Emeth Press- The Call to Authenticity

The Call to Authenticity
Irv Brendlinger

Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-0981958217 Retail: ~~$29.50~~

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A manifesto of hope for the under-churched, over-churched, and no-churched. Brendlinger dares you to see the Church, not as a building or meeting, not as something you go to—but as something you ARE. What if Jesus has no hands but your hands, and no feet but your feet? Brendlinger loves the Church with the honest love of Augustine who said, "The church is a whore but she's my mother"... and he invites us all to be the change we want to see in the Church. In the words of this handbook you can hear the groaning of Jesus, that we might "be one as God is one"—after all Jesus is coming back for a Bride...not a harem. May this book move us closer to the Church God is longing for.

—Shane Claiborne, The Simple Way

Drawing on a profound experience in the ministry, Irv Brendlinger helps us read Ephesians so we might recover the necessary implications of the Incarnation of God. Through his wisdom and experiences in this book we begin to catch glimpses of the way forward. This is a wonderful book and his discussion on maturity is especially insightful.

–Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics at the Divinity School of Duke University

Everyone seems to have an idea about what the church should be. Irv Brendlinger explores what the apostle Paul…understood the church to be. What he discovers will enlighten and perhaps unsettle you. But, more importantly, it will encourage and inspire you to be part of the literal, not metaphorical, body of Christ.

—Daniel Taylor, Bethel University,

author of In Search of Sacred Places

Irv Brendlinger makes clear a secret to vibrancy for churches that pastors and congregations should have known and followed throughout their history. This book makes a great case for getting back to the Scriptures to understand—especially in these confusing times—what it means to BE the Church. This is a critically important book!

—Marva J. Dawn, Teaching Fellow in Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, BC

About the Author:

Irv Brendlinger is Professor of Church History and Theology at George Fox University. Prior to teaching, he served in youth ministry and then pastored in Oklahoma City. He holds the Ph.D. degree from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland). His articles have appeared in numerous magazines and journals. He is the author of Social Justice Through the Eyes of Wesley and To Be Silent...Would Be Criminal. He and his wife Shirley are the parents of two adult children and live in Oregon, where he enjoys cycling, skiing and driving the 1930 Model A he restored.