A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing

“Scot and Laura do an amazing job of teaching us what a good church looks like.” —Beth Moore

What is the way forward for the church?
Tragically, in recent years, Christians have gotten used to revelations of abuses of many kinds in our most respected churches—from Willow Creek to Harvest, from Southern Baptist pastors to Sovereign Grace churches. Respected author and theologian Scot McKnight and former Willow Creek member Laura Barringer wrote this book to paint a pathway forward for the church.

We need a better way. The sad truth is that churches of all shapes and sizes are susceptible to abuses of power, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse. Abuses occur most frequently when Christians neglect to create a culture that resists abuse and promotes healing, safety for victims, and spiritual growth.

How do we keep these devastating events from repeating themselves? We need a map to get us from where we are today to where we ought to be as the body of Christ. That map is in a mysterious and beautiful little Hebrew word in Scripture that we translate “good,” the word tov.

In this book, McKnight and Barringer explore:

• The concept of tov—and how it can help Christians and churches fulfill their true calling as imitators of Jesus
• How to identify toxic patterns and the warning signs of abuse within church leadership and their congregations
• A path toward creating a safe and healthy community marked by justice, truth, and grace

A Church Called Tov helps us move forward together and reminds us church can be a place of goodness and healing.