Written by Megan Hill
Publication Date: May 1, 2020
Publisher: Crossway
Genre: Christian Living, Christian Spiritual Growth, Christian Church
4 Stars!
In a world where church attendance has become optional, where church hurt is all too common, and where involvement often fades amidst the busyness of life, A Place to Belong by Megan Hill calls us back to God’s vision for the local church—a place where we belong, serve, and experience God’s transforming power through His people. This book is a passionate plea to love the church as God intends.
Megan’s writing is grounded in a deep love for God’s Word and His church. She doesn’t shy away from the challenges of church life—after all, the church is made up of imperfect people. Yet, Megan beautifully frames these struggles not as reasons to disengage, but as opportunities for growth. It’s easy to become frustrated with the small irritations—awkward conversations, differing opinions, and the imperfections of fellow believers—but Megan brings us back to God’s heart for the church: a reflection of His grace and a foretaste of heaven itself.
The strength of A Place to Belong lies in Megan’s ability to blend sound biblical teaching with practical wisdom. She provides a theological foundation for understanding the church’s role in God’s plan, while offering clear steps to engage and invest in the local church. Her chapter on the church as a foretaste of heaven is a beautiful reminder that, despite its messiness, the church is where God’s people gather to worship, serve, and grow together. Megan’s insights are both theologically rich and accessible, making this book a valuable resource for both new believers and seasoned church members.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this book is Megan’s approach to church membership and commitment. She emphasizes that being part of a local church isn’t about fulfilling an obligation—it’s about belonging to a community where you can serve and be served, grow in your faith, and help others grow as well. Through her own experiences, Megan shows how even small acts of service—whether cleaning the church bathrooms or sitting in the same pew each week—are part of God’s larger plan to advance His kingdom.
Megan doesn’t ignore the struggles that come with church life. She addresses the natural disillusionment that can arise from the imperfections we encounter, but she consistently points us back to the truth that, despite our flaws, God uses the church to display His glory. He is building His church, and we are privileged to be a part of it.
In the end, A Place to Belong is a beautiful reminder of why the local church is so vital. Megan’s writing is filled with grace and conviction, urging us to see the church as God does: as His beloved people, gathered to worship and serve. This book will inspire and encourage anyone who feels disconnected from their church family, calling them to re-engage with a renewed passion. Megan challenges us to love the church, even in its messiness, and to serve it with joy and gratitude.
God placed this book in my hands at exactly the right moment – after I surrendered everything on the receiving end regarding extreme, destructive ‘church hurts’ to Him, surrendering all to Him for Him to deal with as He saw fit. Since then, I’ve fully and completely invested in a new-to-me local church, and God has been blessing me and those around me beyond measure, week after week. Glory and praise to His Name!I received a digital copy of A Place to Belong from the publisher via the Crossway Reviewer Program. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, pacing, content, and substance of this book, while also reflecting on how impactful it has been on me personally, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Comments