This Is The Church…
The First “Season” of Our Father’s Evangelical Church
This book makes a uniquely bold claim: “This is the Church.” Not “That is the Church” or “There is the Church.” No, this is it! How can this be? Because within the pages of this heartfelt, fictional memoir is the author’s own personal story that he transparently lives out through his alter-ego, Ian Block. Finding himself “plopped down” into a whole new “church” world at seven years old, the little boy quickly fastens his spiritual seatbelt as the “House of God” -here named Our Father’s Evangelical Church-propels him through four rampaging decades of authentic life with Jesus at the wheel: First kiss, church splits, integrity, accountability, racism, family secrets, adultery, politics, marriage, money, fatherhood, and forgiveness.
Two unrelated beacons illuminate Ian’s path through the sharp twists and turns that characterize cross-carrying, abundant living at its best and worst; his loyal grandfather and church expatriate, Colby Block; and his larger-than-life fifth and sixth grade Sunday school teacher, “Synopsis” Sid Barrington. The picturesque, southern California town of Monument is fictional, but the church’s one foundation, upon which Ian Block both staggers and stands, is very real.
As such, there is nothing quite like This Is The Church… or its three sequels.
Praise for
This Is The Church…
…a skillful bit of writing
“[T]here are plenty of reasons to recommend this book. For instance, there is one example of the author turning something over which he has no control into a recurring leitmotif in the book. Mr. Brown [as Ian Block] grew up in Monument, California, so named for a large rock sculpture (think of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse sculptures — large-scale, long-term works, requiring the use of dynamite) in the hills on the outskirts of town. It depicts the silent-movie era star Rudolph Valentino but shows only one-half of the actor’s head. Apparently, the sculptor died during his work on the project, and no one stepped up to finish the work.
This unfinished work of art comes up repeatedly in the book, and the author makes comedic hay with this wild-card element. It’s a skillful bit of writing that reminds me of nothing more than it does the famous foreboding billboard that F. Scott Fitzgerald built into The Great Gatsby. It rises almost to the level of an additional character in Fitzgerald’s plot. The Valentino sculpture seemingly gazes down upon the town, keeping watch, and Mr. Brown is able to use it repeatedly in seamless additions to the real-life narrative he spins. If this story were fiction, this device may be likened to the American poet Edgar Allan Poe’s use of “inorganic sentience” — wherein some physical fact about the surroundings in any given scene takes on an almost living, human presence.”
— Frank Kresen
Copy Editor, 1106 Design
I think I know this church!
“As a pastor/shepherd, reading this book has been a journey of familiarity. The tagline we ministers often joke about states: “the ministry would be great if it wasn’t for all these people.” And of course, there would be no ministry without people… That’s why I love the honest and humorous look at the church the author shares with his readers. This is the church, indeed, with all the warts and failures. It is the church Christ died for. I think we would all do better to take an honest look, as this book reminds us to do, then learn from failures and imperfect people, who, when surrendered to our perfect God, can minister most effectively.
Thank you, Brad Brown, for walking me through my childhood and adulthood… in the church, as I continue my journey.”
— Amazon 5-Star Review
Great read!
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author captures small town life beautifully along with the challenges Ian faces through the “chapters” of his life. The joys and pains are relatable and the focus on Ian’s faith is heartwarming and hopeful. The book flows nicely and had me laughing and tearing up along the way. A wonderful read!”
— Annette Morrison
Wonderfully Relatable
“In his book “This Is The Church”, Brad Brown offers us VIP seats to an unforgettable trip down memory lane through a storied combination of rough and tender moments that jump start the journey of a God-shaped life. With passion, deep respect and an educated perspective, Brown shares with us a first-hand look of what it means to be “raised in the church”. A remarkable book chock full of gory to Glory details, the reader is engaged from the start. As Brown appropriately warns, “Fasten your spiritual seatbelt” and get ready for a heartfelt, fun filled ride of a lifetime!”
— Amick Byram
A delightful and humorous book
“In his book “What a fun honest journey through the author’s life causing memories of growing up in the church to pop back up for me. He is delightfully and humorously descriptive – to read, it is as if we are there, too. The Church is…real people, flaws and all, with love and forgiveness flowing to heal. Love the songs he places throughout, and the references to Sunday School classes he sat in and also taught himself…what fun! A good read. Good job, Brad!”
— Karen Herd
Love This Book
“This book is a trip down memory lane for anyone raised in the church. Reading about the adventures of Ian Block touches all the emotions and reminds us that the people in churches are all very human and humorous. Many of the characters resemble my Sunday School teachers, friends, and family members as they encountered life’s joys and challenges. The church and its people aren’t perfect but are very entertaining as presented in This Is The Church. I highly recommend this book!”
— Mustang Grandpa
Church Life
“This is the story of one family’s connection to God throughout generations. The impact of former ancestors is seen as Ian Block lives out his faith growing up and in present time. The story is based on the impact the church has made and is making in Ian’s life. If you grew up in the church or have spent many years in a local church, you will relate to Ian’ challenges and adventures.”
— Connie
An enjoyable read!
“I wasn’t prepared for such a fun, relatable story. I’m so glad I picked this book up! Brad’s writing style is very engaging and just plain fun to read. Following “Ian” through his emotional and spiritual revelations of life was captivating, and I’m very much looking forward to reading the rest of Brad’s books!”
—Amazon Customer
Brings back memories
“Great read and brought back memories of “growing up” in a small church. Brad touched on the fact that the church is not perfect, only Jesus is. We have to rely on Him. I highly recommend this book.”
—Drum Corp Dad