Non-Anxious Churches

Finding the Way of Jesus for Pastors and Churches Today

By: Mark Knight

Narrated by: Mark Knight

Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Pastoral failure, volunteer fatigue, exhausted staff members, church wounds, and increasing membership decline have left us wondering, how do we lead from God-with-us rather than the world’s hustle culture? Non-Anxious Churches examines communities’ need for churches that are authentic, real, and non-anxious. Unfortunately, churches are not immune to anxiousness and can even perpetuate it by juggling tasks, getting caught up in activities, and focusing on the wrong goals. Pastor Mark Knight guides church leaders instead to dwell in and lead from the abiding presence of Jesus. Over the years, the social sciences have added a lot to this discussion about churches and anxious systems. Non-Anxious Churches seeks to further the conversation using answers found in Scripture and in the discipline of spiritual formation.

©2022 Mark Knight (P)2023 Mark Knight

A Much Needed Book

I received a free copy of this book to review, and I thought it might be a nice invitation. After reading only a few pages, I realize this was gonna be much more than that. Mark masterfully invites, pastors leaders, and congregates to examine themselves in their churches for anxiety, that drives so many of us. Using scripture and other insightful resources, this book extends an invitation to create churches that look more like Jesus, and less like corporate America, that sit with the master more than work for him, and is something that I will come back to many times in the future. I’ve recommended this book to many of my friends and I recommended to anyone reading this as well. It is a book well worth your time.

Great reminder that following the way of Jesus is to put off anxiety and keep our eyes on him.

This is a great book for anyone, but especially church leadership and pastors. It’s so easy to get caught up in anxiety with all the directions leaders are pulled and all of the distractions we face. What a beautiful reminder to keep our eyes on Jesus. That he isn’t worried or in a hurry; that the kingdom is not reliant on us and our productivity and that worrying only takes away; it never adds. We don’t need to be afraid when we are walking with Jesus.

Much needed perspective and development

Mark's emphasis on holistic leadership and holistic discipleship is just the sort of material that I was wanting to see further developed by someone. Luke 2:52 provides a great framework - "And Jesus increased in wisdom (mental development) and in stature (physical development) and in favor with God (spiritual development) and man (relational development). Mark accounts for all of these pheres. With that emphasis we will be sure to have balanced, healthy, and flourishing churches and church leaders.

Great wisdom, writing and references

This book is grounded in humility and spiritual practices. The author admits to not having arrived on the subject of non-anxious presence and his personal illustrations affirm his continued growth. I appreciate his genuine care for the reader and his love for the church and his ability to teach not from the seat of the expert but from his place as a follower of Jesus.

Sound advice in an anxious day

I enjoyed the compilation of scripture pointing us back to a non-anxious dependence on Christ

Practical and timely

I wish I had read this book a year ago! It has caused me to pause and reflect on my own relationship with Jesus, the source of my satisfaction for ministry and build up plans for communicating and practicing ministry with others with a more peaceful attitude and pace.

Non-anxious wisdom during anxious times!

Mark Knight's exploration of anxiousness within the church in this book is truly thought-provoking. Not to mention it was written during one of the most anxious times in history.

This book will be a valuable resource not only for pastors and church leaders but also for the entire congregation. It's not just a book; it's a journey that, once completed, instills a desire to lead others with a newfound sense of calm and understanding. I extend my gratitude to Mark for dedicating the time and effort to create this insightful piece. If you find yourself wrestling with anxious thoughts while listening, fear not – by the end, Knight guides your mind to a place of serenity. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a thoughtful exploration of anxiousness within the church community.