Book Review: The Road to Missional (Michael Frost)

The Road To Missional (Michael Frost) is one of the many books to come out recently to help Christ followers and Christian leaders alike better understand what it means to embrace a Missional mindset. This was a fun book to read, keeping you engaged and gripped by the topic.

Frost actually writes the book out of the frustration that many have abused the word, diluted it to mean something far less than it's meant to be, or possibly using it as an adjective - buzz word - for anything they'd like to make sound more important in church programming.

The shape and flow of the book moves from big picture to action.

Imago Dei is the starting point where the reader is reminded that God is on mission and his mission has a church. The church's role is alerting the world to "God's reign." Like a movie trailer, the church then demonstrates (though imperfectly) what God's reign looks like through ordinary people so the world can get a glimpse of it - both present and towards the New Creation.

From there Frost begins to redefine evangelism within the context of God's greater mission of restoring the world, not reducing it to merely sharing "4 spiritual laws."

He spends a whole chapter addressing one of the main obstacles to the missional church, that being the "market-shaped" church, primarily fueled by consumerism. As he explains, "we treat people like a market, seeing them as clientele, not image-bearers of the living God." He counter acts this unfortunate slant in the next chapter with a clear call to the humility found in the cross.

A refreshing aspect of Frost's ideas are that they are grounded in a robust view of both the gospel and the Kingdom. His chapter called Breathing Shalom is worth the book, especially if one has not read through some of NT Wright's books. In fact, Frost does a great service of summarizing some of Wright's heavier theological arguments as he scatters them through the book. Breathing Shalom summarizes Wright's writing on Peace, Justice, and Beauty found within Christ's Kingdom vision.

Though this book specifically meant to be a 'how to' approach, there's lots in it that is practical and relevant. One of the most refreshing ideas for any Christ follower or Church leader will be Frost's invitation to stop doing church seminars on how to do church in all our favorite styles, but rather, get us into the world where Jesus is already at work.

There's been so many new books recently published on the missional church it would be very hard to keep up (if you even feel you need to). However, if you're planning on reading at least one in this last batch of them to either help you discover the heart of what missional is or to keep you aligned and excited on the missional path, Frost's recent addition is worth it.

Direct, less then 200 pages, building his points without extending them into boredom, and warmly inviting us on the road to missional.

*Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Rumors of God (Book Review)

When 2 Aussie pastors from 2 completely different church contexts wrote a book together I was curious to see the outcome?

Darren Whitehead serves as teaching pastor at Willow Creek in Chicago, one of the largest churches in the country. Jon Tyson started Trinity Grace in NYC, with a parish and missional community approach - a fraction the size of Willow Creek.

The beauty of their partnership is showing that method, city, and approach are truly secondary to the essence of the gospel and one's experience of God.

The result is a good book - RUMORS OF GOD - that seems to do 2 things:

1. It helps Christ followers look past some of the traditional ways people view God and faith to authentic glimpses of a life with God leads toward - community, justice, generosity, etc.

2. It helps the seeker who is hesitant to look for Jesus in a church. Darren and Jon deconstruct the walls enough to help the seeker find Jesus while at the same time demonstrating the beauty of the local church when it functions as a healthy biblical community.

However, before you just give this book to a seeking friend, be aware that they still use language a little more familiar to a Christian. That being said, it's not a 'churchy' book and the majority of people will discover the book's genuine message.

I've heard Jon Tyson (in person) share his convictions on Christianity, culture, and the church. I'm grateful for people like him (and Darren) who are working hard at contextualizing the message of the gospel for our generation, partnering with God's mission in North America.

Enjoy the book. Pass it on to someone who has neglected the rumors of God for too long. Then move to engage the life of faith it calls us to experience.

*This book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson

write

Just listening to a podcast with Seth Godin (on copyblogger) and they've just talked about writing, and how to write, and that the most important thing you can do to become a better writer is to actually write.

I'm a words person.

I write my messages - so that means after I've prepared, prayed, noted thoughts and direction, I actually sit down and write my message; I write like I'm speaking, but I need to write to get my thoughts on paper.

I write weekly emails to my church - I love doing this, even if it's 200-500 words. It helps me communicate and process my thoughts. It allows me to follow up on thoughts from a Sunday and communicate vision. But it also gives me a chance to write.

I write letters - and I'll edit them ALOT. That might sound weird, but I just do. Sentences have to sound and feel good, and mean something.

I wish I could discipline myself to write blogs daily or a few times a week. But I don't take the time, and I should, b/c I think blogging good words will make me a better writer.

I'd like to write more articles. The discipline to get your thoughts into an article is very hard, and therefore important.

Books? I've heard that one should not focus on writing a book (non-fiction anyway), that one should write articles, and one day compile the linked ones into a book.

So... WRITE ALOT
WRITE PARAGRAPHS
WRITE ARTICLES
WRITE ESSAYS
MAYBE EVEN WRITE A BOOK

but starts with writing, period.

Book Review: Christianity in Crisis

I had a hard time getting into this book just because of the sheer size. Reading at length is great, but I was hoping this book would have a reader’s digest version. This is probably personal, and not particularly about the book, but too many books today are larger then they need to be.

That being said, Hank Hanegraaff’s new Christianity In Crisis for the 21st Century is still a welcome addition to the discerning conversation that’s needed in the church today. Unfortunately so much of North American Christianity has been stamping Jesus onto one’s ideas and dreams. Whether it’s wealth, health, progress, or healing, Hanegraaff is trying to help people think biblically through what they hear or see.

He says this in the preface: Having lost the ability to think biblically, postmodern Christians are being transformed from cultural change agents and initiators into cultural conformists and imitators. Pop culture beckons, and postmodern Christians have taken the bait. As a result, the biblical model of faith has given way to an increasingly bizarre array of fads and formulas.

The book tries to hit many areas that Hanegraaff feels needs a discerning – even critical – look. Charismatics, healers, prosperity preachers, humanists, those that recreate atonement theories, and more all get hit in this exhaustive work. One caution is that Hanegraaff can throw out some of what God is doing because of his more traditional/reformed convictions.

If you call yourself a Christian and have been caught up with self-help books, methods to make you rich, or principles to keep you happy, then Hanegraaff might help balance you out – if for no other reason, so you don’t equate your theories with the gospel and find your self wanting what God really has in store for your life while chasing false promises.

Disclaimer: I was given this book from Booksneeze.com, a blogger community from Thomas Nelson Publishing. My review is strictly my opinion.

Book Review: Outlive Your Life

Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado

Max Lucado has a gift. His ability to get truth into beautiful phrases and illustrations disarms the impact of this book. An easy read for a not so easy challenge – one that
everyone in North American needs to hear.

The book walks slowly through themes relating to giving one’s life for a greater good, but not merely for goodness sake, rather, out of a response to the greatness of God’s grace and love.

Each chapter takes you a step closer to action and encourages a variety of needed feelings, thoughts, and decisions to become the kind of person whose life will outlive them.

If you’re comfortable with the way you’re spending your time and money then don’t read this book. If you’re open to your life making a difference in this world and the possibility of God using you in personal and communal ways, then take the challenge.

On top of all that, it’s a joy to read.

Disclaimer: I was given this book from Booksneeze.com, a blogger community from Thomas Nelson Publishing. My review is strictly my opinion.

Book Review: Find Your Strongest Life

Find Your Strongest Life, Marcus Buckingham

People everywhere are looking for happiness. It seems there's a way to find out how happy you are.

Although I like Buckingham and thought his management and strength themed books were helpful, I wonder if this merely is a next step (or book) in trying to help people figure out how unique they really are.

If you're a women and looking to discover your unique nature and haven't been able to find it in your interactions or awareness then this book might help. If you're pretty content with who you are and living out in ways that compliment you then it might not be an urgent read. However, as many have discovered, transitions in life usually bring up new questions about oneself. In that case, a little self reflection could be in order.

Buckingham has simple lay out: Understanding, Coaching, and Examples. It's an easy read. There's also a survey resource for personal application.

Disclaimer: I was given this book from Booksneeze.com, a blogger community from Thomas Nelson Publishing. My review is strictly my opinion.

Book Review: The Irresistible Church (Cordeiro)

The Irresistible Church is a book someone like Wayne Cordeiro had to write. If you’ve heard him speak you know he’s not just a church leader, but a heart felt Christ-follower.

Although he could easily tell you HOW they do church at New Hope in Honolulu, or WHAT mechanisms they have in place to disciple 1000’s of people in multiple venues that keep growing and multiplying, Cordeiro gets to the heart of what a beautiful God glorifying church can and should be like.

He outlines 12 traits that make the church shine. He’ll help you remember who the church is and Who she worships. He challenges you to take care of your heart first. Building on that, he outlines why growing disciples that feed themselves, love others, and take risks are part of what a healthy church looks like – and produces. In wisdom he also cautions the Christ follower or pastor to pursue ‘sustainable excellence’, or not to confuse programs with ministry.

Simple, to the point, and with genuine authenticity, The Irresistible Church will help you catch a vision of the church that is beyond numbers or size, and yet help you contribute to a healthy church that will likely reach more people.

(I received this book, for review purposes, by www.grafmartin.com; the opinions are strictly my own)

Books / E-Books

on the night stand...

just started 2 books this week that are really inspiring

AND is the sequel to Tangible Kingdom - and continues the conversation about what it means to be a missional church that keeps the focus on relationships and mission.
- it's a great follow up to T.K.
- it's pushing the futile debates between church styles and moves the reader/pastor/ christian/leader to keep the focus on gathering and scattering (a phrase I love as a simple description of how the church functions and fulfills it's mission)

STRENGTHS-BASED LEADERSHIP is an addition to the whole Strengths conversation that books like Now, Discover Your Strengths really made popular.
It's a simple read so far and is pushing the idea that leaders will be most effective when they lead from the strengths and not try to be like other leaders or the best at everything.
A cool example was b/w Churchill & Gandhi - both led from completely different positions/postures/strengths - while each of them were needed in their specific situation. In fact, Gandhi's strengths would not have been helpful for Britain, and Churchill's would not have been helpful for India, but confidently being themselves they were effective in their own unique situations.

Some great reading this week...

Putting Jesus in the Center

This is from an interview with Len Sweet and Frank Viola on their new book, Jesus Manifesto.

...when you replace the “kingdom of justice” as the “framing story” rather than Jesus’ life, death and resurrection as the framing story, there ends up everything “social” and nothing “gospel.” In the Scriptures the kingdom is never something you build or create; the kingdom is something you receive as a gift and enter with your whole being, because the kingdom is the presence of Christ.

Enjoyed the interview, believe the emphasis of the book (though I haven't read it yet) is a needed one, especially in a day when the church is re-asking the question - what is the gospel and what kind of life is Jesus leading us towards. In the end, it comes back to Jesus - so we better understand him, and more importantly, worship him - rightly.

Too many books this week, wonder if I'll retain anything...

This week is particular b/c though I love to read, I'm into too many books at once. So it just hit me at how this week converges lots of good reading for, but in a large quantity. Some books are connected to what I'm doing or involved in at the moment, and some are just for pleasure or personal growth. Here they are:

The Reason For God (Tim Keller) - just reading through this at night before bed (1 chap. a day)
- a great book if you're looking to see some honest reflection and conversation on things like religion, atheism, evolution, gospel/Christianity, etc.

Think Orange (Reggie Joiner) - a book I'm reading with our KidsQuest Director at Westside (as a way to stretch our thinking in how we spiritually shape not only kids but the whole church) - we'll talk about it at our staff meeting this week
- a good book if you're involved in church ministry to help you think about how every age group matters and how all environments can mesh at some level

Tell it Slant (Eugene Peterson) - just starting it this week and plan on discussing it with a local pastor; plan to meet up roughly once a month to share ideas and connect.
- no comment on this book yet, but Peterson is a gem and always so good to read

The Prodigal God (Tim Keller) - leading a group discussion on this book - only need to read 2 chapters (real short ones) for next Monday
- if you're wondering if Christianity is too religious, read this... if you're just exploring what true Christianity is, read it; if you've been in the church for years, read it and let it blow up your categories.

Thirsting For God (Keith Price) - reading 1 short chapter and scripture to start my day
- loving this book and the scriptures it highlights

Bible - ongoing - sometimes for me personally, and sometimes for the nature of my teaching.

Like I said, this is not normal for me, I'm not a monster reader... I'll let you know if can retain any of it.

Historical Jesus?

If you've been in the Historical discussion in the last 10-20 years, you must read this prediction from Scot McKnight.

YOU PROBABLY HAVEN'T BEEN IN THAT DISCUSSION, but you have been influenced or heard of "DaVinci Code" or "Gospel of Judas" or some crazy book called the "Jesus Papers"

If so, and you're up to a little easy academic reading, give it a try, it's a short read.

(if you read the article and want a little more, try this, McKnight responds to responses to the original article)

Act now... (thoughts from 'Rework')

Haven't read the book REWORK (it's on my amazon wish list). Want to, but I love when people fill us in the details - maybe I don't have to read it now.

Here are some great quotes from the book. Not all are keepers, but there's a few that will challenge you. The first one challenged me:

“Decide what you’re going to do this week, not this year. Figure out the next most important thing and do that.”

READ THE REST HERE

Multiplying our reach

Just read this at this blog.

Love the appreciation and emphasis on the 'small' (I hope I'm not saying this b/c I'm involved in a church plant that is less than 1000 people, actually hovering closer to 100). Still, it's inspiring and I believe truer to our experience.

* “In reality a church grows bigger by doing small better.”
* “Simple, small replicable units are how the kingdom is best advanced.”
* ‘”Big” produces more consumers in church, but small produces more contributors.’
* “Small is often the place of the kingdom’s agenda, the place to plant the mustard seed and permeate the yeast.”
* “Movements occur through small units that are readily reproducible.”

(Quotes from Viral Churches)

church, a context for growth

Here's a post - a series you should follow - a series on Eugene Peterson's newest book.

I love Peterson's definition of the church here:

"Church is the textured context in which we grow up in Christ to maturity."

This strikes a chord for me this week as my church just reflected last week-end on what it means to Speak the Truth in Love to one another in community. The purpose of speaking truth in love to one another is maturity.

I love Peterson's affirmation that part of what it means to be part of the church is to be involved participants in a community that will shape you into the kind of person God designed you to be.

I love my church, not just b/c they are a great bunch of people and we get to do mission together, but b/c they shape me and remind me and support me in my process towards maturity.

the God beyond us...

Last week at Westside I spoke out of Isaiah 6:1-8 and focused on our deep need to experience the holy presence of God if we want to be able to respond authentically, like Isaiah did, to God's invitation to "Go on his behalf." Isaiah's response was, "Here I am. Send me."

There was a deep sense in Isaiah's experience that God is a holy God, 'other' than ourselves. And in many ways we must be willing to surrender our preconceptions of a goody, goody God, if we want to experience the Good and Holy God.

God is powerful, holy, just, righteous, majestic. Heavenly beings sing of him, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty."

Isaiah's response to his presence was "I'm wrecked... I have unclean lips, and by nation is unclean too." (my paraphrase)

So how do we view a God like this?
How do we relate to him?
Is he good even though he's Almighty?

I quoted C.S. Lewis' words in the Narnia tales, and recently found Tim Keller referring to them... so I'll let you read it for yourself.

C.S. Lewis was always at pains to maintain the Biblical tension between the divine love and his overwhelming holiness and splendor. In the introduction to his book The Problem of Pain, Lewis cited the example from the children’s text The Wind in the Willows where two characters, Rat and Mole, approach divinity.

“Afraid?” murmured the Rat, his eyes shining with unutterable love. “Afraid? of Him? O, never, never. And yet — and yet — O Mole, I am afraid.”

Lewis sought to get this across at many places through his Narnia tales. One of the most memorable is the description of Aslan.

“Safe?…Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Wow. What an amazing God we serve. He's so very Good. But he's not so safe that he can be tamed by our boundaries.

iPad... i wonder

Last night I was all caught up with the news of Apple's new creation.

I love the new features in Calendar (finally they added the 'week at a glance' view), the ability to read Magazines in a vivid platform, and the iBook app.

But really, would someone spend 600-800$ (b/c you obviously want a 3Gs version) on an iPad for that reason? Not sure yet.

(read FastCompany for their opinion on how much it might cost you)

The more I think about it, it looks more like a an over sized iPhone, and for someone who has an iPhone and a smaller MacBook... what would they do with an iPad - perhaps like one review said - it's an iSunday - for those leisure Sunday reads on the couch.

This was a funny quote from InformationWeek: The iPad is like living with your parents -- there's a lot you can't do, but there are undeniable advantages.

Tech fans here in Montreal apparently weren't too impressed.

My first thought was: this can become my next laptop... but not sure, unless version 2 or 3 allows you do more than open apps and read books.

Then again, who knows, if the book and magazine industry continue to move digital it will be an amazing library to carry around! And, the sheer fun of surfing, emailing, playing, and reading on a such a slick designed piece like the iPad might be what everyone is looking for.

Let me know if you buy one and how you like it.

A million miles... (book)

I'll have to blog more about this book - Don Miller's, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. 1. b/c a publisher sent to me in hopes that I would review it, and 2. b/c wow, I loved it.

YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.

Not sure who you are - reading this that is - but seriously, it relates to anyone, or I think it will. The CEO or stay-at-home-mom (or dad), a student, or professional, young or older, etc.

It's about STORIES, but more importantly about YOUR STORY, the story you're writing with your life.

The last few months have converged for me into 1 big theme: STORY.

I've been reflecting on summarizing God's grand narrative with my church. This has been a wonderful experience for me - just seeing the whole story of God, his rescue mission - through out the whole bible, from creation to new creation. What a great story, a true story, a resonating story, a story that envelops me.

I've also been reflecting on my story. How my story fits into God's story. How God's story is all around me and beyond me, yet invites my participation. There's so much that his story is telling and doing... and if I just get caught up with it... WOW, that would be a great mini-story (me) in this one big story (Him). So his story has been making me think about my story. I want my life to tell a better story.

So...

at the very least, ask yourself: what story am I living?
but to go deeper, you might want to read Miller's last book
yet to really dive in - get to know God's story - eat it up, let it shape you, so much you start seeing it all around you... and then, live WITHIN it, UNDER it, WITH it, FOR it... and you'll discover a better story for your own life.

ok? cool.

Struggling to pursue God

A great interview with MARGARET FEINBERG that grabbed my attention - the last 2 questions (below) jumped out at me, but the whole (short) interview is great.

Read the whole interview HERE.

In your search for God today, where do you still struggle or have difficulty?
Absolutely. Choosing to pursue God is an active choice. Sure, there are some random freebie days when you wake up and all that’s on your mind is God. But actively pursing God is hard word. It requires discipline, making tough choices, saying Yes to some things and No to others. Some days I just don’t feel like it. Other days I’m too tired. But when I choose to pursue God—through prayer, study, solitude, silence or other spiritual disciplines—He is faithful to reward us with His presence and knowing a little bit more about Him.

What truth about God do you frequently find yourself returning to that seems to be the one truth that matters much to you during this stage of your life and why?
In John 21, Jesus goes prophetic on Peter and tells him he’s going to have a difficult future. Peter deflects. Jesus calls Peter, “You follow me!” Those words echo in my heart. “You follow me!” Don’t get distracted by what anyone else is doing. Press your nose so close into my shoulderblades that I’m the only you see and follow.

THE STORY (new series)

Starting a new teaching series in 2 weeks called THE STORY.

We're going to walk through the whole biblical story in 6 weeks. It will be like a DRAMA with 6 acts. Chapter by chapter, we hope to retell the old old story!!

I have been growing into this theme for about 2 years now. I still don't feel prepared though. The books I've read boast 10-15 years of reflection on this and usually their focused work, so it will be my best shot given the time I have.

STORIES have a way of captivating you, drawing you in, inviting you to enter. I love this about the Bible. It's not just propositions, or doctrine, or principles. It's a beautiful, adventurous, authentic story - filled with real people and real experiences - all contributing to God's GRAND NARRATIVE.

Some books that have influenced me in the last 2 years have been:
The Divine Embrace (Robert Webber)
Embracing Grace (Scot McKnight)
Simply Christian (NT Wright)
Eat this Book (Eugene Peterson)

We start on November 1!! It will last 6 weeks. AND our small groups will be unpacking it further during the week. MORE INFO: www.thewestsidegathering.com

If you're reading this and always wanted an intro to Christianity or the story of the Bible, why not consider joining us. Regardless of where you or on a spiritual journey, or even if you're not on one, you're welcome to come and explore with us.