A Church That Cares ebook

“Developing Christ-like care in our churches serves so many ambitions. It blesses those inside the church who receive that care, and it commends Christ to those outside the church who see the quality of the care being given. Helen Thorne-Allenson’s book is a faithful, biblical and comprehensive guide to the principles and practicalities of being a caring church. Broad in scope yet detailed in application, this book will help all our churches grow the kind of caring culture that is both glorifying and obedient to Christ.”

“Wanting a church that cares and having a church that cares are two different things. Helen both identifies the barriers to the practice of authentic care and offers realistic strategies to growing both the desire and the capability within yourself and others. Reading and discussing this book together would be an ideal way for your church to grow in care through inviting and encouraging every member to play their part.”

“In this accessible and practical book, Helen gives us a hope-filled and Bible-saturated yet realistic vision for churches that care well. I am confident it will be a stimulating and encouraging resource for anyone who wants to help their church grow in this vital area, whether a church leader or a member of the congregation. It is a great place to start!

“Helen skilfully and gently shows us, in a practical and accessible way, how we can build and nurture a culture of biblical care in our churches. I felt genuinely cared for as I read. It is a must-read for anyone passionate about helping people grow and pointing them to Jesus.”

“Love is patient, love is kind... and church is messy. This book gets that. Gospel-centred and pastorally sensitive, it speaks to churches of all shapes and sizes, and paints a picture of what it looks like when we learn how to love one another. It will challenge and encourage you in equal measure with lots of practical ideas for growing a culture of care. Well worth reading!”

“I am so grateful for this book and will be reading it regularly for years to come. It has challenged me to be more imaginative in prayer for my church, more diligent in my love for others, and more proactively collaborative in creating a culture of care. Helen’s writing is thoroughly biblical and wonderfully realistic; she consistently sets a vision for growth which is exciting, challenging and Christ-honouring, yet does so with humility and gentleness, using relatable examples.”

“Once again, Helen has written clearly and biblically with wisdom and compassion born of faithful gospel application in the nuances of everyday life and of the wealth of experience which that brings. Whether you read this by yourself, with a friend, in a small group or as a whole church, this book will help you live out Jesus’ command to love one another just as he loves us and, in doing so, to show the world that we are his disciples.”

“I loved this book! Helen’s understanding of people and experience of being part of a local church for many years are so evident throughout, and I frequently found myself thinking, ‘You know my heart, and you know my church’. She is wonderfully realistic about the challenges we face when it comes to loving one another well but left me feeling excited that we really can make progress, and that our culture can change, as we acknowledge our need and look to Christ.”

“Wise, practical, challenging and motivating, Helen’s book has fuelled my love for my local church and spurred me on to love others well. Anyone who serves in any way in their church should read this book. The wonderfully rich application of Scripture, alongside ‘how-tos’, FAQs, training outlines and lived examples, invites discussion, reflection, personal change and action. I can’t wait to read it with others in the ministry contexts I serve in and see how God uses it to change our hearts, our prayers and our church care.”

“Helen draws on a wealth of experience in helping both individuals and churches grow in their ability to care well for one another. Each chapter is accessible yet packed full of biblical encouragement, practical application, inspiring stories and challenging questions. Aimed at equipping both leaders and congregation members, this book is an invaluable resource, whether read individually or within a small group, ministry team or whole church.”

“How different are our Christian communities? Surely an acid test is how well we love and care for our brothers and sisters, and particularly for those who are in pain or vulnerable. Helen has given us such a helpful book to encourage us to do this like Jesus—thoughtfully and humbly. I wish I’d had this book years ago. There is much wisdom to help me, and the church family, to care like Jesus more and more.”