Centering on Jesus, Not Judgmentalism
“A life-giving exposition of a life-transforming concept”
- David Fitch
“An immensely practical book brimming with eloquent theology”
- Debbie Blue
“Completely revolutionized my vision of Christian formation within the local church”
- Kurt Willems
How can churches foster Christian communities of belonging that aren’t based on excluding others?
Christians can be adept at drawing lines, determining what it means to be “a good Christian” and judging those who stray out of bounds. Other times they erase all the lines in favor of a vague and inoffensive faith. Both impulses can come from positive intentions, but either can lead to stunted spiritual life and harmful relationships. Is there another option?
The late missionary anthropologist Paul Hiebert famously drew upon mathematical theory to deploy the concepts of “bounded,” “fuzzy,” and “centered” sets to shed light on the nature of Christian community.
Now, with Centered-Set Church, Mark D. Baker provides a unique manual for understanding and applying Hiebert’s vision. Drawing on his extensive experience in church, mission, parachurch, and higher education settings, along with interviews and stories gleaned from scores of first-hand interviews, Baker delivers practical guidance for any group that seeks to be truly centered on Jesus.
Baker shows how Scripture presents an alternative to either obsessing over boundaries or simply erasing them. Centered churches are able to affirm their beliefs and live out their values without such bitter fruit as gracelessness, shame, and self-righteousness on the one hand, or aimless “whateverism” on the other.
While addressing possible concerns and barriers to the centered approach, Baker invites leaders to imagine centered alternatives in such practical areas of ministry as discipleship, church membership, leadership requirements, and evangelism. Centered-Set Church charts new paths to grow in authentic freedom and dynamic movement toward the true center: Jesus himself.
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Introducing Centered-Set Church
Video Series & Discussion Guide
Bring the Centered Approach to
Your Church or Community
None of us can live into the potential of a centered approach to ministry single-handedly. We need others in our church or community to join us. Before we can do that, we need a shared understanding of concepts.
That is why we worked with the team at Jesus Collective to create Introducing Centered-Set Church.
This video series presents the basics of bounded, fuzzy, and centered sets similar to the content of the first three chapters of Centered-Set Church. The videos engage viewers through stories, diagrams, and examples. Discussion questions lead participants to imagine possibilities of how God might use this approach in their lives and community. This resource is designed to inform, excite, and inspire others to turn from bounded or fuzzy approaches and together center on Jesus.
Video 1: Bounded Church and Fuzzy church
Video 2: The Fruit of Bounded, Fuzzy, and Centered Churches
Video 3: Responding to Questions about a Centered Church
Video 4: God of the Center
Video 5: Imagining Centered Alternatives
We have partnered with Jesus Collective to produce and distribute these videos. Jesus Collective is a Jesus centered movement that provides resources and connection. Choose one of the links below to purchase the option that best describes you and then follow the prompts to create your account and profile on Circle.so, Jesus Collective's home on the web. Then you will be able to download the videos as many times as you need.
Click Below to Purchase
Small Church (use by less than 8 small groups or staff teams) - $45
Large Church (use by 8 or more small groups or staff teams) - $145
What People Are Saying About the Book
“It’s not often that you find the practical and the lyrically beautiful so entwined.”
“Helpful examples, reflective questions, and stirring testimonies from ministry leaders”
“Gospel communities that are defined not by theological fences or doctrinal fuzziness but by Jesus Christ.”
“Help your community of faith keep firm convictions without drawing lines that promote polarization and
judgmental attitudes.”
“With each story, he draws us in to another way of being the people of Jesus in the world.”
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Go Deeper as a Centered-Set Church by studying Paul’s Letter to the Galatians
“Baker’s exploration of Galatians makes the ancient seem strikingly contemporary.” Meghan Good
“Crystal-clear exposition, vivid imagery and illuminating analogies . . .” Ross Wagner
“I was exploding with excitement in my soul as I read this book.” Jon Maurer
Paul wrote a passionate letter to Galatian churches that has potential to lead us to more profoundly experience the liberating work of Jesus Christ. This commentary seeks to unlock that potential by pressing deeper into the letter itself to understand the problem that provoked Paul to write it. Mark Baker pays special attention to the religious and honor-shame dynamics of the time, and mines new insights and applications through using the concept of bounded, fuzzy, and centered churches as a lens for interpreting Galatians.
While based on thorough research of Pauline scholarship, this commentary is accessibly written. The implications sections and thoughtful questions that close each chapter invite deeper consideration of both personal and communal applications, making this an ideal volume for individual or group study.
Kindred Productions Luminaire Studies Series
What People Are Saying About the Book
“Mark Baker knits together the Apostle Paul’s passionate call to the Galatian church, and to us, to embody the unexpected grace and liberating freedom found uniquely in Jesus. A highly readable book.”
“Written in a style that is commentary, Bible study, and small group discussion guide all in one, this book provides a way forward for Christians exhausted by the many lines currently dividing churches.”
“Rich in theological insight and pastoral wisdom, this book will be an excellent resource both for those who are reading Galatians for the first time and those who have been reading it all their lives.”
“Baker has given me the inspiration to help those I lead say goodbye to judgmentalism and religiosity. There’s nothing else like it—absolutely brilliant!”
“How do we live in the truth of the Gospel without eventually adding our own customs, cultural value systems, ethnicity, or nationality as the markers and protectors of the Christian identity? This book is a must for anyone drawn to understand and live in the grace of Jesus. ”
“Baker illuminates Paul’s answer to the question of what it will take to see a fractured church gathered at one table. ”
Options for Buying the Book
For bulk orders of 8 or more contact the author directly for a discounted rate of $14.50 plus shipping.
About the Author
Mark D. Baker
Mark (PhD, Duke University) is professor of mission and theology at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California.
He served as a missionary in Honduras for ten years and has written a number of books, including Ministering in Honor-Shame Cultures (with Jayson Georges) and Freedom from Religiosity: Studies in Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. Contact the author.
