This product will be available on November 17th, 2026
Description
A Hilarious, Honest Look at the Beauty of a Broken Church
The Perfect Church is a laugh-out-loud, deeply moving memoir that pulls back the curtain on what church life is really like—messy, awkward, and full of grace. Pastor Sean DeMars invites readers into a “true(ish)” story of revitalizing a dying congregation, where moldy walls, bizarre members, and chaotic Sundays become the backdrop for something extraordinary: God bringing life from dysfunction.
With sharp wit and disarming honesty, this book blends humor and heart as it explores the reality that there is no such thing as a perfect church—only imperfect people being transformed together.
Why you’ll love this book:
Laugh-out-loud storytelling that finds humor in even the most awkward moments
Authentic vulnerability from a pastor who doesn’t pretend to have it all together
A fresh perspective on church life—raw, real, and refreshingly unpolished
Powerful spiritual insight on grace, growth, and God’s work in broken places
Relatable for anyone who’s ever wondered whether committing to their local church is worth it
Perfect for readers who enjoy memoirs with humor and depth, The Perfect Church reminds us that sometimes the most beautiful transformations happen in the most unlikely places.
Endorsements
... a refreshing reminder that Christ doesn't wait for perfect people to build His church—thankfully, because the rest of us would still be waiting.
Alyssa Butcher Mom and member of First Church of Smallsville USA
I've had the privilege, and challenge, of helping revitalize more than one struggling church, so I recognized these stories and people immediately. Sean writes with a great combination of humor, transparency, and love for Christ and His church. Whether you've survived a revitalization yourself or are considering the journey, this book is a great reminder that Jesus has never stops building His church.
Jeff Ludington Lead Pastor, Generations Family Church, Cerritos, California
If you’ve been involved in church revitalization in any way, The Perfect Church will leave you laughing, sighing, shaking your head, and reflecting on God’s grace toward undeserving sinners. It will also leave you grateful for the ordinary means of grace, and encourage you to continue on in the good work of revitalization for the glory of God and the good of His people.
Rhys Plant Church revitalizer, Brant Community Church, Brantford, Ontario
Sean is funny. Jesus is sovereign. The Perfect Church is an illustration of these two truths.
As a fellow church revitalizer, at times I have to stop and ask myself whether I’m going crazy with all the ins and outs of church revitalization. DeMars’s book reminds me that I may, at times, be going crazy—but at least I’m not alone. This book will help you enter the world of church revitalization through the lens of divine comedy, but also divine grace.
Lucas Almeida Church revitalizer
I smiled a lot as I read this book. First, because it's really funny. Second, because I found myself remembering all the bizarre things that happened in the first months of our revitalization. And third, because I was refreshed and encouraged by the beautiful mess that is the church. If you're in the middle of a difficult work, this book will make you smile, too.
Eric Durso Pastor, Grace Church Rancho Cucamonga, California
This book is funny. And while it is seemingly exaggerated and weird, it is surprisingly realistic. Best of all, it is hugely encouraging to just keep doing the hard work. So, if you are in the midst of a church revitalization, you really should read this book.
Matthias Lohman Pastor, The Free Evangelical Church Munich, Germany; Chairman, Evangelium21
If you are involved in church revitalization in any capacity, you will be greatly encouraged and instructed by this book. If you also happen to enjoy “dad jokes”, you’re about to get a foretaste of heaven.
Mike McKinley Senior Pastor, Sterling Park Baptist Church, Virginia
It's open mic night at the comedy club, and Sean gets up and starts doing applied ecclesiology without missing a beat. Simultaneously wise and goofy, this is a highly recommended and deeply unconventional book about "peculiar people" as the KJV translators rendered 1 Peter 2:9, or as we would now say, "God's own possession": the church.
Fred Sanders Professor of Systematic Theology, Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University, La Mirada, California
Sean DeMars is the pastor of Glory Community Church in Decatur, Alabama. He has a wonderful wife and two amazing girls. The best thing about him is that he belongs to Jesus.
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