Introducing the Widely Acclaimed Book Series: “A Church Dismantled—A Kingdom Restored”

Wherever you look, the metrics of the institutional church spell doom. Amid this forecast, Conrad Kanagy—long-time pastor and sociologist of religion—offers a vision of hope in what he calls the “Spirit’s dismantling of the church.” Five years ago, Kanagy learned that he had Parkinson’s disease. This devastating experience of “dismantling” gave him the courage to strip off his masks and to say things that, according to one reader, “Pastors and professors are not supposed to say!” When Covid-19 emerged two years ago, Kanagy produced a popular podcast that he has turned into a series of books receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Donald Kraybill, author of The Upside Down Kingdom, writes: “Conrad’s essays mingle the voice of a prophet, the eye of a sociologist, the heart of a pastor, the wisdom of an educator, and above all the candid confessions of a child of God. He may stir your ire or light your fire, annoy you or compel you to compassion. Prophetic voices do that. But you will keep on reading. I promise!”

Professor Walter Brueggemann notes: “Conrad is able to cross many boundaries...he is able to juxtapose odd partners, push the extremities of exposure, and do a broad sweep of scripture. The subtext of his writing is the scriptural account wherein the biblical community of faith, in its distortion and obduracy, was dismantled in order to make way for an authentic community of mission.” Dr. Kanagy is currently writing an authorized biography of Professor Brueggemann.

The author includes stories of his growing up in a strict Amish/Mennonite community, his life-long struggle with OCD and constant fear of God’s wrath and damnation, his crises in ministry, battles with cancer, and his recent diagnosis of PD.

Titles of the four books are:

• Why is God Taking Apart the Church?

• Ministry in A Church Dismantled: To Build Up or Tear Down?

• In A Church Dismantled the Light Still Shines—Reflections for Sacred Time.

• One Pilgrim’s Journey—Finding My Way Home in the Dark

The author’s writing has crossed all denominational and faith boundaries and has a unique appeal to those disillusioned with, disowned by, and distanced from the church. Conrad continually points toward the vision of Isaiah 40, when mountains are lowered and valleys raised so that all of creation can experience the love and compassion and justice of God!

Those within progressive Christian traditions have been among the most receptive of Kanagy’s thesis that "God's Spirit is dismantling the church." Professor Kanagy will host a webinar to address why this is the case. To review schedule and list of presenters—including a recorded response from Walter Brueggeman—go to https://achurchdismantled.com/webinars-1. 

You may purchase single books for $10.95 (plus shipping) or the entire series for $41.95 (with free shipping in the U.S.) at www.achurchdismantled.com. You can also take an “Inside Look” at each book and subscribe for weekly blog posts and book updates.

You may register for the webinar entitled “Jesus in the Mainline: Why is Progressive Christianity Embracing A Church Dismantled?” scheduled for Friday, April 1 from 10-3 EST. Register or purchase the video recording.