Tony Sundermeier writes a good review of The Missional Leader - a book from two of our friends, Al Roxburgh and Fred Romanuk. (My copy keeps disappearing.) Tony highly recommends the book but asks some tough questions about it, as well.
What Roxburgh and Romanuk have done is produce a top-rate strategy and plan that is deeply rooted in their missional theology; a plan that is very thorough, organized, and well thought out. This is in and of itself quite an accomplishment – it displays a rare combination of theology and praxis in a Christian culture that usually presents one aspect as separate from the other. And while they are very clear and articulate in directing the leadership enterprise toward congregational ownership and not adapting the plans and purposes of one singular leader,[17] there is still a technique driven tone throughout the book. It begs the question: are the authors simply repackaging techniques for a new paradigm? Are Roxburgh and Romanuck the next Dulles or Maxwell, the next Hybels or Warren? [Bill: Knowing Fred and Al, this line cracked me up - but he IS asking a good question.]
Regardless, I do believe that this book is absolutely crucial for churches and the leaders of the local church to engage with, implement, and reflect upon. The strategies are theologically sound, socially relevant, and ecclesiologically prudent. However, I wonder if Roxburgh and Romanuk are nonetheless guilty of practicing the same technical rationality that is implicitly viewed in a pejorative light throughout their book? In other words: can any of us escape our place in this technological society that is driven by technique and utilitarian pragmatism? Can we truly conceive of the church as an organism instead of an organization?
Read the entire review @ Tony's blog, please.
