Love at Its Best When Church is a Mess
Meditations from 1 Corinthians 13
Imprint: Cascade Books
Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess is a collection of fifteen meditations, drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, perhaps the most well-known passage about love in Holy Scripture, and certainly one of the most beloved passages found anywhere in the English language. It is the centerpiece of many marriage ceremonies, but as it turns out, the Apostle Paul was not writing to young couples in love. In fact, he was writing to a church in a mess, a big mess, and what he told them has relevance for Christians today. Most of us will face a mess at one time or another in church. Why? Because church life is messy. If you don't find a mess, a mess will find you.
Each chapter contains personal stories, a meditation, and an examination of an aspect of love drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, the wisdom of Scripture, some spiritual formation "next steps," and questions for reflection and discussion. Suited for personal devotions or small discipleship groups, Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess invites all of us to an adventure of grace, healing, and spiritual growth. Clearly, faith sends us on a spiritual journey, hope keeps us going, but it is love at its best that bids us home.
Known for his practical approach to spiritual formation, Patrick Allen addresses how the Christian faith can be shaped and formed by intentional practices—particularly used for small groups, discipleship, and spiritual growth. He is regarded as one of the best storytellers in the Northwest.
Patrick is the author of Morning Resolve: To Live a Simple, Sincere, and Serene Life (2015), and a companion volume, For Today: A Prayer when Life Gets Messy (2018), as well as The Good Shepherd, Gentle Guide & Gracious Host: Meditations and Metaphors from the Twenty-Third Psalm (2020), all published by Cascade Press.
Patrick and his wife, Lori, reside in Newberg, Oregon.
“Love at its Best When Church is a Mess is a book that is needed for the messy times that the church finds itself in today. Through conceptual analysis, warm stories, scriptural references, and personal questions, Patrick Allen leads the reader through a discovery of oneself. First Corinthians 13 is used as a mirror to see more clearly and practice more faithfully the gracious gift of God’s love.”
—Stephen Green, W. N. King Chair of Theology, Southern Nazarene University
“I love the way my friend Patrick Allen so clearly describes how church is both beautiful and messy, just like life. In my fourth decade of pastoral ministry I’ve seen lots of healthy and unhealthy behaviors played out in the faith community. I believe this book is helpful for those new to church, lifers in church, and those in between. Love, God’s and ours, must remain central and Patrick shows us how to do it well.”
—Paul Almquist, Senior Pastor, West Chehalem Friends Church, Newberg, Oregon
“With an engaging personal prose that perfectly balances seriousness and playfulness, Patrick Allen provides fresh insight on 1 Corinthians 13 and its charge for Christians today. This book is about the cultivation of virtue—the faith, hope, and love that define the journey from ourselves toward our home with God. Allen does not mince words or romanticize the journey; he is real and his authenticity is refreshing. Readers will treasure the wisdom in this book and discover the beauty that can emerge alongside our own restlessness and wandering.”
—Josh R. Sweeden, Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Church and Society, Nazarene Theological Seminary
“Dr. Allen is amazing! This book has something for everyone seeking deeper discipleship. It’s all there—wit, wisdom, and hope for the church in the twenty-first century. He brings Paul’s message of love to life in such a powerful, hope-filled, practical way. This is good news for any age, but especially now as many grope for the essence of Christian community. I hope to apply this wisdom in my life and share it with my parish.”
—Tony Griffin, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Russellville, Arkansas
“Ever witnessed a church divided, its members bickering, scheming, and taking up sides? What should be done? With keen insight, Patrick Allen unwraps the apostle Paul’s gift to the church in times of crisis—1 Corinthians 13. Allen’s work—refreshingly honest and exceedingly practical—invites the church, in the midst of its messy relational realities, into a more excellent way.”
—David Alexander, former President, Northwest Nazarene University
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