Swimming with the Sharks
Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red-and-Blue World
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2024
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Publisher's Description
Building on a string of Haberer family harrowing encounters, Swimming with the Sharks presents a framework for addressing the sharks among us: those on the other side of the divide in American church life. What is characterized as the separation between blue progressives and red conservatives is shown to be a sellout to a political model and a false witness about the facts and faith on the ground. Believers do see things differently but not in simplistic, binary parties--rather in an overlapping set of five understandings of Jesus' heart and passion for God's mission in the world. Each is faithful, each is true, and yet, when huddling in their enclaves of agreement, likeminded folks become stupid, duped by their shared blind spots. All five living together become iron sharpening iron. And while we still may diverge on hot-button controversies, we do converge and, indeed, take flight through the Holy Spirit's filling, empowering, gifting, calling, and commissioning of every believer in a culture, a movement, a full-spectrum revolution of mutual giftedness in mission. Practical implications get spelled out (e.g., less pastor-driven, more member-driven), and then conclude with blunt explications: "Not all church consultants need to be ignored, but many do."And while we still may diverge on hot-button controversies, we do converge and, indeed, take flight through the Holy Spirit's filling, empowering, gifting, calling, and commissioning of every believer in a culture, a movement, a full-spectrum revolution of mutual giftedness in mission.
Endorsements (7)
“Swimming with the Sharks gives a glimpse of hope in a time of ongoing division within American Christianity that is exacerbated by both political and secular influences. With insights cultivated over fifty years of pastoral ministry and a commitment to fostering unity across denominations and ideologies, Jack Haberer provides a vital resource for all believers seeking a better way forward in embodying the good news of Jesus.”
“When Jack Haberer speaks, I listen. Whatever he writes, I read. Most denominational discourse is predictable and scripted. But Jack is unpredictable. He loves Jesus and the church—especially local congregations—more than ecclesiastical tribalism. This book is a masterpiece of bridge-building that celebrates the diversity and unity of the body of Christ. Read it and rejoice.”
“The church model that Jack unveils in this very readable book helped our church to flourish in the 1980s and ’90s and still works today. His publication of what he did with us and with subsequent congregations around the country is a gift for all who will read it.”
“If you’re heading into shark-infested waters—and that includes everyone in ministry in this day and age—Jack Haberer’s book belongs in your survival pack. His insights and breadth of pastoral experience will enrich any voyage to which you’ve been called.”
“Jack Haberer acknowledges the many different ways we understand who Jesus is and what Jesus most deeply calls the church to be. He makes a strong case that to be the most faithful expression of the church, every congregation and denomination needs to allow for that wide diversity within its own beloved community. Haberer’s book is a must-read for pastors and church leaders in this era of theological and political hyper-partisanship.”
“Leadership is a challenge, especially during polarized times when institutions are often cracked, broken, and seemingly on the verge of tearing themselves apart. In such times, church leadership becomes even harder as faith communities struggle to live up to their ideals. Drawing on his personal journey across America’s complicated spiritual landscape, Jack Haberer offers practical advice rooted in deep theological thinking, providing a path toward achieving St. Paul’s admonition in Galatians 5:13: ‘By love serve one another.’”
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