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A heartfelt and practical guide that will inspire readers to rediscover the beauty and importance of active involvement in their local church.

Beyond the Back Row: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Local Church for Your Family is a timely and inspiring call to renew our love and commitment to the local church. In an era where church attendance is declining and many find themselves disconnected from religious communities, Polski offers a compelling vision for why the church matters and how it can transform our lives and the lives of our families.

Drawing on her experiences as a pastor’s wife, mother, and active church member, Polski addresses the growing trend of disengagement from church life with empathy and biblical wisdom. She acknowledges the challenges and imperfections of church communities while highlighting the profound beauty and necessity of Christ’s bride.

The book is divided into five main parts, each exploring key aspects of church involvement:

1. Why the Church? – Polski examines the purpose and significance of the local church, offering guidance on finding the right church and reasons to stay committed.
2. Engaging in Corporate Worship – Readers are encouraged to embrace Sunday worship, even when life feels messy, and to prepare their hearts for encountering God.
3. Involvement in the Church’s Ministries – Polski discusses the importance of connection and provides practical advice for engaging in small groups and Bible studies.
4. Loving God’s People – This section addresses the challenge of loving difficult people and being vulnerable within the church community.
5. Serving God’s People – Polski explores various ways to serve, including ministering to children and teens, and how to cultivate a desire to serve in young people.

Throughout the book, Polski provides practical guidance for cultivating a love for God’s people in both children and teens, recognizing the vital role the church plays in spiritual formation across generations. She offers insights on how to make church a priority in family life and how to navigate the unique challenges of teenage engagement with church activities.

With warmth and candor, Polski tackles common obstacles to church engagement, from busy schedules to past hurts, offering grace–filled perspectives on moving forward. She reminds readers that the church, though imperfect, is Christ’s beloved bride and a gift to believers for their spiritual growth and support.

Beyond the Back Row is not just about attending church; it’s about fully embracing and participating in the life of the church. Polski encourages readers to move beyond being spectators and to find their place in serving, worshiping, and connecting with others. She emphasizes the reciprocal nature of church involvement – how we are both blessed by and a blessing to others when we engage fully.

This book is an encouraging and practical resource for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to their local church community. It’s particularly valuable for:

• Parents looking to instill a love for the church in their children
• Young adults trying to find their place in church life
• Those who have been hurt by past church experiences and are hesitant to re–engage
• Church leaders seeking to foster greater involvement and commitment in their congregations
• Anyone feeling disconnected or apathetic about church attendance

Polski’s writing style is accessible and relatable, filled with personal anecdotes that bring her points to life. She balances theological insights with practical applications, making the book both informative and actionable.

Beyond the Back Row is ultimately a call to rediscover the joy, purpose, and transformative power of active participation in a local church community. It inspires readers to embrace their role in building up the body of Christ, for God’s glory and their own spiritual flourishing.

Katie Polski

Katie, a pastor’s daughter, serves as Director of Music Ministries at her church in St Louis, Missouri. She’s a writer, speaker and Bible teacher. She is married to Chris, a Senior pastor, and has 3 children. With degrees in English, education and theology, she’s dedicated to ministry and education.