Praise
Outstanding work on why we really should be going to church and how to bring the worship of God back to the church instead of entertainment. It is all about God, not ourselves. Pastor Ryan does a great job of bringing that to us. He also lives it as a church pastor.
The Church of Me was a great daily read. With built-in reading and reflection sections, it was both easy to follow and deeply soul-challenging. Ryan does an excellent job diving into the reality of the state of the Church today, asking hard questions while providing honest, real-world examples that make the message relatable and impactful.
One of the strongest parts of the book is that it doesn’t just point out problems or leave the reader with open-ended thoughts. Instead, it offers practical, meaningful solutions for both pastors and everyday church members on how we can shift the focus of our churches back where it belongs…on God.
The Church of Me is a challenging and thought-provoking read that asks an important question every believer should wrestle with: Has our faith become more about us than about Jesus?
Ryan Ford doesn't write to condemn the Church, he writes out of a genuine love for it. Throughout the book, he examines modern trends in Christianity, from consumer-driven worship to the pursuit of comfort over conviction, while continually pointing readers back to Scripture and the heart of the Gospel.
What I appreciated most was the balance. While the book raises difficult topics, it never leaves the reader without hope. Each chapter ends with reflection questions, Bible passages and practical study prompts that encourage personal application rather than simply criticizing the current state of the Church.
Whether you agree with every point or not, this book invites meaningful self-examination. It challenged me to evaluate my own motives in worship, prayer, discipleship, and daily faith. That's a conversation worth having.
If you're looking for a book that encourages deeper discipleship, a renewed reverence for God, and a Christ-centered perspective in a culture that often promotes self, The Church of Me is well worth reading.
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would.
This is one of the most convicting, practical, and biblically grounded books I have read on the subtle danger of self centered Christianity. Ryan does an incredible job of exposing how easily we can make our faith about ourselves while gently pointing readers back to Christ and His mission.
What makes this book so impactful is that it doesn't simply identify the problem. It provides clear biblical truth, practical application, and a challenge that will leave you examining your own heart. Whether you've been following Jesus for decades or are just beginning your walk with Him, there are moments throughout this book that will encourage, challenge, and inspire genuine spiritual growth.
Ryan writes with humility, clarity, and pastoral wisdom. Every chapter is engaging, easy to understand, and deeply rooted in Scripture. I found myself highlighting page after page because of the practical insights and memorable illustrations.
This is the kind of book that should be read individually, discussed in small groups, and even studied by church leadership teams. If the Church is going to faithfully reflect Christ to the world, this is a conversation we need to have.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Buy a copy for yourself, then buy several more for friends, family, and ministry leaders. It is a message our generation desperately needs.