The Prodigal Project

At last, written by and for those who love God but struggle to belong to the church, comes a book which breathes excitement and hope. Why, the authors ask, are Christians across the Western world leaving the church in such alarming numbers? Could it be that God is using discontent to nudge us towards change? The Prodigal Project argues passionately that we need to revitalise our worship, our spirituality and our theology if the church is to remain faithful in the third millennium. Mark Riddell, Mark Pierson and Cathy Kirkpatrick have discovered in 'alternative worship' a movement which is culturally relevant, creative and community-based. Here mystery encounters multi-media, the radical is infused with the old and familiar, the traditional and contemporary are combined. The ideas and resources contained in the Project explode into spectacular life when viewed on the accompanying CD-ROM, which contains music, video, animations and extras. This is much more than a book; it is a beginning. Passionate, messy, honest, funny, The Prodigal Project will inspire those who long to set out on a pilgrimage of their own, to discover more authentic ways of worshipping, and responding to, the adventurous and irrepressible God, made real to us in Jesus Christ.

Mike Riddell, author of Threshold of the Future (SPCK, 1998) is a theologian, freelance writer and speaker, based in New Zealand. He was previously lecturer in Practical Theology at Carey Baptist College and Otago University, and has written several other books. His thinking has been influenced by his years in urban mission work in Central Auckland and his involvement in the alternative worship movement.

Mark Pierson is minister of Cityside Baptist Church in central Auckland, and initiator of Parallel Universe, a widely respected alternative worship venture (described in some detail in Threshold of the Future.)

Cathy Kirkpatrick is one of the prime movers behind CafU Church, a new worship venture in the community of Glebe in central Sydney. She has extensive experience in graphic design, including CD-ROM production, and has worked on projects such as the Shaping a Future resource from the National Church Life Survey in Sydney.