The New Parish: How Neighborhood Churches Are Transforming Mission, Discipleship and Community

Paul Sparks · Tim Soerens · Dwight J. Friesen

Dec 2023 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by William Sarris

About this audiobook

Christianity Today Award of Merit Readers' Choice Awards Honorable Mention Best Books About the Church from Byron Borger, Hearts and Minds Bookstore "When . . . faith communities begin connecting together, in and for the neighborhood, they learn to depend on God for strength to love, forgive, and show grace like never before. . . . The gospel becomes so much more tangible and compelling when the local church is actually a part of the community, connected to the struggles of the people, and even the land itself." Paul Sparks, Tim Soerens, and Dwight J. Friesen have seen-in cities, suburbs, and small towns all over North America-how powerful the gospel can be when it takes root in the context of a place, at the intersection of geography, demography, economy, and culture. This is not a new idea-the concept of a parish is as old as Paul's letters to the various communities of the ancient church. But in an age of dislocation and disengagement, the notion of a church that knows its place and gives itself to where it finds itself is like a breath of fresh air, like a sign of new life.

About the author

Paul Sparks is a frequent speaker and consultant for groups seeking to understand the transition toward more local forms of everyday ecclesial life. He curates a growing faith community in Tacoma, Washington.

Tim Soerens is a pastor, social entrepreneur, and cofounding director of the Parish Collective. He is also coauthor, with Paul Sparks and Dwight Friesen, of The New Parish. He lives in Seattle with his wife, Maria-Jose, and their two sons.

Dwight J. Friesen is associate professor of practical theology at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. He is the author of Thy Kingdom Connected.

William Sarris is an accomplished voice actor and narrator. In addition to narrating audiobooks, he has been the voice for radio and TV commercials, e-learning, medical training, online videos, and non-broadcast media. He is based in Connecticut.