Brave Cities - by Taylor McCall & Hugh Halter (Paperback)

About the Book

Taylor McCall and Hugh Halter challenge us to trade in our ecclesiological formulas for the artistry of living as brave cities-kingdom ecosystems that embody the authentic good news of Jesus.

Book Synopsis

It's time to break free from our Sunday-centric, formulaic versions of church and instead architect fresh kingdom ecosystems as an ancient yet new frontier for sustainable mission.

The temptation for many church leaders is to take what's worked elsewhere and use it as a paint-by-number. Yet Jesus showed us a different way. Every word he spoke and everything he did utterly broke the molds, rules, and laws that people had created to confine God and his kingdom.

Taylor McCall and Hugh Halter challenge us to trade in our formulas for the artistry of living as brave cities-kingdom ecosystems that embody the authentic good news of Jesus, where homes, reconciliation, discipleship, relationships, worship, enterprise, activism, and justice coalesce to form biblical community.

This book won't tell you what to do. Instead, it will invite you to uncover the places where God is already at work, attune to God's vision for transformation, and craft beautiful kingdom environments that bravely demonstrate the love of God.

Review Quotes

I wish I'd had this book forty-five years ago. It is relevant to exactly what is going on in the world and the church now. Brave Cities is the manifestation of seeking and listening. There are nuggets of truth in this book that on just their singular level would change everything.

DR. JOHN M. PERKINS, civil rights activist; pastor; cofounder, Christian Community Development Association (CCDA); author, One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race

Brave Cities is a masterpiece. In this book, Hugh and Taylor present a rare and compelling vision of "the kingdom come" in the various cities and localities we inhabit. It is as brilliantly written as it is timely. A must-read.

ALAN HIRSCH, author of numerous books on missional church, leadership, and spirituality; cofounder, Movement Leaders Collective and Forge Missional Training Network

Halter and McCall have created a masterpiece. If you have concerns, as I do, about the future of the Western church, read this. This book is equal parts conviction and inspiration. It's not every day that authors can tell the truth and leave you wanting more, and this book did just that. Far from the comfy couches of theology, Taylor and Hugh have their sleeves rolled up and are living the future now, with dirt under their nails and a twinkle in their eyes. These pilgrims invite us to follow the One back into uncharted and wholehearted living-a return to the start, remembering our first Love and warming our hearts back to life.

DANIELLE STRICKLAND, founder, Boundless Communications Inc.

As I read Hugh and Taylor's stories, their prophetic framework helped me see what is simultaneously already here but also still on its way. It's not just our models that need to change; it's our motifs and motivations. When you read this book, you'll find yourself feeling caught up in the spirit of Hebrews 11:16, longing and hoping for brave new cities.

DANIEL YANG, national director, Churches of Welcome at World Relief

In Brave Cities, Hugh Halter and Taylor McCall brilliantly diagnose the problem at the heart of the declining church in the West. The solution they offer is a radical call to Christ-followers to meet people in the midst of their experiences and where they live. Brave Cities is a theologically grounded book written by practitioners for practitioners and is the wake-up call the church needs today.

DAVE FERGUSON, author, B.L.E.S.S.: 5 Everyday Ways To Love Your Neighbor and Change the World

Read Hugh Halter and Taylor McCall and learn the ways of a kingdom ecosystem. Escape the formulas of encrusted Christendom. Discover the church that exists among us wherever we live, whatever work we do, and whoever we share tables with. Brave Cities is like a muse calling out the best of us to be Christ's living church amidst a decaying world. Read each story and be caught up in Christ's kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven. My heartfelt recommendation.

DAVID FITCH, Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology, Northern Seminary; author, Faithful Presence