of wide acceptance."" --Bill Pannell, Professor of Preaching Emeritus, Founding Director, African-American Studies Program, Fuller Theological Seminary ""This book is full of worthwhile information on the church through historical and Biblical contexts. I highly encourage anyone who is even remotely interested in Christianity, or the church, to read this book. It will bless and encourage you."" --Robert Hays, coffee shop manager Robert Thornton (Bob) Henderson has had a long and colorful career as a pastor, mentor, Presbyterian denominational leader, ecumenical participant, author, encourager, and missiologist through some tumultuous cultural episodes. But it was South African missiologist David Bosch who said that missiologists are always gadflies in the church, always challenging its expressions and self-understanding. In that sense, Mr. Henderson is comfortable with his role as an ecclesiastical gadfly who has influenced many emerging collegians and young adults for over five decades.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


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We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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Overview

The author's focus and intention for this book was provoked by several stimuli. One is that more than 50 percent of the world's population is under twenty-five years of age, and for the most part not formed by the church. Secondly, in the coffee shop where he hangs out, when his conversation partners learn of his long career as a pastor, they inevitably ask about the church: ""What in the world is the church? What is its purpose?"" And thirdly, it is provoked by the lament of a very gifted journalist and editor who rejected his strict Christian upbringing and has been in his adult years an avowed agnostic--but who recently, while visiting a monastery in Spain and hearing the monks chant their evening prayers, sensed a longing for what he had forsaken. These three stimuli have inspired this attempt at an alternative narrative to the essence of the church, an attempt to give a definition to an inquirer from square one. This book may not resonate with those who are content with religious Christianity and its familiar institutions. Its timely message is this: the church has got to be a thrilling and purposeful dimension of the good news of Jesus Christ. ""With the humor and wonder of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy . . . Henderson's book gets it right--we are all questing for hope and meaning in a noisy world where there are so many competing truth claims. In this book we find hope and a clear call back to the church as a reimagined community bent on living lives that are wholly committed to remaking the world in God's image."" --Erik Vincent, Humanities Instructor ""This is a needed, timely book. . . . Bob rightly likens a rediscovery of the church to the restoration of a masterpiece, uncovering ages of neglect and abuse to reveal the stunning beauty of what was laid down by the artist. . . . Read this book. See Jesus' masterpiece of the church and all the skillful strokes and bold colors that are you and me."" --Shayne Wheeler, Senior Pastor, All Souls Fellowship; Author, The Briarpatch Gospel ""Bob Henderson's book sheds light upon the often elusive, enigmatic 'elephant in the room'--the church. Readable, down-to-earth, practical, illuminating."" --Ed Elzey, Musician; Mime; Storyteller ""There is an emerging generation of younger adults for whom the church is a building full of aging folks. . . . So Henderson engages [them] about a topic always on his heart, and often on theirs. His tone is warm and friendly. This is an engaging conversation worthy of wide acceptance."" --Bill Pannell, Professor of Preaching Emeritus, Founding Director, African-American Studies Program, Fuller Theological Seminary ""This book is full of worthwhile information on the church through historical and Biblical contexts. I highly encourage anyone who is even remotely interested in Christianity, or the church, to read this book. It will bless and encourage you."" --Robert Hays, coffee shop manager Robert Thornton (Bob) Henderson has had a long and colorful career as a pastor, mentor, Presbyterian denominational leader, ecumenical participant, author, encourager, and missiologist through some tumultuous cultural episodes. But it was South African missiologist David Bosch who said that missiologists are always gadflies in the church, always challenging its expressions and self-understanding. In that sense, Mr. Henderson is comfortable with his role as an ecclesiastical gadfly who has influenced many emerging collegians and young adults for over five decades.
ISBN: 1498238858
ISBN13: 9781498238854
Author: Robert Thornton Henderson
Publisher: Wipf and Stock
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2016-04-25
Language: English
PageCount: 126
Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.29 x 8.5 inches
Weight: 5.6 ounces

The author's focus and intention for this book was provoked by several stimuli. One is that more than 50 percent of the world's population is under twenty-five years of age, and for the most part not formed by the church. Secondly, in the coffee shop where he hangs out, when his conversation partners learn of his long career as a pastor, they inevitably ask about the church: ""What in the world is the church? What is its purpose?"" And thirdly, it is provoked by the lament of a very gifted journalist and editor who rejected his strict Christian upbringing and has been in his adult years an avowed agnostic--but who recently, while visiting a monastery in Spain and hearing the monks chant their evening prayers, sensed a longing for what he had forsaken. These three stimuli have inspired this attempt at an alternative narrative to the essence of the church, an attempt to give a definition to an inquirer from square one. This book may not resonate with those who are content with religious Christianity and its familiar institutions. Its timely message is this: the church has got to be a thrilling and purposeful dimension of the good news of Jesus Christ. ""With the humor and wonder of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy . . . Henderson's book gets it right--we are all questing for hope and meaning in a noisy world where there are so many competing truth claims. In this book we find hope and a clear call back to the church as a reimagined community bent on living lives that are wholly committed to remaking the world in God's image."" --Erik Vincent, Humanities Instructor ""This is a needed, timely book. . . . Bob rightly likens a rediscovery of the church to the restoration of a masterpiece, uncovering ages of neglect and abuse to reveal the stunning beauty of what was laid down by the artist. . . . Read this book. See Jesus' masterpiece of the church and all the skillful strokes and bold colors that are you and me."" --Shayne Wheeler, Senior Pastor, All Souls Fellowship; Author, The Briarpatch Gospel ""Bob Henderson's book sheds light upon the often elusive, enigmatic 'elephant in the room'--the church. Readable, down-to-earth, practical, illuminating."" --Ed Elzey, Musician; Mime; Storyteller ""There is an emerging generation of younger adults for whom the church is a building full of aging folks. . . . So Henderson engages [them] about a topic always on his heart, and often on theirs. His tone is warm and friendly. This is an engaging conversation worthy of wide acceptance."" --Bill Pannell, Professor of Preaching Emeritus, Founding Director, African-American Studies Program, Fuller Theological Seminary ""This book is full of worthwhile information on the church through historical and Biblical contexts. I highly encourage anyone who is even remotely interested in Christianity, or the church, to read this book. It will bless and encourage you."" --Robert Hays, coffee shop manager Robert Thornton (Bob) Henderson has had a long and colorful career as a pastor, mentor, Presbyterian denominational leader, ecumenical participant, author, encourager, and missiologist through some tumultuous cultural episodes. But it was South African missiologist David Bosch who said that missiologists are always gadflies in the church, always challenging its expressions and self-understanding. In that sense, Mr. Henderson is comfortable with his role as an ecclesiastical gadfly who has influenced many emerging collegians and young adults for over five decades.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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