Reciprocal Church: Forming Faith in Young People

Reciprocal Church
Becoming a Community Where Faith Flourishes Beyond High School
(IVP, 2018)

WHO: Sharon Galgay Ketcham, a practical theologian at Gordon College.

SHE SAYS: “Values only have meaning as people adopt them and creatively give them shape.”

THE BIG IDEA: In light of young adults leaving the church, the author reflects theologically on the church community and its role in forming faith.

THE PROGRESSION:
The chapters in this book are progressive and build on one another. In Part 1, “A Theological Vision for the Reciprocal Church, the author offers a theological vision that we share a vital identity as God’s people; that Christ’s present reconciling activity determines the vital purpose for our relationships; and that relationships are an avenue for the Spirit to transform us.
Part 2, “Values and Practices for Flourishing Communities,” describes sustaining ideals that should inspire persistence amid adversity and provide encouragement. These chapters recognize the importance of valuing memory, contribution, maturity and mutuality while seeing potential.

“A reciprocal church trusts that the push and pull motion among people is to our advantage as the Spirit’s multiplying effect makes us Christ’s church.”

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Sharon Galgay Ketcham
Sharon Galgay Ketcham

Sharon Galgay Ketcham is a practical theologian at Gordon College.

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