D. Joe Payne PhD
"Dr. Payne delivers a bold and refreshingly honest examination of the American evangelical church, drawing from decades of real-world experience in both business and ministry. He fearlessly names what many believers have quietly felt — that the modern church has traded transformation for entertainment, and presence for performance. With sarcasm, warmth, and prophetic clarity, this book is an absolute must-read for anyone hungry for a church that looks less like a circus and more like a sanctuary. One of the most important Christian books written for this generation."
"I was amazed at the insight in this book. I love that he is candid but kind in his assessment. If you are not aware of the current condition of the church you will be after you read this book."
"What a thought provoking book. I am not evangelical, but have attended services at times and I see why he felt compelled to write this. The changes over time are staggering and vast. He is honest, non judgmental, insightful, and provides a deep dive for someone like myself who is a novice. Excellent read!"
"This is a powerful read for believers who feel spiritually hungry, disillusioned with modern church culture, or simply searching for a more authentic expression of faith."
"I liked that a person with a PhD wrote this. It gives experiences throughout decades and that the church is more concerned with platforms than the people attending church. It's very informative and a great book, I highly recommend this."
"Rather than simply criticizing, the book calls readers back to something deeper and more genuine—a faith rooted in truth, humility, and the presence of God rather than image or influence. Whether you agree with every point or not, it will absolutely make you think."
"What makes this book stand out is its honesty. It doesn’t shy away from controversial topics or uncomfortable realities within church culture. From celebrity pastors to entertainment-driven worship, the author addresses issues many believers have noticed but few are willing to openly discuss. The mix of sarcasm, personal experience, and spiritual insight keeps the book engaging while still delivering a serious message."
"This is an excellent evaluation of the Christian church in our time. I appreciate the author’s insight on what he has experienced in his many years of ministry. It’s a must read for church leaders."
"A very interesting, thought-provoking, informative, insightful book. One of the best I have read in a long time. It will challenge you to think. The humor and historical facts along with Scripture make it special. I highly recommend it."
Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.
"Throughout the book, there are many memorable lines (like "The lie being peddled to both culture and church is that the best way to heal division is to reopen the wound continually") and displays of humility (after describing pastors preaching with fire and shrinking in silence, he admits "I've been both of those men."). The book is a worthwhile read, useful for stirring up the soul of the church and driving us back to the God of the church in repentance and with a hope of renewal."