Giving the Church by Michael Moynagh
The nucleus of the church’s vocation is to join the Spirit in giving communion in Christ to others, in the form of new Christian communities, for the benefit of the world. But can the church be a welcome gift?” In Giving the Church leading ecclesiologist Michael Moynagh draws together recent thinking from the worlds of ecclesiology and missiology with significant sociological work on the idea of ‘gift’, to provide a much-needed theological rationale for some of the key missiological and ecclesiological movements in today’s church. Part 1 reworks some of the big themes in ecclesiology from this giving perspective - the nature of the church, the four marks, the visible/hidden church and inclusion/exclusion. Part 2, meanwhile, draws on the extensive literature on gifts to offer an ethical framework for giving the church to others, and uses this framework to provide fresh readings of liberationist, herald and eucharistic models of the church. It concludes by arguing that giving the church away can be a route to making the church a more attractive gift.
Blogpost: Can church be a gift?
“Giving the Church is a unique contribution to our thinking about the church and God’s mission for our times, based on wide reading, deep reflection, clear and accessible exposition, a steady flow of stimulating insights, and the persuasive authority of its argument.” -- Paul Avis
"Based on wide research in theology and gift theory, and drawing on decades of experience, Moynagh explores the meaning of the church – especially new Christian communities – as forms of gift-exchange. The result is rich, provocative, and deeply significant for a secularised era, which needs to encounter fresh and accessible embodiments of grace." -- John M.G. Barclay
"Michael Moynagh's 'Giving the Church' is a transformative exploration of generosity as a theological compass for the modern church. Through insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Moynagh navigates the path towards new ecclesiastical eras, advocating for the church's self-giving to communities beyond its walls. A compelling call to embrace the transformative power of generosity." -- Sabrina Müller
"Too often, the language of mission and church planting has been burdened by militaristic or business metaphors. As language shapes our world, Michael Moynagh’s effort to rethink new church formation with the language of generosity is most welcome. This book is an inspiring read, inviting us to see church planting first and foremost as the church’s mission 'to give its self'." -- Stefan Paas
"While we are the most connected generation in human history, we have never been more alone. Isolation is the great soul wound of our time. And yet, amid an epidemic of loneliness, the church has one unique gift that can heal the world... communal life in Jesus. While our impulse, personally and institutionally is often self-preservation, the way of Jesus is self-donation. The body of Christ is to be taken, blessed, broken, and given freely to the world. One of the dysfunctions of the Western church has been an ecclesiology of transaction, members participate in the life of the church in exchange for spiritual and social benefits. Emerging generations have largely rejected this consumeristic version of the church. Michael Moynagh, the grand theologian of Fresh Expressions, has provided perhaps the most important book in decades. An ecclesiology of gift undergirds the entire church's life and offers a corrective to the expansionist and colonial errors of the past. Giving the Church is essential reading for all who follow Jesus in the 21st century. " -- Michael Beck
"In a socially-diverse world with multiplying sub-cultures how can the Church provide Christian communities which engage with such variety effectively? Understanding how generosity lies at the heart of God and the Christian faith, Moynagh explores here how the church can be understood as gift, offering communion in Christ in grateful response to God’s grace and offering this gift to others not least via a plethora of new Christian communities. Drawing on important thinkers past and present Moynagh, with his usual colourful and conversational style, makes a vital case for a relational, iconic, missional Church participating in the generosity that lies at the heart of the Trinity." -- Mike Harrison
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780334066125 |
| ISBN 10 | 0334066123 |
| Title | Giving the Church |
| Author | Michael Moynagh |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | SCM Press |
| Year published | 2024-05-30 |
| Number of pages | 288 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |