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9781666713855

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Prophetic and yet loving. Appreciative and yet challenging. Written with a pastor's heart and an academic mind, this text invites pastors and congregational leaders to ponder how they can be more faithful to the gospel in our time. In a time of apparent decline, this text provides images of hope for a vital church of the future. A great book for group study as well as personal reflection. I commend it for church-leadership teams and councils. --Bruce Epperly, author of Walking with Francis of Assisi: From Privilege to Activism LaRochelle delivers a personal Jacob-wrestling-with-the-angel story. . . . This honest confessional by one who has served as a pastor in multiple congregations of various denominations is a candid look at what the local church can become if its priorities are rooted in a sense of mission and discipleship. --James Hazelwood, author of Everyday Spirituality: Discover a Life of Hope, Meaning and Peace LaRochelle points to both the excesses and shortcomings of the hierarchical, rule-based structure of the church while also pointing to the fact that much of humanitarian assistance comes from faith-based organizations. He . . . challenges the church to become more relevant and directly address the current challenges facing its congregants. --Curtis Brand, author of Butterfly Moon LaRochelle offers us a refreshingly honest glimpse into his lifelong relationship with the church and the internal conflict that helped to shape his journey. . . . This book is a perfect conversation starter as the reader explores their own personal relationship with God, religion, and the church. --Eric R. Hutchinson, Music Director, Grace Lutheran Church, ELCA In reading this book, I found myself reenergized as a Christian. It answered deep-rooted questions about the purpose of the church and what could be as opposed to its current realities. In many ways, I view this book as a call to action. . . . What are our priorities? What should they be? This book is timely and has the opportunity to serve as a catalyst for both personal and institutional change. --Daniel P. Sullivan III, Connecticut School Administrator LaRochelle looks back on his lifework 'navigating life within the institutional church.' . . . What sets LaRochelle's work apart is its pastoral focus, setting these large questions within the context of local pastoral life. Doing so . . . offers hope that solutions can be found that will renew Christian care in the Christian movement's many intersecting American communities. --David O Brien, author of The Renewal of American Catholicism LaRochelle speaks for many clergy when he writes about his love-hate relationship with the church. . . . We have a book that explores the values and the challenges of the church, resulting in this love-hate relationship. As a mainline pastor (now retired), I recognize the realities described here. My hope is that readers will discern from the book a path forward so that the good news can be experienced by all who encounter the church. --Robert Cornwall, author of Called to Bless LaRochelle clearly has a true love for the church. And as with any true love, he's committed to making it work. But he is not blinded by its trappings, nor its dangers. Bob doesn't see the church just in static absolutes but rather with the nuance that is necessary for the church's survival and to reach its maximum positive impact in our society--and in ourselves. During these times, thinking like this is exactly what we need. --Bryan Nurnberger, President & Founder, Simply Smiles In this current time, when the tendency is to remain in a comfortable, like-minded cultural silo, . . . Bob invites his readers to explore the gray area of hard questions and encourages critical thinking about ideas of faith, belief, and community. He does this in a care-filled way that steers clear of judgement and offers a path to understanding that communities of faith are made stronger wh

Prophetic and yet loving. Appreciative and yet challenging. Written with a pastor's heart and an academic mind, this text invites pastors and congregational leaders to ponder how they can be more faithful to the gospel in our time. In a time of apparent decline, this text provides images of hope for a vital church of the future. A great book for group study as well as personal reflection. I commend it for church-leadership teams and councils. --Bruce Epperly, author of Walking with Francis of Assisi: From Privilege to Activism LaRochelle delivers a personal Jacob-wrestling-with-the-angel story. . . . This honest confessional by one who has served as a pastor in multiple congregations of various denominations is a candid look at what the local church can become if its priorities are rooted in a sense of mission and discipleship. --James Hazelwood, author of Everyday Spirituality: Discover a Life of Hope, Meaning and Peace LaRochelle points to both the excesses and shortcomings of the hierarchical, rule-based structure of the church while also pointing to the fact that much of humanitarian assistance comes from faith-based organizations. He . . . challenges the church to become more relevant and directly address the current challenges facing its congregants. --Curtis Brand, author of Butterfly Moon LaRochelle offers us a refreshingly honest glimpse into his lifelong relationship with the church and the internal conflict that helped to shape his journey. . . . This book is a perfect conversation starter as the reader explores their own personal relationship with God, religion, and the church. --Eric R. Hutchinson, Music Director, Grace Lutheran Church, ELCA In reading this book, I found myself reenergized as a Christian. It answered deep-rooted questions about the purpose of the church and what could be as opposed to its current realities. In many ways, I view this book as a call to action. . . . What are our priorities? What should they be? This book is timely and has the opportunity to serve as a catalyst for both personal and institutional change. --Daniel P. Sullivan III, Connecticut School Administrator LaRochelle looks back on his lifework 'navigating life within the institutional church.' . . . What sets LaRochelle's work apart is its pastoral focus, setting these large questions within the context of local pastoral life. Doing so . . . offers hope that solutions can be found that will renew Christian care in the Christian movement's many intersecting American communities. --David O Brien, author of The Renewal of American Catholicism LaRochelle speaks for many clergy when he writes about his love-hate relationship with the church. . . . We have a book that explores the values and the challenges of the church, resulting in this love-hate relationship. As a mainline pastor (now retired), I recognize the realities described here. My hope is that readers will discern from the book a path forward so that the good news can be experienced by all who encounter the church. --Robert Cornwall, author of Called to Bless LaRochelle clearly has a true love for the church. And as with any true love, he's committed to making it work. But he is not blinded by its trappings, nor its dangers. Bob doesn't see the church just in static absolutes but rather with the nuance that is necessary for the church's survival and to reach its maximum positive impact in our society--and in ourselves. During these times, thinking like this is exactly what we need. --Bryan Nurnberger, President & Founder, Simply Smiles In this current time, when the tendency is to remain in a comfortable, like-minded cultural silo, . . . Bob invites his readers to explore the gray area of hard questions and encourages critical thinking about ideas of faith, belief, and community. He does this in a care-filled way that steers clear of judgement and offers a path to understanding that communities of faith are made stronger when approached, challenged, and understood thoughtfully. --Kristen Graves, singer/songwriter

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Robert R. LaRochelle holds a DMin degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. He is an ordained clergyperson in the United Church of Christ and also served as an ordained Roman Catholic deacon for nine years. In addition to his work serving several churches as pastor, he had a career in education as both a teacher and counselor which spanned over forty years. In addition to his doctoral degree, he holds degrees from the College of the Holy Cross, Central Connecticut, and Boston College.

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