Chris Yaw Interviews Frank Schaeffer: Identifying with Your Brokenness Strengthens the Church

Posted with permission from ChurchNext.tv

He left Christendom, but kept Christ.

And Frank Schaffer, a one-time leader in the Religious Right movement has much to say about what he's learned along the way, especially regarding the importance of identifying with our brokenness so that Christ may be exalted

In this interview, this best-selling author and popular blogger tells us why humility and a deep understanding of one's brokenness are keys to congregational development. If you're like me, you'll listen to this interview more than once.

Watch the Full Program Below.

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Synopsis

Most people who have witnessed the dark side of Christianity, like Frank Schaeffer, may have easily left all faith behind. But Frank's story is one of redemption for himself, and the Church. Here are my notes from the interview:

There's Hope After Certainty

Being involved in a faith community is much more than simply having all the answers. Building a healthy community means forming a safe place for people to air their doubts and ask difficult, and sometimes unanswerable questions. How well does your congregation do that?

Churches Are the ONLY Place to Find Real Reconciliation

 Frank is adamant about the critical need for churches to be what God created them to be: places where everyone is accepted, regardless of race, creed, or belief.

Be Real

Frank's biggest challenge for faith leaders is to simply be open about their brokenness and fallibility. Forming that place of imperfection leaves room for God's perfection to shine.

About Frank Schaeffer

Frank is a best selling author whose books include four novels Potofino, Zermatt, Saving Grandma and Baby Jack and many nonfiction works including Crazy for God: How I Grew Up As One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right and Lived to Take All (or Almost All) of It Back. Schaeffer is a well known voice in the political sector arguing against the "politics of hate," that has overtaken the far right. He frequently appears on MSCNBC and NPR and is a leading blogger for the Huffington Post. He goes to church at the Greek Orthodox church in Newburyport MA where he has been a member since 1990.

Books Frank Recommends

God is Not Great - Christopher Hitchens

Sweet Thursday - John Steinbeck

Naples 44 - Norman Lewis