Is there really a revolution taking place in America?  According to researcher George Barna in his recent book Revolution, there are a "new breed of disciples of Jesus Christ. They are not willing to play religious games and aren't interested in being part of a religious community that is not intentionally and aggressively advancing God's Kingdom.  They are people who want more of God--much more--in their lives.  And they are doing whatever it takes to get it." (p. 7)

Barna believes the word church should be defined in two ways.  The word church spelled with a small c is a "congregation-based faith experience" with leadership and a group laymembers.  The term Church with a capital C refers to all believers in Jesus who are connected by their faith regardless of any affiliation  with a local church organization.


Barna perceives that a Revolution is taking place in America.  That many are no longer willing to go with the flow of religious organizations, wishing instead to pursue and intimate relationship with God.

Statistics show a steady decline in local church attendance.  Instead, people are being involved in smaller movements such as house churches, biblical worldview groups, marketplace ministries, spiritual discipline networks and others.  Because they aren't always organized, it is difficult to give numbers.  Barna estimates that by 2025, instead of the 70% involvement of Christians in a local church, that number will be more like 30-35%.  

Part of the reason for this expected decline, it that people get excited about what they've learned in their small groups.  When they go back to their church to share "the magnificent work of God that they have personally experienced into the ministry of the church." (p.56) However, they are asked not to introduce anything new that would alter the status quo.  While many continue being members, eventually their interest in attending declines as they continue in personal growth and excitement.

"Americans are used to controlling their lives.  What makes Revolutionaries so bizarre is that they admit they do not have control of their lives and they are not seeking to attain control.  Who else would you want controlling your life besides the God of Creation?"  (p.82) Barna goes on to say we must seek His direction and tune in.  Discover how He speaks to  each one personally.

Barna also addresses Hebrews 10:25 in this book. I leave you, the reader to discover what his take on this well known scripture.  It is generally agreed that true believers are not isolationists.  However, it may not be mandatory that they be integrated into a formal church congregation.  

Revolution is not intended to motivate the reader to become a Revolutionary.  Instead, it is meant to give a clearer understand of what the Revolution is all about.  That all humans can work together to advance God's Kingdom on earth.

Barna's Revolution is an easy read.  The material is informative without being threatening.  I, Virginia, heard about this book from a number of sources.  The local library kindly ordered a copy for the library.  I believe that it will be a widely read book over a period of time and recommend it to you, my readers.

On the inside flaps--
A revolution is a fundamental change.  A paradigm shift in the way a person views and interacts with his or her world.  According to years' worth of data collected by George Barna, the Church is undergoing the biggest Revolution of our time.

For thousands of eyars, Christians have been inventing church, but neglecting to be the Church  Christ commissioned. Droves of committed believers are foregoing Sunday mornings to live a 24/7 faith unfettered by the clutter and bureaucracy within the church walls.

In stark contrast to both the stuffy, formalaic religiosity sometimes found in the established church and the feel-good, invent-your-own spirituality, the Revolution is casting off anything that hinders a full, vibrant life of discipleship to Christ.

George Barna is the founder and Directing Leader of the Barna Group, a research and resource from whose clients have ranged from ministries such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Focus on the Family to corporations such as Ford and Walt Disney to the U.S. Navy and U.S,. Army.

To date, Barna has written more than 35 books, including best sellers such as Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions, The Frog in the Kettle and User Friendly Churches.  He has been hailed as "the most quoted person in the Christian Church today" and is counted among its most influential leaders.

Barna lives with his wife and their two daughters (Samantha and Corban) in southern California.

On the back cover--
Millions of believers have moved beyond the established church...and chosen to be the church instead.

Research by renowned pollster George Barna points to a hidden revolution--one that will impact every Christian believer in America.  Millions of committed Christ followers, looking for more of God, have stopped attending church on Sunday mornings.  Why are they leaving?  Where are they going?  And what does this mean for the future of the Church?

In this groundbreaking book, Barna examines the state of the church today--and compares it to the biblical picture of the church as God intended it to be.  He documents how and why a new brand of devout "Revolutionaries" is abandoning the local church building while attempting to become the Church that Christ commissioned us to be.

This Revolution will challenge you with
it
the straightforward biblical guidelines for the Church
7 core passions of a Revolutionary
a daring redefinition of the church as we know it.

Maybe you're afraid of the changes to come.  Maybe you've been waiting for this moment to arrive.  Either way, the revolution is here.