The Present Future

Book Review.
McNeal, Reggie. The Present Future. Six tough questions for the church. Jossey-Bass. 2003.
Comment. Henry.
Because of its publication date this book is no longer contemporary but it certainly addresses some contemporary issues. His book Missional Renaissance is the contemporary response. (See former review.)
Reggie has become somewhat of a ‘guru’ for necessary change in churches to be relevant in today’s culture. He pushes us toward the future without desecrating the past. He is asking questions that are helpful to get on track (or back on track) regarding the place and purpose of the church and its function in community.

The church in America needs to become more missional. Regarding God the church has changed so much that “God doesn’t have to show up to get done what’s being done”. (6) Spiritual vitality is not a result of church activity. Institutional religion has lost its appeal.
The first of the ‘six tough questions that are being asked is; “How do we deconvert from Churchianity to Christianity?” (11) This involves a return to a kingdom of God focus. The pros and cons of the church growth movement are presented.
The second question is; “How do we transform our community?” (26) This requires an outward focus, a missional spirituality. It must be love in action where people live.
The third question posed is; “How do we turn members into missionaries?” (48) Missionaries must learn the language of the culture they are working in. It is the language of modernity and post-modernity. A plan is presented on how to “create a culture informed missiology”. (61) This requires a change to a church ‘scorecard’ and such a change will be met with serious opposition.
Question four is: How do we develop followers of Jesus?” (73) Spiritual formation, which should be part of a follower’s life, happens through personal life coaching. Christ like ministry is giving “the missional expression of the love of God” (81) to others. Discipleship is learned from experience not in a classroom.
“How do we prepare for the future?” is the fifth question. The key word in this question focuses on preparation not planning. Spiritual preparation has five elements; “vision, values, results, strengths and learning”. (96) Vision and values must be in alignment and then the results will be determined. “What gets rewarded gets done” (108) so be careful what you reward. Focus on strengths but don’t ignore weaknesses. Dealing with weaknesses involves learning.
The last question is; “How do we develop leaders for the Christian movement?” (129) The need is for apostolic leaders who order their lives around a missionary purpose. The training of such leaders does not happen in conventional (church) institutions of education. The areas of learning for apostolic leaders are “paradigm issues, microskill development, resources development and personal growth”. (130)
Reggie ends his book with a section that stresses what he is not saying about the church. This is helpful in processing his thesis.