Book review of Pharisectomy by Peter Haas — How to joyfully remove your inner Pharisee and other religiously transmitted diseases.
Things I like
The main thing that I like about Peter Haas’ ministry is that they’re actually reaching unchurched people. This seems like such a rarity in so many of our churches. It makes me want to learn from him. God has clearly gifted Peter with insight into reaching those who need Christ.
Peter rejects the tribalism that so often comes along with churches. I think it’s safe to say that his approach doesn’t fit neatly into most of the boxes we put churches into.
He is critical of “the way we often do church” yet not in a downhearted or cynical way. It’s crystal clear that he loves the church and wants to see it thrive.
He hits the nail on the head when it comes to young people being in primary leadership in the church. This one point is something that would revolutionize churches worldwide if we could grasp it.
Peter has a winsome, humorous way of explaining and opening up our eyes to the ways we or others around us have certain assumptions about how to “do church” that are unhelpful.
One caveat: I’m not sure I completely agree with all of the theological conclusions that Peter makes in this book. But nothing that’s too far away from where I stand.
Bottom line
The book is nearly a decade old but feels completely relevant (and important) to the current church planting or church growth conversation.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to think creatively about how to plant, revitalize, or grow God’s church.
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