Giving the Church, by Michael Moynagh 

Giving the Church is a comprehensive critique of how the church at large presents itself to contemporary society

Giving the Church - God's people through the lens of generosity
By Michael Moynagh 
SCM Press
ISBN: 978-0-334-06612-5
Reviewed Martin M’Caw 

Giving the Church is an intriguing title. The phrase 'The giving church' suggests looking at churches that concentrate on evangelism and social mission for the poor and needy. In contrast 'Giving the Church' examines the wider context in which Christ shapes and motivates the whole church, rather than denominations and individual churches.
 
The starting point being the God who gives grace, mercy and love through his  Son has created the universal church of believers to live out the gospel message of saving faith, fellowship and good works to the whole of society. The giving of God through Jesus should reflect the giving of the universal church of which the local church is just a part.
 
Moynagh recognises the church, contaminated by sin, is not perfect through theological rigidity and controversy, and down the ages seasoned with personal animosity from Catholicism to Evangelicalism. However the Holy Spirit can break through sin, creating an environment in which the church feels brokenhearted for its failures, recognises its limited generosity and allows its relationships to be remade in Christ’s self-giving image. Moynagh illustrates this by stating the church is a ruin compared with God's intentions, but nonetheless a glorious ruin because of traces of the divine origin remain.
 
At a time when the church, whatever the denominational title may be, is written off as a ‘has been’ by many in society, Moynagh is giving the Church a carefully presented call to step back and rediscover the ultimate giving of God through Christ, and work as a generous incarnational church. Churches and denominations must pass their traditions and accomplishments through the pattern maker of all that God has given and calls the church to be.

The stark reminder of what God has given the Church enables it to become again the giving church.
 
 

The Revd Dr Martin M’Caw is a retired Baptist minister and Wing Chaplain No2 Welsh Wing RAF Cadets (also retired)