Intended for people who are feeling somewhat dissatisfied or burned out by church experiences, or who feel that Christians are no different from anyone else. It doesn’t point fingers or criticise; instead it gently explores ways of helping people become closer to God.

Most of the book is written in paired chapters. The first of each pair looks at ways in which many western Christians live; and the second looks at what might change. For instance, the author compares structured church programmes with the communities that developed in the early church. He acknowledges that much of what we do nowadays can be useful, and that lives can be changed. Yet we are not radiating the love and authority that was so evident in first century Christians.

It’s not particularly easy to get hold of this book. But if you see it at a reasonable price, and are interested in understanding some of the problems that beset much of the church today, I would recommend it. ( )