Welcome to a Reformed Church is a helpful guide for people who may be attending or visiting a Reformed (or Reformed-leaning) church.

Let’s start with the good: It’s a great resource for those asking what it means to be “Reformed.” I think this book does a good job of explaining the history of Reformed theology and why churches utilize the creeds and confessions. He also talks about covenantalism, justification by faith alone, and the means of grace. For those trying to find their footing, this book offers a great start.

That said, I do have a few issues. First, the starting point doesn’t exactly meet the intended reader where they are. For someone visiting a Reformed church, they may have questions about how and why we do things a certain way – they are usually looking for quick answers. That isn’t addressed until much later in the book. Instead, he starts with history and the confessions. To be sure, those things are important. But the reader has to wait for the answers to their more immediate questions.

Moreover, it can become a boring read in places. I say that pastorally. As I read this book, I asked myself, “Would I be interested in this if I was a visitor, or if I were just discovering Reformed theology?” Maybe… Maybe not… It’s just not the book that I would want to write for someone brand new to the tradition.

Lastly, as a Reformed Baptist, I was sad to see that the 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith wasn’t included in the list of confessions – not even an honorable mention. While I’m well aware that some Reformed scholars don’t recognize Baptists as being truly “Reformed” (I’m looking at you R Scott Clark!), I nevertheless wish we had some representation in the book!

Overall, I’d recommend the book, but as I’ve stated, I would do so with a few caveats.