If you’re looking for an accessible book to help your congregation think about what’s next, look no further than “Being Church in a Liminal Time: Remembering, Letting Go, Resurrecting,” a recent Alban title from Rowman & Littlefield.Jeffrey D. Jones and David Fredrickson invite readers to explore the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary Christian communities in a period of transition and uncertainty. Drawing on insights from theology, sociology and cultural studies, “Being Church in a Liminal Time” “examines how traditional models of church may no longer be adequate for engaging with the complexities of the modern world.”
The writers use the term “liminal time” to refer to a period of transition, where old structures are breaking down and new ones have yet to fully emerge. As congregations continue to wrestle with how to respond to changes in worship attendance, declining interest in institutional religion and what it means to do ministry in a post-Christendom culture, this is a timely message.
One of the book’s most striking aspects is its insistence on reimagining traditional models of church in response to the shifting dynamics of society. Rather than clinging to outdated structures or resorting to superficial methods of evangelism, Jones and Fredrickson advocate for a willingness to embrace change, experiment with new forms of worship and community engagement and cultivate an authentic witness that resonates with the deepest needs and aspirations of people today.
The authors offer three images to guide readers in discerning a way forward: the contrast between deep change and slow death; the parable of the sower; and 1 Corinthians 15:12-28. With a combination of theological depth, practical insight and prophetic challenge, the book is essential reading for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of faith and ministry in an age of transition. Clearly, Jones and Fredrickson believe that although the challenges facing the church are daunting, we have an opportunity for renewal and rediscovery of what it truly means to be the body of Christ in the world today. Thank God.
