The Emotionally Healthy Church (Peter Scazzero, 250 SCA)

Reviewed By Lennia Low (21 Jun 08)

The book, “The Emotionally Healthy Church –A Strategy for Discipleship that actually changes lives” by Peter Scazzero, will catch anyone’s attention simply with its title.

What prompted this Pastor of a fast growing dynamic church in New York to write this book? It stems from two major crisis in his life; firstly, the betrayal of his assistant Pastor (a close brother in the Lord for more than 10 years) of the Spanish Speaking Congregation who left suddenly with two hundred people to start a new church. Secondly, his wife confided in him that she wanted to quit his church. Wondering why?

Most evangelical churches teach the fact of the gospel, and faith, and disregard the human feelings. True discipleship integrates both spiritual and emotional health. What you’ll find in this book is an honest sharing from this Pastor’s painful yet liberating journey.

This book intrigued me because growing up in the evangelical circle, I realized that we have the tendency to “spiritualize”, deny, and escape from our problems. Or try to resolve any difficulties by saying “let’s pray about them”, and not do anything else.

To achieve a healthy church, he summarizes into six principles: To look beneath the surface; live in brokenness & vulnerability; knowing and embracing each ones limitations, grief & loss; and making the incarnate Christ our model for living well. The goal here is not to change the church but to allow God to change us individually. As leaders, teachers, and disciples, one must follow Christ’s example; who not only emphasize on “teaching and instructing”, but to “listen and learn”. This will make a profound difference in our church!!!

Written by a hopeful member of HPC - LL

Librarian: more info on book at Amazon.com