An ex-Pastor and an atheist go into this mega church… Sounds like the intro to a bad joke, right? Actually it’s the premise behind the newest book JIM & CASPER GO TO CHURCH. Jim Henderson is the executive director of Off the Map, a non-profit organization that “Focused on re-inventing evangelism by encouraging Christians to connect with people in small, ordinary and doable ways.” He was also a pastor for twenty five years and left the ministry to paint houses. Henderson (and Off the Map) held a contest to find an atheist who would write a book with him and offer his “unbiased” or better yet his “outsiders” opinion on twelve different churches across the country. Matt Casper is an atheist and he was the lucky individual to travel across the nation to attend some of America’s most recognized and not so recognized churches. Some of the churches were “mega churches” a few were mid size to small churches and even one that was held in the home of an individual. This unlikely union of Casper (who Henderson lovingly refers as “Casper the friendly atheist”) and Henderson resulted in one of the most intriguing books about the church that I have read in a long time.
In the summer of 2006 Casper and Jim spent the summer travelling to some of the “best- and- least known evangelical churches”. They attended most of the churches without any foreknowledge from the pastors and were able to spectate without drawing too much attention to themselves (which was virtually impossible since they brought their laptops with them to take notes). They began their journey by attending Saddleback Church (Pastor Rick Warren) in San Diego, then travelled to Dream Center (Pastor Matthew Barnett) and Mosaic (Pastor Erwin McManus) in Los Angeles. Next the two travelled to the Chicago area and attended Willow Creek (Pastor Bill Hybels) and a small Presbyterian church named First Presbyterian Church of River Forest (Pastor David Worth) and then to Lawndale Community Church (Pastor Wayne Gordon). After two weeks Casper was encouraged to attend his friend’s home in San Diego where they held a church service in his (Jason Evans) home. Week four brought them to the Portland/Seattle area where they visited Imago Dei (Pastor Rick McKinley), Mars Hill Church in Seattle(Pastor Mark Driscoll) and the Bridge (Pastors Ken and Deborah Loyd) in Portland. Their journey came to an end as they embarked on a quest to Texas as they witness services at Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen) and The Potter’s House (T.D. Jakes).
I will leave the comments, criticisms and observations that were made about each church out and let you read them for yourself. Ultimately I think you will find the conclusions and criticisms predictable (since we Christians are all aware of the established Churches flaws) yet some are very insightful and eye opening. As a pastor, I couldn’t help but wonder what their critique would have been of the church I pastor and how we rate in the eyes of an atheist. I certainly gained a lot of insights from their observations on how I may need to change some of my practices and outlooks in ministry. Overall I feel this is a book that everyone should read and could benefit from. I felt a wave of emotions as I read from agreeing whole-heartedly with some thoughts and other times feeling livid as I would (at times almost verbally) say, “We (the Church) should never allow an atheist tell us how we SHOULD or DO worship our God (in whom they do not believe). But then I settle down and think I can see where “they” (atheists) are coming from. But in the end I am always reminded of the supremacy of Christ and the Providence of God and remember these words of God, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy”. When the lights are off, the smoke machines are cooled down and the amps are stowed away, it is God who saves, not the Church. We can utilize all that God has blessed us with to “try” and reach the world (this is our commission) but it is up to God to save. Reader, read with an open mind but don’t let the words of two mortal men change the direct call the immortal God has called on your life. Take notes, underline key thoughts and then pray; ask God to show you how to reach this world with the Gospel message and walk in the ways we are called to walk (sorry the preacher in me came out in the end).
Reviewed by Jeff Holton
