The Offensive Church

The Offensive Church sports a title that plays on words. The “offensive” church is one that goes on gospel offense when it comes to matters of race and ethnicity, while understanding it will find itself offensive to some. But Bryan Loritts argues in this book that the offensive church is the only church able to break the cycle of ethnic disunity.

Ethnic unity, as revealed in Scripture, enhances both our discipleship in the church and our witness in the world.

Now, at this point, some readers might be tempted to put the book down. After all, who wants to make the church more offensive? And doesn’t too much attention to social issues distract us from the main thing—to make disciples and take the good news to the nations? 

Loritts uses the opening chapters to make a compelling case for the offensive church: ethnic unity, as revealed in Scripture, enhances both our discipleship in the church and our witness in the world. 

The Book

Loritts builds his case on two biblical truths. First, he contrasts the vision of Ephesians 2 with the broken reality of race and ethnicity in America. Second, he argues that biblical discipleship is both vertical and horizontal. The broken reality of race and ethnic relationships cannot attain the vision of Ephesians 2 without discipleship focused both on a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal proximity to one another. 

The implications of this case are nothing less than racial and ethnic reconciliation within the local church, resulting in a compelling gospel witness to a watching world. Loritts argues,

“It is the multiethnic church, committed to a robust discipleship that is concerned with forming people vertically into the image of Christ while walking in ethnic unity horizontally as members of the body of Christ, that offers the deepest apologetic to the world concerning the veracity of the gospel.” (86)

Loritts gets to the “crux of the matter” beginning in chapter 5. The remaining chapters deal in detail with three critical elements: “a robust gospel, reliable leadership, and relational environments.” (89) These closing chapters speak with wisdom from years of effort and experience. Loritts puts the reader at ease as he deals with his own prejudices, failures, even anger. At the same time, readers will draw encouragement from his dogged determination to see local churches live up to the vision for this new people that Christ has purchased with his own blood.

Final Thoughts

With diversity on the rise in America, many churches will find this book helpful. The Offensive Church gives leaders a compelling vision of ethnic unity, builds a strong biblical foundation, and offers practical wisdom for any church located in a multiethnic setting. Small groups will find the discussion questions at the end of each chapter helpful.

This book will also be helpful for associations of churches. Not all churches will reach “multiethnic status,” but church associations of churches can, as they fellowship and serve their multiethnic communities together.

Give this book a thoughtful, prayerful read. It will help your church and association offend for all the right reasons.

As the Senior Consultant for Sending Pathways, Cris Alley helps support the local church in thinking and acting like missionaries.

We’ll send one succinct weekly email 

with the best news, events, and info

for churches in the Houston area.