As a minister, sometimes it’s hard to remember that what I do is more than just a job.

The day to day routine starts to become much like any other job, I suspect. Head to the office, work on lessons and messages, study for this class, plan that event, finalize this program, emails, phone calls, and lots of coffee.

But the church isn’t just another job. The church is the Bride of Christ. And that makes a huge difference.

In Loving The Church, John Crotts reminds me just what the means. Taking an over-arching view of the church, Crotts looks at the church, what it is, its value and its purpose. He then takes a look at how individual people fit into this grand view, making it intensely personal.

But I’m a minister. Most people aren’t. And this is the point of view that Loving The Church takes. Crotts has written this in such a way that it serves as a great reminder to each and every person sitting in our building every week just what this glorious design is and how important the church is in God’s design for the Kingdom.

From church leadership to spiritual gifts, from unity to spiritual growth, Loving The Church lays out a brief, yet detailed, look at the church.

The church is more than just a Sunday diversion. The church is more than just a few sermons or potlucks or youth groups or Bible studies. It is all those things, and more. So much more. And in this brief examination, Crotts defines for each of us what it means to love the church.

I really appreciated his easy to understand writing style. Too often, books on the church are too… well, churchy. Crotts has made this topic simple to grasp, while not simplifying the complexities of God’s Church.

His story-telling approach makes it fun to read as well.

I plan to stash a few extra copies of Loving The Church in my office, ready to hand out to people who wonder what this church thing is all about, and why it’s so important to God’s plan.

Perhaps you should grab a copy and read it as well…

What is your favorite characteristic of the Church? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

If you are interested in reading Loving The Church, by John Crotts, you can purchase it at Amazon.com in print or for Kindle.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from Cross Focused Media as part of their Cross Focused Reviews blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.“