Above The Line

Reshaping Relationships and Community in the 21st Century Church


Author: Peter McHugh

Publisher: The Hanerda Trust

Reviewed by: David Collins


I came across ‘Above The Line’, and it’s author Peter McHugh by introduction from a longstanding friend and pastor. Hungry for something other than a fellowship with his colleagues that revolved around discussion of the church’s

KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators); and weary of a church movement that seemed only to be interested in his achievements, Steve had discovered Peter McHugh’s message a huge relief. Here was someone more interested in

“affection”, “presence” and the “wine” rather than achievement, principles and the wineskin. Here was someone taking his ministry and his church through a transition from an achievement-based paradigm to one that is affection-based.


From the first chapter titled,’ What is Happening in the Church?’:


As I travel across Australia, I speak to many church leaders who are discouraged and disillusioned by these issues. They are from many denominations with congregations ranging in size from 50 to 5000. Put simply, church leaders are running short of the personal, relational, human and financial resources they need. Consequently, they are evaluating their paradigms of church and although in the midst of uncertainty, there is a sense that the church is being led by God through a time of transition.


Peter McHugh is the lead pastor of C3 Whitehorse in Melbourne, Australia. ‘Above The Line’ is his second book. His first, ‘A Voyage of Mercy’ tells of his own personal transition following a deep personal encounter with the love of God. ‘Above The Line’ tells the story and expounds the thinking that flowed out of that encounter to challenge and change his local church.


At the heart of the book is a quest to fulfil the two great commandments: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself (Luke 10:27). It does so with the understanding that “scripture demands the pursuit of both love and fruit” (NB: Jesus said we would be known by both our love and by our fruit).


In chapter four, titled ‘A Model to Reflect Upon’, Peter presents the model “intended to provide a helpful framework for our journey”. The model explains the title of this book – Above The Line.

























The chapter then goes on to define the ‘above the line’ attributes of affection, presence and wine; as well as the ‘below the line’ attributes of achievement, principles and wineskin. The simple message of this pivotal chapter being:


  1. … the attributes that are ascribed as being ‘above the line’ and ‘below the line’ are all necessary to establish a thriving Christian community. However if the aim is to create a culture that clearly reflects the two great commandments then attention must be drawn to how much emphasis is given to the concepts that sit above and below the line.


Peter observes:


  1. Over the years, I have come to the view that the majority of churches in Australia spend at least 70% of their time on below the line activities (for some it is up to 90%) and no more than 30% on those I have described as ’above the line’.


Then clearly states his passion to transition his life, ministry and church so that those percentages are reversed. (I know that this observation is relevant in the New Zealand church scene as well).



There are many refreshing statements that illustrate this journey of the heart. From chapter five, titled ‘Martha’s Learning to be Mary’s’:


For the church to live primarily above the line, I have accepted the disorientating, frustrating yet increasingly rewarding task of redefining how I walk with my team and how we relate together as a team. We are moving (albeit gradually) from a work group that maintains a structure to a real group of friends who walk together in genuine biblical love.


Above The Line is an easy read and includes the experiences of a number of people who are either members or leaders at C3 Whitehorse; sections that they themselves have written. There are generous Appendices detailing defining decisions and values. I consider this book an important companion to Danny Silk’s ‘Culture of Honor’, and Peter acknowledges the influence of the ministries of Bethel Church, Redding, California.


I have purchased copies for the leaders of my local church, Elevate, to read. It is descriptive of what is in our hearts. We like that it comes from our corner of the planet. We are a new congregation and have chosen to lay above the line attributes firmly in the foundation of our church. We do not need to make a transition, except in our own hearts and minds from past models in which we have served. I am more than pleased to have discovered Peter McHugh’s book, and will treasure it’s influence as we shape the relationships and community that have been entrusted to us.