This book is part memoir and part motivational. The authors discussion their experiences, discuss the issues, and recommend action and ideas. Rob Cowles and Matt Roberts spread out their material in three parts and 14 chapters. They end the book with an Appendix for pastors, Notes about the sources consulted for material in this book, and author bios. Both authors are the lead pastors for the Genesis Project in different states. The Genesis Project is a network of believers who plant churches in areas of spiritual darkness. Cowles and Roberts wrote this book with the help of Dean Merrill.
I finished this book this evening. I find it to be the how-to and why-to book that I believed it would be. I found all of the authors' experiences in the ministry intriguing, and many of them are heartbreaking. The people whom the authors serve and call on us to serve, are those who are the types of people who typically do not identify with or feel comfortable with "church people." Too many churches, books, and other resources talk about grace. This book, like the life of Jesus, shows grace in action. For these people--drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, the homeless, those with disabilities, among others--are simply "us in other circumstances." I also read the Appendix for pastors and other spiritual leaders. The authors do not sugarcoat or minimize the difficulty and challenge of this kind of ministry.
I recommend this book for Christians who are serious about reaching those who are serious about living the same kind of grace that is shown in the life of Christ. I also and especially recommend it for any pastor or spiritual leader. However, many may find this book unsettling or uncomfortable reading because applying the principles can be quite difficut.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of this book. I was not required to give a positive review of this book.
No comments:
Post a Comment