Book Review/Reaction by Robert Shaw

Arthur H. DeKruyter with Quentin J. Schultze,

The SuburbanChurch: Practical Advice for Authentic Ministry

Arthur DeKruyter left a successful ministry to start a suburban church in the 1960's. This book captures what he learned about growing a suburban church. Noting that a single formula doesnot exist, the authors describe DeKruyter's experiences with Christ Church in Oak Brook,Illinois, which grew from five families to 1,200 members, having peaked at three-thousandmembers.DeKruyter reports having left a denomination to form an independent church and frequentlylaments not having access to denominational resources or reports having developed parallelresources.The authors are long on what not to do. Occasionally they lapse into double negatives rather than plainly state what should be affirmed.Listening to the community was key to DeKruyter's process. In addition to going to placeswhere people congregate (coffee shops and libraries), he encourage and used home gatheringsfor attending to community concerns and for conducting basic Christianity classes. WhileDeKruyter needed in home sessions, due to lack of a church building, they had the added benefitof providing a neutral non-threatening locations where members could invite their friends to asocial event, rather than a religious institutional event.The authors list seven characteristics of suburbanites, which contrast with my experiences inrural and small town settings.1.Motivated from within. Peer pressure and other forms of external persuasion are noteffective. Suburbanites tend towards self-motivation and independent thinking.2.Demand dependability. Suburbanites keep commitments they make and expect others todo so as well. In rural communities, I have seen relationships trump professionalism.3.Revere experts and authorities. When they need answers, they seek top-notch professionals who readily respond with the latest and best practices. Just as they wouldseek excellent sports clothing, equipment, and instruction for themselves, they expectexcellence from their church facility and staff. In rural communities I have seen a preference for people who are known to a community over experts.4.Goal oriented. They are excited by documented progress towards goals. Suburban pastors and elders must be able to address conflict and perfectionism frequently generated by goal driven, type-A personalities.5.Committed to excellence. They get behind organizations they know who are similarlycommitted, and will not withhold their enthusiasm and support.6.Confidently enthusiastic about the future. “They are quick to tell others about their latest projects and accomplishments, not so much out of pride, as excitement.” The small towncommunities I have served tend to view the future as a continuation of the past rather than a new opportunity to improve the world.

1Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008