The Prodigal Church: A Gentle Manifesto against the Status Quo

Jared C. Wilson is assistant professor of pastoral ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and director of the Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He is a popular author and conference speaker, and also blogs regularly at Gospel Driven Church, hosted by the Gospel Coalition. His books include Gospel Wakefulness; The Storytelling God; and The Wonder-Working God.

Jared Wilson provides a stern warning against the excesses of pragmatic approaches to church growth while reminding us that if the power of the gospel is not driving our ministries, we may build a crowd, but we are not building a church.
-Thom Rainer,
President and CEO, LifeWay Christian Resources

Jared Wilson paints a vivid picture of the grievous outcome of church centered on programmatic pragmatism instead of the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. His critical analysis and probing confrontation, coupled with his personal encounter with grace, has the potential to bring the church to her senses and usher her back to our Father's restorative embrace. The Prodigal Church is a desperately needed wake-up call.
-Jeff Vanderstelt,
Visionary Leader, Soma; Pastor, Doxa Church, Bellevue, Washington

The Prodigal Church is indeed a gentle manifesto against the status quo. Wilson writes with humility, urgency, and true pastoral concern for God's people. He pushes back against the consumerism and pragmatism so prevalent in twenty-first-century congregations, and points the church to something far superior - the gospel of Jesus Christ. All who love the local church will benefit from reading this book.
-Jason Allen, President,
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and College

Jared Wilson writes that we've forgotten "who the church is for." He rightly, and with a kind spirit, questions the status quo in this book. The church is not a consumer experience. It's not supposed to be a volunteer-draining, CEO-driven business. No, it's much bigger, better, and more beautiful than that.
-Brant Hansen,
CURE International; storyteller; radio host

Although I don't agree with all of the conclusions Jared comes to, he asks penetrating questions and lovingly argues as a man who deeply loves Jesus, the gospel, the church, and pastors. I am fully confident that what he has written here will save some weary pastors from burning out and will make The Village Church a healthier place.
-Matt Chandler,
Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network