The Tangible Kingdom – Creating Incarnational Community
The Tangible Kingdom Creating Incarnational Community J B Leadership Network Series
Written for those who are trying to nurture authentic faith communities and for those who have struggled to retain their faith, The Tangible Kingdom offers theological answers and real-life stories that demonstrate how the best ancient church practices can re-emerge in today's culture, through any church of any size. In this remarkable book, Hugh Halter and Matt Smay "two missional leaders and church planters" outline an innovative model for creating thriving grass-roots faith communities.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars The Tangible Kingdom
I found this book's content to be very challenging, going well beyond lifestyle evangelism. It has made me rethink my strategy for reaching those in and outside my circle who don't have faith in Christ.
1 Star The Word vs. the Person of Christ
I will say right off that if you believe in the absolute truth of scripture, this book is not for you. The main thesis of this book is that there is not only a discrepancy between the Word and Christ, but the Word and Christ are actually in an antithetical relationship. Halter divides the world of Christians into two camps- those who see the person of Jesus through "the literal interpretation of doctrine," and "those who see the Christian message through the person of Jesus." He is among the latter. He states that we need to "realize that truth is important, but according to scripture, truth is not the only thing or the most important thing. The most important thing is whether or not people are attracted to the truth…". The main thrust of this book is to divorce Jesus from his message. Halter states, "Our main contention is that what drew people to Jesus, surprisingly was not his message. It was him. …His message repelled people. Many people who were drawn to him as a man would leave after he let them in on the message." Halter's solution? "I make it a point to ask people not to be evangelistic. I tell them that I don't want them to try to figure out how to share the gospel with strangers."
Halter is extremely critical of "WestMods," because of their belief in "absolute truth." He claims that Christianity is an Eastern religion and we need to return to believing without proof, believing people we trust. He warns leaders about working with Christians who are biblically literate and who know enough to discern good from evil: "We recommend that, if possible, you read through this book with a group of people–perhaps a mix of Christian folk (jaded, spiritually disoriented, but open). The process probably won't work too well (or maybe at all) with Christians who tend to know too much, talk too much, and judge too much."
How does Halter's theology play out in practice? He filters out mature Christians right from the get-go: "Even in my coffee talk with…visitors, I wait to drop the bomb until I've heard their story. If they're struggling in faith, have no faith or have been hurt in church, then I'm as cordial as Mr. Rogers. But if I discern they have been walking with God a long time, have put in a few thousand hours in church, seem overly religious or more interested in lofty theological debate than in rolling up their sleeves to serve, I get a little more assertive. Before God, I have to protect the missional calling of our church." Quotes from "the talk": "I just want you to know we are not a church…I don't feel any compulsion to feed you spiritually…This mission probably has nothing to offer you." He fills his "church" with "spiritually disoriented" people, but feels no compulsion to feed them spiritually.
To Halter, incarnational living means "participating in the natural activities of the culture around you, with whimsical holiness…Last week I attended an engagement celebration for one of our village leaders…it was pretty fun to watch our young men navigate the tension of beautiful women, wine and more beautiful women…We all commented on how we "outpartied" the partiers." It also means less focus on family because "over-commitment to extended family" and the "constraints of children" are barriers to incarnational living. If I didn't know better, I'd say Screwtape was the architect behind this "church."
The book gets one star not because I disagree with Halter's theology, but because in his references to scripture, he changes all the details of scripture passages to make them fit his theology. See his version of the woman caught in adultery on page 44.
5 Stars Tangible Kingdom my book of the year
Tangible Kingdom has changed the way I view church and mission. It's the kind of book that leaves you thinking "wow, this all feels so right". Hugh Halter has helped to re-kindle my hope for what a faith community could look like with the emphasis back on loving people not programmes. My wife & I read it together with our bookclub buddies over 10 weeks and pulled it apart two chapters at a time. Each chapter finishes with one or two reflective questions or insights which are helpful to unpack the content. The author writes in a casual, humourous manner with lots of personal experiences and practical examples. This is our 'Best Book of 2008'. It's so good, I just bought two more copies to give away.
5 Stars Tangible Kindom Review
The author demonstrates with clarity a keen understanding of people expectation as it pertains to attendance with others who pursue Jesus Christ. From the first few pages I identified with the author and followed his point of view and grew attracted to his ministry paradigm. An excellent read for the person looking to see Christianity in a greater, relevant form than come to this church building.
5 Stars the way church should be
The Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Community (J-B Leadership Network Series) This is the church of the future. My Son actually attends this church in Denver and can't stop telling us how much he likes the way they do church. It's a great read the author is funny and entertaining, at the same time he teaches you how to reach out to non christins in a non threatening way and show them what Christ is like, much in the same way they did in the book of Acts.I highly recomend it. I bought a copy for my pastor. Brian Wiest
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