Product Description

As the body of Christ, we have to recognize that our top-down church structures are not ‘working’. In the city at least, the Church is largely perceived as an institution that is out of touch, ignored by those it seeks to serve, and detached from the blossoming interest in things spiritual.

But what if the Church faced up to its fears, stepped down into the dark valleys and began to consider completely new ways of being? What if it explored the possibility of adopting an evolutionary – rather than a revolutionary – approach to change?

Drawing in detail on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ, as well as urban theory, art and social practice, this profound and imaginative book calls on the Church to dispense with tired structures and corporately ‘re-emerge’. Its message is compelling: only as a networked, bottom-up organism, responsive to the unique demands of the urban environment, will the Church once again begin to model the holy freedom of God.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #159037 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Pete Ward, lecturer and author of Liquid Church
The Complex Christ combines a theological integrity with imaginative and innovative ways of thinking about Church. A 'must read'.

Church of England Newspaper, 24th December 2004
'Packed with stimulating ideas'

Christianity Magazine, March 2005
'...a dramatically prophetic book about the church – full of insight, imagination and creative theology'

Customer Reviews

Inspiring...
The Complex Christ is a fantastic piece of work. It's thoughtful, provocative and engaging. Kester manages to successfully combine a blend of original theological reflection, engagement with the arts and culture, and insights from the science of emergence. All this is fused with his own and alternative worship community Vaux's journey of incarnating Christ in the urban context.

Highly recommended!

Jonny Baker