The Cross-Cultured Church Paperback – 12 November 2012

As American demography makes tectonic shifts, so must the churches focus and operating procedure. This textbook-style written book is well-researched,and quotes scores of compassionate Christian leaders (mostly white one might deduce) burdened by the feel-good commercialization and consumerism of the American Church, and its troubling deviation from the Great Commission. When neighborhoods change, churches need to adopt/adapt to reaching new souls in their midst. No need selling mortgage-free, often historic, assets at distress prices to take on crippling debt building a new multi-million dollar complex to pamper the "moneyed" congregational segment. This only contributes to the comfortably culturized members collective amnesia about their biblical mandate. Dr.Purushotham layers all these concerns with relevant biblical quotes that should bring Christians to self-analyze, self-direct and self-realize that we are all one body in Christ and that God is indeed color blind. When I started reading this book, I thought it was a mere compilation, and regurgitation, of facts and quotes that a researcher could tediously compile. But the author provides practical solutions in this well moduled book. However, to make the book come alive even more, it would have been nice to see included: more real-life and personal stories, interviews with minority satellite church leaders (for their input and concerns) and also white church leaders who love, operate, and flourish in their changing communities - irrespective of the ethnicity of the souls they are called to shepherd.

The book is excellent. I'd suggest this to pastors and church leaders alike. The depth of work the author shows is applaudable. His extensive research on culture in church mixed with immediate application makes this book valuable.

I am a member of a great church, however for many years I have struggled with the fact that our congregation is not more racially diverse. It has been my experience that this challenge is faced my most churches around the country. Since reading this book my understanding of this challenge has grown significantly. Pastor Sanjay addresses our desire to be with people "just like us" and he challenges us to rethink this position based on scripture. This book is an important read for all Christians and especially for those in a leadership position within the Church. I am ordering several additional books to give to my church leaders and friends.

I was expecting " The 'CROSS'- cultured church but this appears excellent - cannot wait till the Uni. break to have time to read it.