“We live in an era that requires us to radicalize what ‘church’ means.” So writes Timothy Murphy, who argues that “church” should no longer be a noun, an entity, or an object, but rather an activity—what he calls churching; that is, a process of practicing discipleship with others in the way of Jesus.

Weaving together different perspectives, including liberation theology, process thought, postcolonial thought and theology, alternative ecclesiological formulations, and political theory, Murphy develops an ecclesiology that is also a radical missiology—a way of being in the world that holds together both spirituality and social commitments. In the context of globalizing empire and climate chaos, Murphy offers a way forward for those who are seeking to make a deep commitment to an alternative way of living, of connecting, and of resisting.

 
Are churches furthering Empire or are they subverting it? This question will determine the future of the church and the answers provided in this book are challenging progressive Christianity in helpful ways. The inextricable connections between spiritual and social commitments that Murphy explores in this book lead to fresh visions for the church, embodied in deepening and differentiated forms of solidarity with others and the earth. ~ Joerg Rieger, Distinguished Professor of Theology and Cal Turner Chancellor’s Chair in Wesleyan Studies, Vanderbilt University, author of Religion, Theology, and Class: Fresh Engagements after Long Silence