Community is Messy by Heather Zempel Pre-review

I’ve just started reading Community is Messy: The Perils and Promise of Small Group Ministry. I promised to have a review out about a week ago, but I’m finding I just can’t rush through this book. It must be savored. Heather approaches the topic in such a unique way, I’ve decided to take my time and allow it to challenge my presuppositions of group life.
Right out the gate, Heather points out how the early church was a mess. We have the biblical evidence to prove it. Granted, they were new at this, but after 2,000 years, I don’t know whether the church has improved so much. The only exception is we might be better at hiding or avoiding our messes.
For many pastors, mess equals failure. This book challenges that notion, in fact, mess might just equal progress.
Thank you, Heather, for writing this open and honest book on group life. I will continue to savor it and will have a review out in due time.