Unmissable Church: Why You Need Church and Church Needs You
How can we juggle all the demands on our time and still make church a priority? Why is there sometimes such a disconnect between the Bible’s captivating vision for church and our experience of it? In Unmissable Church, Antony Barraclough and Richard Sweatman combine meticulous research, practical advice and pastoral warmth. They explore the reasons why it’s sometimes difficult to make it to church and what we can do about it. The issues of broken relationships, conflicting priorities, health concerns and more are treated with empathy and encouragement.
Publisher: Matthias Media
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925424904
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Antony Barraclough studied Engineering at UNSW (University of NSW), Divinity at Moore College and has a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity International University (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) in Chicago. He has ministered in Anglican churches in Mosman, Petersham and is currently the Senior Minister of NorthLight Anglican Church (West Pymble & West Lindfield in Sydney, Australia). He is also member of several Sydney Anglican councils including MT&D (Ministry Training and Development) as well as being a teacher and coach with Moore College’s Center for Ministry Development. He is passionate about the health of local churches and ministry teams. He is married to Kate and has three adult children. Richard Sweatman has been the maturity pastor at Hunter Bible Church and UniChurch in Newcastle, NSW, for over 10 years. He spends his time training and equipping leaders in small group ministry.
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"I have been eagerly anticipating this book ever since I heard about the research of one of the authors into evangelical church attendance. I am thrilled to see it published. Somehow Barraclough and Sweatman have taken a potentially boring and guilt-inducing topic and turned it into an uplifting, real-life resource for pastors, individual Christians and (I strongly suggest) church small groups. Their challenge is clear and thoroughly biblical: What good reason could there be for a follower of Jesus to miss church? But the challenge comes from two experienced and gentle pastors, who deeply sympathize with the complexities facing Christians today. The result is a compelling case—and a practical path forward—for consistent church attendance. As our world emerges from a pandemic, this is a timely and important book. I highly recommend it!" John Dickson, Author and historian, host of Undeceptions podcast, Jean Kvamme Distinguished Professor of Biblical Evangelism, Wheaton College, IL