The Church Awakening

An Urgent Call for Renewal

By: Charles R. Swindoll

Narrated by: Dennis Holland

In THE CHURCH AWAKENING, Dr. Charles Swindoll discusses the challenges, struggles, and priorities of the church in the twenty-first century. He reveals the problems inherent in the entertainment-based postmodern church and shows how a return to biblical teaching will restore its strength and impact. Now being replaced by a feel-good message instead of what Christians need to know to stand strong in a world that's lost its way--Swindoll exposes the problems of--and solutions for--the postmodern evangelical church. Just as he opened readers' eyes with his bold statements in The Grace Awakening, now he offers a straightforward volume revealing how to reestablish a life-altering church with Christ as Lord and Master. Illuminating and empowering, THE CHURCH AWAKENING will ignite a revolution in the way Christians "do church" for years to come.

much-needed book for our times

this is indeed a much-needed book for our time. I found a very helpful and reviewing our own Ministry where we been where we're at where we're going. Thanks so much to Chuck Swindoll

Very needed input for the church today!

This was a powerful book and as a pastor I Believe every Christian would benefit from this book! It's full of truth and powerfully spoken! It's a must for those going into ministry!

thought provoking

I love listening to it so much that I want to get the hard copy printed copy.

A clarion call to the church for revival

This book is one of my favorite books of current publication. I have read it three times. I believe that it will continue to be on my library shelf and will be read multiple times in my life and in ministry.

The Church Awakening is a book written not from an academicians perspective but from the perspective of an impassioned pastor for his congregation and for the Church in general. Dr Swindoll is writing from first hand knowledge and experience of the church today. His own church's difficulties and drift from the biblical essentials lay the groundwork for an appeal to the Church of Jesus Christ today, and not just today but of every generation.

I highly recommend this book for all pastors, Church leaders, and all Christians. Study this book together. Carry on discussion. Earnestly seek God in prayer together. Now is the time for the Church to reawaken to her calling and mission.

A Good Start

Dr. Swindoll has done a great service in producing this book. He is a beloved man who has a deep concern about the influence of postmodernism and a culture of entertainment which permeates much of the Protestant Church in the US.
I am concerned, however, that Dr. Swindoll focuses on the ideal of “what” should be done and omits “how” the ideals should be accomplished. For example, he visits a church with a congregation of young people and young adults. The older members have left because of the “worship wars.” He is critical of the pastor of that flock, but offers no encouragement to the pastor or insight for the reader. In other words, what would Dr. Swindoll do if there was a disagreement over the worship music in a church that is Biblical as he defines it? What would or could be done to nurture that group and keep it together?
He also tells us that the church should be run on spiritual principles rather than management principles (no job descriptions for example). The seminary he headed should be a fellowship not unlike the church, but he was busy raising money, paying bills, meeting ADA and EEO requirements and the like. Those same things must be a part of managing a growing congregation. He just avoids those issues.
Dr. Swindoll is good at raising the right questions, but you will have to look further for “meat” that will sustain you in dealing with real issues. What I am saying is the book is very good for what it is – we just need someone to help us further.