Embrace change, be a heretic!
593674
"Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us" is an easy read from Seth Godin that presents the case for why You should be leading. Everybody can inspire a tribe towards collective action, regardless of where they sit in an organisation, and this book challenges you to step up, lead and challenge the status quo.

There are some great snippets of information throughout, and I agree with most of what he is suggesting re Leadership, although there is also a hate message re Management that I think is a bit too strong. It is a good book for motivation and whilst not prescriptive in how to lead provides some good pearls of wisdom for leading in the digital age.
1069446
I have had the blessed opportunity to serve under Bishop Cheeks and to be a student of his teachings for almost 20 years, but I still wasn't prepared for the fullness of his perspective in this book.  I have been pastoring for more than a decade and I am still unearthing and unfolding truths that this Wise master teacher has poured into my life, my ministry and my own visions and versions of greatness.

This book will change your life and it will change your mind, BUT you have got to be ready!  This work will shift your consciousness and shift your life into a place of understanding that will cause you to be more present, now.  There is something beyond words within these pages, so I implore you to be student enough to dive into this book and let yourself be bold.

If you have been feeling like SOMETHING BIG IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN but you can't figure out WHAT or HOW, BUY THIS BOOK!

Elder Rev. Kevin E. Taylor
Pastor
Unity Fellowship Church New Brunswick (NJ)
4603281
I just finished reading this book by Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo.

I not only read the book; I enjoyed it.

I read the book, I enjoyed the book, and I agreed with much of what McLaren said!

I even cried at one point, and reread the chapter - out loud - to my wife!

And that leads me to make a confession to Brian: Brian, I am sorry that in the past, I condemned you and your writings as "heresy" without ever actually reading or listening to anything you wrote or said, or trying to understand your views. That was wrong of me. I am planning on obtaining and reading more of your books, because even though I may not agree with everything, I like to read books that challenge me to think. Your books certainly do that.

Now, on with the review...

This book book contains individual chapters on various topics, such as salvation, the Bible, evangelism, seminary, homosexuality, environmentalism, worship, sin, and postmodernism. Brian and Tony argue that many of us Christians approach these topics in the wrong way, and are therefore neutering the gospel of much of it's redemptive power.

Aside from the fact that the book makes you think about these topics, one nice feature of the book is that the authors give you permission to disagree with them. They want the reader to think through the traditional views on these topics in a new light, so that we hold our views more lightly, with humility and grace. They help the reader do this through the format of the book. Each topic is assigned to one author, but the chapter concludes with a response from the other author. On nearly every topic, the two authors disagree with each other in some way, but they do so with gentleness and respect.

Christians are never going to universally agree on how to approach the "hot topics." Personally, I am not sure that in this life, 100% agreement would be glorifying to God. What if God purposefully left things vague in Scripture and in life for a purpose? Maybe if we can learn to disagree in love, to maintain unity despite differences of opinion, to discuss tough issues with humility and grace, then we will no longer be "missing the point."
755326
Before reading UNOFFENDABLE: HOW JUST ONE CHANGE CAN MAKE ALL OF LIFE BETTER, I didn't know anything about Brant Hansen other than what was written on the back cover of the book. Now, I not only know more about my brother in Christ, but I know more about myself, too. UNOFFENDABLE is exactly what I needed to push me into a change Ive been mulling over for years but had so often reasoned my way out. Brant hit me in the gut right from the start, responding to his own title in much the same way I did (Yeah, right.), and then convincing me by the sixth page of the absurdity of my being offended and righteous anger, as it is so often called. The next two hundred pages were yummy gravyand mashed potatoesand more gravyand more potatoes. The point: its goodreally good.

Brant shares his experience and that of others in a way that is disarming and inviting. He offends himself so you don't have to, preemptively attacking his own arguments along the way and then addressing them to further demonstrate how we shouldnt hold on to anger and offense when they pop up. It felt like I was hanging out with him on his porch while he shared how he has been able to let things go and live much more easily (though still growing) the life of love and forgiveness asked of us by our Lord.

Though he says hes not a pacifist, what Brant has to say only reinforces and (I imagine) will help me better live out that position (because of Christ). I can only imagine that, if taken seriously and to its logical conclusion (which Brant likes!), he will eventually come to that table, too. (Brant: Hint, hint, nudge, nudge.)

If youve ever found yourself justifying anger or offense (everyone), I recommend you read this book. Seriously, I think Im going to start buying and handing out copies!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
3347688
I recommend this book to all pastors and leaders involved in church planting. I took away a holy discontentment for church planting as usual in the American church, replaced by the most genuine fire in my gut to be and live Church Zero. It's time. There needs to be a  warning disclaimer "Holy Frustration is not optional".
3220184
"Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

But how can we know which things can be changed, and which things cannot?

Read this book, and have your eyes opened!  :-)
3189558
This is a must read for everyone in our present world of misinformation and confusion. It is full of inspiration, technique and life giving principles that will lead to YOUR TRANSFORMATION. If you have been stuck in the how, what, where, when and why mode of spiritual, mental, and physical health, then this is your vehicle to get up and out of that ditch. Applying the truths from Bill Phillips first book brought a great change in my life and a 2004 BFL Grand Championship, but with this book TRANSFORMATION, Bill has raised the bar to the next level and is inviting us as a community to the summit of LIFE. A change that begins on the inside and works its way out into manifestation. A life filled with Godly inspirations, healthy thoughts, nice bodies and quality relationships. This book is extremely contagious with a good infection called unconditional LOVE. My hope and recommendation is that everyone catches it (gets it).
Garry Snow- 2004 BFL Grand Champion
374168
Got some sh*t to change in your world? Polish off your wand and bring out the glitter as you begin to connect with this book, The various authors contribute tons of awareness for change and personal transformation. The authors are a delight to read with their sparkling personalities as they share stories of creating and transforming. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
4573003
This is a book with a mission to change old ideas and incorporate new ones of leadership, courage and character. Gus Lee gives excellent examples, too, of leaders who came to terms with doing the right thing to bridge the gap between commendable motives and the tired, old techniques of the past&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Traditional-Christmas-Hymns-Revisited/dp/1320494749/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Traditional Christmas Hymns Revisited</a>that have failed. The book inspires to excellence, and brings a blush of shame to the face of those who may know to apply right principles, but fail of courage to do so. Even hopeless circumstances can be overcome with an infusion of courageous hope. I highly recommend this book to any aspiring management type, or even those in fields not related to business management since the principles revealed apply to all walks of life.
3426098
About the Book:

Never before have we seen the church degenerate at such a rapid pace. This is largely due to the church pursuing congregational growth instead of kingdom growth. The church is dying because our growth isn't based on strategies to reach the lost with the gospel. The time to change is now, we can't wait any longer. People's eternities are at stake.

About the Author:

Dr. Nathan Lorick is the Director of Evangelism for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. His passion is to see the church come alive through intentional evangelism and world missions. He currently serves as a trustee for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). He is a graduate of East Texas Baptist University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned both a Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree. He also holds an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Louisiana Baptist University. He and his wife Jenna have three sons and one daughter.

My Review:

 The church is the heart of Jesus, furthering our church along to God's will is of utmost importance in order to glorify Him. The author Nathan Lorick shows us that maybe the heart of the church needs to be fixed first before trying to fill the pews. He feels that evangelism is the place we need to start. We need to reach those hearts that are hurting in our own church before stepping outside and inviting others in. He also insists that the time is now and we have very little of it left.

 I agree with many of the authors statements especially when he said that we need to address the ones in our congregation that are already hurting before we reach out. He believes that evangelism is where we can get our congregations to grow. The pastor has to be actively involved instead of just agreeing that someone or giving his permission for someone to start a ministry. The pastor of said church will have to lead the charge, too many times we have pastors that just stand by the side lines and watch everyone when he should be leading.

 For our message to reach a lost and dying people we will have to go out armed with the word and present it to them freely. What I really loved was that he gives you several ideas to help get you going the right direction. My favorite idea was the one of a Christmas store for those that are having hard times. Nathan Lorick is really on to something!

If you would like to learn more about this book you can visit this link.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Life Sentence Publishing.
3468539
You want your church to change the world?  It's time to renovate it not just redecorate it!

This book is filled with no-nonsense strategies and practical tips to help you refocus and grow your church into a fruitful congregation.  Bob's honesty and straightforwardness on the current state of the United Methodist Church as a whole as well as our local churches is refreshing and it will definitely challenge your perceptions.  There is no doubt that implementing these strategies will be hard work but rewarding.  Let Bob inspire you and give you hope.  I encourage all church leaders and members alike to pick up this book.  It will change your thinking and hopefully your current reality.
46917
The time has come that your ready for a change you want to remove your old patterns. And want to develop the person who have always wanted to become. This book helps you to understand how to live and walk with truth and gives great knowledge of oneself that is everchanging!
3256700
I know several people said that this book will change your life, but what if you are going through change? Change creates a chaos, and you will need balance when going through change. This book needs to be on every students reading list... and on every teacher's reading list. The ink is still wet on this book- but I predict a number 2 book to come soon. Commercialism demands that you get what is advertised now, do it now, go for the most, aim for perfectionism- and commercialism is the common cause of "stuffitis" (a Dave Ramsey term). Study groups might even look into picking up this short little game changer.
393920
I could so relate to Lysa & her "unglued" moments...praising Jesus one minute & screaming at my kids the next...that is so me!  I seriously wanted to change but I was afraid to even start bc I knew I would screw up...that's why her notion of "imperfect progress" was such a breath of fresh air.  I chant that to myself daily & am learning to recognize that in others as well and using that to praise God!  This book really helped me see my desire to change in a whole new light & see it as an attainable journey.
1325224
I am an older white leader in one of the organizations mentioned in The Minority Experience.  For years, I have heard many pain stories from our ethnic minority staff.  Working to stay in the pain of these stories, dealing with the guilt or trauma of association with the inflictors of the pain, and then to move to organizational change is quite a challenge.  Adrian Pei sets the table for change with grace and truth, research and a heart of kindness.  This book is for those folks who want to be advocates, to use whatever power they have to make changes.  I loved the book and i think you might find it a little different from other books you have read on the topic.
John Waidley
440396
The thought that a simple invitation could change a generation has me excited!! Ive served in full time ministry with my husband for almost 20 years, and outreach and invitation have been one of the tools Ive used consistently to bring others not only into our church, but into our family. We all fall prey to the my house isn't clean enough and Im not a good enough cook lies that Satan wants us to believe, but if we push past those lies and live out the Gospel, lives will be changed! Join me in changing our world for the better! Grab your copy today!
577540
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I gained a whole new perspective regarding my life & how I've been living it. And even more than that, is the knowledge of how to change it in order to really "live" as opposed to existing day in and day out, wanting change, yet, without the knowledge of how to change... I rarely write reviews, but I felt it was my duty once I read this book, to let other people know about the possibility for change it holds within it's pages. It's not only for people who feel they need motivating but also, I imagine most people could benefit from reading The Motivation Manifesto and would walk away better human beings from having read it. If you do decide to read it, I hope you take away from it as much as I have, it's literally elevated my mind & motivated me to change the way I live my life!

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