Past and present ideas about faith are under major reconstruction as we move into a new century with new ideologies. Technology has dramatically changed the way we see and understand the world. Culture gaps between generations are widening. The church's identity is changing, as well as the imagery, language and thought forms with which we express our faith. Visions of the future of the mainline church seem stuck between two extremes -- that of a small faithful remnant of the church, and the mega-church model. In Jacob's Blessing, authors Sinclair and White combine their ministerial and journalistic strengths to write with honesty and hope about the future of the church. Just as Jacob wrestled with the angel and God, the church must wrestle with its context, history and theology: redeeming its relationship with a changing and increasingly varied society; confronting and beginning to heal many of the wounds caused; and wrestling with its theology, and with God. Ultimately, the church will receive Jacob's Blessing -- the gift of a new identity, vision and mission statement suitable for the 21st century.
