Page 3 – The Permanent Revolution – Hirsch / Catchim
The final section of the book explores apostolic organization and how it is centered around a movement rather than an institution. The organizing center of this movement is mission. This is an important reminder and it is demonstrated by the experience of the earliest church. Emphasizing that we are designed to make an impact on the world, creates the context to ask the right questions about how we are pursuing ministry.
Bringing the book to a close, the authors remind us that design matters. The architecture of missional ministry is designed to reproduce itself. When we recognize our struggle to engage in effective mission we need to reflect on how closely we are operating according to God’s design. This is one of the strongest themes throughout the book.
The Permanent Revolution is a thought-provoking read that both church leaders and members committed to mission will find challenging. Those who cannot get past the lack of a theological framework laid for the continuance of the apostolic role may dismiss it before they engage the heart of the message. It is worth reading and considering the practical insights that it raises, regardless of whether or not one agrees with the authors’ definition of apostolic ministry. Being technical in nature, the book is best read slowly with time to reflect and to engage with its many visual illustrations.
In their conclusion, Hirsch and Catchim summarize their message well, “We are designed for continuous movement, and apostles are the permanent revolutionaries given to the church to catalyze the permanent revolution.” (249)
C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
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Also reviewed here.. http://nextreformation.com/?p=7880
Thx for sharing that, Len…