The Other Half of Church Book Review

The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation, written by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks is a book worthy to be read. This book is a cumulation of Hendricks's experience of discipling people with new insight of how the brain functions. You may wonder what one has to do with the other. Hendricks will take you on his journey of discovery, one that led to understanding how continual transformation into an image that mirrors Jesus's is possible.

Overview

Combining neuroscience research with character growth is welcome revelation, both in our own selves and within the body of Christ. Hendricks, as a pastor of spiritual formation, was frustrated with the lack of growth he saw in others, including himself. When he met Jim Wilder he would soon learn how recent discoveries, in the last couple of decades, of brain development plays an important role in how our character grows and matures. First, the authors looked at joy and how our brains process the look of joy on others' faces as they see us. They write, "The left brain runs at the speed of words; the right brain runs at the speed of joy." Having a relationship with God, they explain, develops on the right side of the brain.

"The human brain develops in a person through joy and attachment." -Dr. Allan Schore

After focusing on how to increase joy, the authors moved on to discuss how families and churches can create an atmosphere where joy abounds and humans thrive. They introduced their theory that the Hebrew word, hesed, for which there is no direct translation into English, can be defined as a healthy attachment. "Attachment is the strongest force in the human brain," they explain, drawing on lots of biblical examples in support, like Jesus discipling twelve men by having a close relationship with them. Wilder and Hendricks state the importance of a healthy church community for growth and describe what a healthy community looks like.

In the final chapters, the authors communicate ways to have healthy correction, to understand narcissism and identify it and how to to live as a full-brained Christian. Wilder and Hendrick's goal is to see "the vibrant transformational community" and they reveal ways to achieve this in the final chapter.

My thoughts

Had I walked into a bookstore and read the title, I would not have purchased this book. Although intriguing, I wouldn't have felt like I could personally apply this book to my life because I misinterpreted the title's focus to be on the church. I was wrong and thankful that my daughter, who recommended this book to me, shared the concepts of joy. As I have struggled with depression for most of my life, any book on joy will motivate me to read it. For this reason, I'm grateful I read it and found the information on joy to be applicable, especially since the authors pepper their knowledge of the subject with assessments, exercises and tasks.

Most of the exercises are listed at the back of the book in Appendixes. My preference is to have the exercises available as I read the book, at the end of each chapter, for example. Overall, though, this book is a useful took for anyone searching for my sustainable joy in their lives, as well as, someone like Hendricks who is desiring to disciple growth in the body of Christ.

About the Authors:

Jim Wilder, PhD, Clinical Psychology, and M.A. Theology - Author of over fifteen books and founder of Life Model Works, a non-profit that merges theology with brain science, Wilder has many years of clinical counselling experience. He trains leaders and counselors all over the world.

Michel Hendricks, MDiv - Author of Basic Training for Walking With Jesus and Intentional Apprenticeship, Hendricks has pastored spiritual formation and served as a teacher and trainer.