Charismatics in crisis (by Nick Cuthbert)

(Amazon UK link)

Living in Birmingham in the 1980s and 1990s, I knew of (and had met) Nick Cuthbert, and recognised him as an interesting and thought-provoking speaker. So when I saw that he had written a book, ‘Charismatics in Crisis’ it was natural to buy it many years ago now. I don’t think I read it for a while, however but I finally picked it up to read in 2006.

I recalled being unsure what to expect, and a tad surprised that it really didn’t have much to do with the charismatic movement - so rampant and also somewhat divisive in churches towards the end of last century. But I didn’t remember what it was about, so I decided to re-read it.

The book is basically an attempt to motivate church congregations to get back to their main purpose in life - that of encouraging, helping and teaching people about Jesus, bringing them into the Kingdom of God. Nick Cuthbert felt that many churches, and particularly those blessed with the charismatic gifts, were becoming too inward-looking. Many were worshipping at length, and seeing people healed, and studying the Bible in depth, but were not doing anything to invite or attract people in from outside.

Much of society has changed, and the pandemic has stopped many church congregations from meeting altogether, although a significant number have made their services available online, using modern technology effectively. And yet, although this book was written over twenty-five years ago, there is much in it that’s still relevant today. Yes, we shouldn't stop doing what we’re doing if it’s building others up and drawing us closer to God. But we should also be looking for opportunities to draw others into our circles, letting them know who we believe in, and what it means to us.

The book is divided into two main sections, titled ‘A Promise’ and ‘A Warning’. The promise involves God being with us, opening doors, helping us know what to say. The warning is about murmuring, complaining, ignoring what God has done. Each section is divided into several chapters which enlarge on these topics, and I found some of them quite thought-provoking.

I thought it very readable, although it was hard to keep track of the purpose of the book, as the author delves into topics on which he clearly feels very strongly. And there are places where there’s a bit of repetition - the same thing is said two or three times, in different ways, over the course of just a couple of pages. I don’t know if that was deliberate to make the point, or whether it was because Nick Cuthbert was primarily a speaker, and that kind of thing tends to happen in talks. I found it mildly frustrating and wished an editor had picked up on it - but it wasn’t a huge deal.

I recalled correctly that the book has very little to do with charismatics; the movement is mentioned a few times, in the context of becoming complacent, not looking out to the world and not being willing to adjust styles of worship or practice to make some kind of sense to those arriving in the meetings for the first time. But the same could be said for many church services; sometimes a liturgical service can be just as bewildering to those outside as an open praise and worship meeting.

I will remember one or two of the points, I hope, and am glad I re-read it. It’s a book for those involved in the church, not meant as a criticism but as a challenge and motivation to look outward, to encourage the leadership and ask questions without criticising or complaining.

Recommended - particularly if you’re a believer who feels that churches are not doing what they should be doing. Certainly not just for charismatics. But be prepared to be challenged personally.

Review copyright 2022 Sue's Book Reviews