"The Prodigal Project"

written by Mike Riddell, Mark Pierson and Cathy Kirkpatrick

Reviewed by Murray Brown

While written for an international audience, The Prodigal Project provides a New Zealand perspective on the alternative worship/emerging church scene. The authors each begin by telling their own “story” providing us with a context within which they write as well as providing the basis for the content that follows. Each convey their own sense of frustration with institutional expressions of the church they found themselves in and their journey to establish alternatives. In doing so their emphasis is not on condemning “church” as many know it today, but rather to chronicle their own explorations into alternative expressions.

Chapter two provides an outstanding description of postmodernism – one of the best I have read, that commendable in its scope and its simplicity. While some might quibble with some points it is a good introductory read for those new to the concept of postmodernism.

From there the authors begin to identify the impact of changing worldview upon church life with brush strokes that are somewhat broad but nevertheless helpful, not simply in what they say but for the way in which they stimulate the reader’s own thinking. In doing so they show caution realizing it’s possible to be too prescriptive:

“There will be no way that we can decide what the new garment church will look like. In these days of bouillabaisse and burgers, One-Size no longer fits all, and there’s no use gasping and shoving and pulling and sucking in an attempt to make everyone the same shape. The good news for today is that there can be many forms for many folks; lots of courses for more and more courses.” (p47-48)

This quote is significant to bear in mind for what follows is a description of a variety of new forms of worship and descriptions of churches seeking to engage culture, particularly appealing to those disillusioned or hurt by other expressions of church. There is a message, more implicit than explicit that what is described is what is needed to engage the emerging culture are the expressions of worship and church described. Such a conclusion is of dubious merit as much of what is described is more a reflection of temperament, creative bent and learning/worship style than it is of characteristics of any emerging mainstream culture.

This caution aside the ideas presented are refreshing and creative, set in the context of the author’s and other’s stories. Testimonies shared by leaders of churches/worshipping communities are helpful and honest and serve to broaden the readers mind to embrace new possibilities.

The book ends with a look into the future and a realization that this work is simply a small part of a greater work that is in process around us. Small, yes, but a worthwhile read that will not only introduce a range of new ideas, but more importantly, will encourage ongoing reflection on the directions in which God is leading His church in these changing and demanding times.