Church Forsaken
"There are no God-forsaken places, just church-forsaken places." —Jon Fuller, OMF International
Jonathan Brooks was raised in the Englewood neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. As soon as he was able, he left the community and moved as far away as he could. But through a remarkable turn of events, he reluctantly returned and found himself not only back in Englewood but also serving as a pastor ("Pastah J") and community leader.
In Church Forsaken, Brooks challenges local churches to rediscover that loving our neighbors means loving our neighborhoods. Unpacking the themes of Jeremiah 29, he shows how Christians can be fully present in local communities, building homes and planting gardens for the common good. His holistic vision and practical work offers good news for forgotten people and places. And community stakeholders and civic leaders will rediscover that churches are viable partners in community transformation in ways that they may never have considered.
God has always been at work in neglected neighborhoods. Join Pastah J on this journey and discover new hope for your community.
"Jonathan Brooks is a leader of our time whose commitment to local community, the church, and people gives us an example of pastoral presence that is quite inspiring. Jonathan's commitment to place goes unmatched. The choice to return to a neighborhood that many escape from radiates hope. The stories display the power of presence from unexpected places and push us to believe. I highly recommend this book to read over and over again as a blueprint for community engagement."
"Theology of place is one of the most critical foundations of community transformation. Pastor Jonathan Brooks outlines a biblical and practical approach to understanding the importance of location in the life of a church and Christian communities. The stories told, mistakes made, and victories won in this book are authentic and relevant. I have longed for a book with this level of integrity and wisdom on the topic of the church intentionally living in and with a community. No fronting or faking here. These examples and principles of solidarity and mutuality have transformed Pastor Jonathan's community; may they do the same for all who read and apply it."
"I don't know a more faithful, committed, and compassionate person when it comes to caring for one's neighborhood and truly living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jonathan is for the people—for the hearts and souls that make up a community. He calls all of us good church folk to fall in love with our neighborhoods and join in with the work of renewal that God is up to in communities. Church Forsaken is a call to remember who we are for and what's at stake when we forget each other."