Abstract
Mark Baker’s Centered-Set Church is a practical guide for congregations and ministries seeking to become centered on Jesus. Baker expands upon Hiebert’s bounded-set, fuzzy-set, and centered-set church models. He argues that the static boundary lines of bounded-set communities create shame and alienation and cause people to hide parts of themselves that would not be accepted. The reaction has been to create fuzzy-set communities where anything goes, leading to an uncompelling blandness and “whateverism.” As a third way, Baker points to centered-set communities, which encourage a common orientation toward the center (29).
Baker critiques bounded sets without dismissing boundaries, which are important to every community. According to the author, centered-set boundaries create responsibility and safety, while bounded-set boundaries create exclusion and self-righteousness (51). His example of a centered Mennonite church was particularly helpful. Regarding their stance on pacifism, the pastor says, “We are always invitational and formational. You do not guard it by rules and boundaries. You call people into it” (48).
Baker is clear that beliefs matter. Defining the center is vital to this model. He argues that doctrine is more than right belief; it is the sustenance that draws people toward Christ at the center (81). In addition, he provides practical suggestions for cultivating discipleship and simple ways to shift language to become a centered church. According to Baker, in centered discipleship, “We not only seek to reorient others when they turn from the center but also proactively orient and affirm movement toward the center” (180).
The centered-set model creates space for people who need time to explore before converting. Therefore, I was surprised to see so few pages dedicated to evangelism. Early in the book, he conflates conversion with someone turning toward the center, making it hard not to read the rest of the book as being directed to committed Christians (26). In the concluding section, Baker briefly addresses evangelism, admitting that people turn toward Jesus long before the moment of conversion, but it is too little too late.
Despite this concern, Baker has created an excellent resource for exposing a wider audience to the centered-set model. It is thoroughly researched and brings together insights from practitioners in various ministry areas and contexts. Ideal for pastors and other leaders active in discipleship ministry, this book presents a better way to create communities of belonging centered on Christ.