Following Jesus Not Institutions

Following Jesus, Not Institutions

“Why are so many people, especially younger generations, walking away from the institutional church, yet still drawn to Jesus? This question sits at the heart of Following Jesus, Not Institutions, a book by church renewal author Dale R. Turner. Written for a generation shaped by distrust, disillusionment, and spiritual longing, this book offers a hopeful path forward, one that does not abandon Christianity but re-centers it where it began: in a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

Across Western culture, institutional trust is collapsing. Governments, corporations, universities, media, and religious organizations all face increasing skepticism. The church has not been immune. For Generation Z and Millennials, Christianity is often associated with hypocrisy, political entanglement, moral failure, and rigid structures that feel disconnected from real life. Many have concluded that to follow Jesus, they must leave the church behind.

This book challenges that false dilemma, following Jesus, Not Institutions.

 

Following Jesus, Not Institutions argues that Christianity did not originate as an institution, hierarchy, or system of control. It began as a way, a way of living, believing, loving, and belonging, centered on Jesus himself. Institutions emerged later to support that movement, but when they replace the movement rather than serve it, faith becomes distorted.

 

This book invites readers to distinguish between Jesus and the systems built around him, not to destroy those systems, but to put them back in their proper place.

 

A Book for a Generation in Transition – Following Jesus Not Institutions.

 

Generation Z is not rejecting spirituality. Surveys consistently show that younger generations are deeply interested in meaning, justice, authenticity, community, and transcendence. What they reject are institutions that appear self-protective, dishonest, or disconnected from lived reality. The book takes these concerns seriously. It does not dismiss younger generations as rebellious, shallow, or faithless. Instead, it  listens carefully to their questions and treats them with intellectual and spiritual respect.

 

Following Jesus Not Institutions explores why:

 

• Younger generations distrust religious institutions.

• Moral failure and hypocrisy have damaged the credibility of Christians.

• Political alignment has blurred the gospel message.

• Authoritarian leadership models repel rather than inspire.

• Many feel pressured to choose between faith and integrity

At the same time, the book  shows why Jesus continues to attract seekers across generational lines. His life, teachings, compassion, and vision of transformation remain compelling—especially to those who have walked away from organized religion but not from spiritual longing.

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Following Jesus Not Institutions is Not Anti-Church—But Pro-Truth.

Following Jesus, Not Institutions, is not a rejection of the church. It is a call to renewal. It makes a clear distinction between the church as the body of Christ and the church as an institution. Both matter—but they are not the same thing. When institutional survival becomes the primary goal, the church loses its moral and spiritual authority. When Jesus is placed back at the center, institutions regain their purpose.

 

Following Jesus Not Institutions  speaks honestly about:

 

• Institutional failure without cynicism

• Decline without despair

• Doubt without abandoning faith

• Reform without destruction

It affirms historic Christian convictions such as new birth, discipleship, spiritual transformation, community, and hope. It  does not water down the gospel to make it more acceptable. Instead, it argues that authentic Christianity is already strong enough to withstand hard questions.

Following Jesus Not Institutions, Bridges Generations with Understanding.

 

One of this book’s unique strengths is its intergenerational focus. While it speaks directly to Generation Z, it also serves parents, pastors, and church leaders seeking to understand what has changed, and why. parents will find language to help them engage in spiritual conversations with their children without fear or defensiveness. Pastors and church leaders will find insight into why traditional approaches no longer resonate and what authentic leadership looks like in the 21st century. Older generations will gain clarity on why trust has eroded and how it might be rebuilt. Rather than fueling generational conflict, the book  builds bridges. it reminds readers that every generation has wrestled with faith, doubt, structure, and reform, and that renewal has always been part of Christianity’s story.

 

Following Jesus Not Institutions, What You’ll Discover in This Book.

 

Readers of Following Jesus, Not Institutions will gain:

• A clear explanation of why institutional trust is declining across society.

• Insight into Generation Z’s spiritual instincts and frustrations.

• A biblical and historical case for following Jesus before structures.

• Tools for separating faith from religious performance.

• Language for reconstructing faith after doubt or deconstruction.

• A hopeful vision for the future of Christianity.

This is not a theoretical book written from a distance. It is deeply pastoral, grounded in honest conversations, real churches, and real people navigating genuine faith struggles.

Following Jesus Not Institutions is Faith Without Illusion, Hope Without Naivety.

 

The book does not pretend the challenges facing the church are small. Decline is real. Scandals are real. Disillusionment is real. But he also refuses to believe that Christianity’s future depends on preserving outdated models or defending every institutional failure.
Instead, he calls readers back to what cannot be canceled, corrupted, or controlled: Jesus himself. When faith is centered on Jesus rather than institutions, it becomes resilient. When belief is rooted in transformation rather than compliance, it becomes credible. When the church listens rather than defends, it becomes trustworthy again.

This book permits one to seek truth without fear—and to believe without pretending.

Following Jesus Not Institutions is ideal for Individuals, Groups, and Churches.

 

Following Jesus, Not Institutions is well-suited for:

• Generation Z and Millennials are exploring or reconstructing faith.

• Parents seeking to understand their children’s spiritual questions.

• Pastors and church leaders navigating decline and distrust.

• Small groups, book studies, and discussion forums.

• Readers disillusioned with religion but open to Jesus.

It works equally well as a personal read or a group conversation starter, offering clarity without polarization and conviction without condemnation.

Following Jesus Not Institutions is a Clear Invitation for the 21st Century.

 

If you are tired of religious noise but still drawn to Jesus…
If you sense that faith must be authentic to survive the future…
If you believe Christianity is bigger than its institutions…
Following Jesus, Not Institutions offers a grounded, hopeful, and honest way forward.
This is not a call to abandon the church.
It is an invitation to rediscover its proper foundation.

 

Books by Dale R. Turner

Click on the blue links to view.

 

Angels & Pinheads, Matter & Spirit

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Your New Life in Christ Study Guide

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Why Bears Wear Socks

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How to Conquer the AI Conquest

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Why the Resurrection Matters

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Your New Life in Christ

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Annual Spiritual Impact Event

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The Unique You

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Difficult Questions For Christians

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Kinfolk Wisdom: What We Pass On

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How to Be Wise at Any Age

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The Stonewall System

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Living Forward Skills Every Generation Needs

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The First 100 Days

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200 Ways to Overcome Loneliness

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31 Ways to Overcome Doubt

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31 Reasons to Have Hope For The Future

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31 Connections That Will Help You Conquer Depression

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31 Ways That You Can Be Riah

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TLC Groups For Busy Disciples

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31 Ways That Forgiveness Transforms Your Life

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31 Ways to Tackle Anxiety

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