The Church That Works
Dave Morris reviews The Church That Works by David Oliver and James Thwaites
David Oliver, speaker and author, has made a useful contribution in the United Kingdom to the question of a Christian approach to work. His, and James Thwaites', latest book is a well-timed wake-up call to the church: it certainly needs to change its attitude to workers, releasing and supporting them to be '9 to 5 church' and ambassadors for Christ every day of the week. Yet, Oliver's overuse of personal success story after personal success story grates, and I found myself wondering where the practical edge is for those who grind out their daily lives in 'ordinary' work contexts. Unfortunately, Thwaites has an oversimplified (and in places flawed) approach both to biblical interpretation, and to the effect of the so-called 'sacred/secular divide' on the church. Also, their critique of churches that have failed people in the workplace provides little help for workers and pastors today. Sadly, Church That Works doesn't - work, that is.
The Church That Works is published by Word Publishing, 2001, £6.99
Dave Morris
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