I would highly recommend this book for any Christian. As I read this book my eyes were opened to the subtle trap of becoming a Pharisee over being a genuine follower of Jesus Christ.
3) Deep & Wide - Andy Stanley (Zondervan): Are Church leaders spending too much time, money and energy trying to attract Christians to their churches? Pastor Andy Stanley of North Point Church in Atlanta believes Churches should be spending more time creating churches and worship experiences that will attract non-Christians. In his book Deep & Wide Stanley gives the reader a glimpse into how their church creates an atmosphere for creating a church that the unchurched will love to attend. He writes, "I want people to fall in love with the Author of Scripture. And while we can't make anyone fall in love, we can certainly arrange a date."
I enjoyed this book immensely but I had to read it with "reigns on". Naturally I was highlighting and underlining like a madman but I know I could not implement all that Pastor Andy is suggesting without causing WW III in the Church. All of North Point's ideas are great but they are certainly not a "fix all" for all churches. There are a lot of great nuggets to take away from this book.
2) Center Church - Timothy J. Keller (Zondervan): Timothy Keller takes almost a completely different approach to Church growth that Andy Stanley does. His answer to the question, "How does the church adapt to the post Christian culture without compromising our position in Christ?" Keller believes it is by keeping the Gospel at the core and allowing it to change and transform individuals through the power of the Holy Spirit. However he does not by any means suggest the church cut its ties with culture; instead we are to find the good of it and apply the Gospel to it.
I would recommend this book for Pastors, Elders, Leaders and Lay Leaders. Center Church packs a lot of information in it so it must be consumed slowly and thoughtfully.
1) Dangerous Calling - Paul David Tripp (Crossway): Paul David Tripp has legitimate concerns for the pastoral culture. In his book Tripp writes about his concern for the spiritual lives of pastors, the people who train them, call them to their churches, how they relate to them, and the restoration process. The author talks straight forward to Pastors, leaders and seminary professors about the dangers of church expectations of pastors, the training process for Pastors and the importance of the Pastor taking care of his spiritual life.
This book is PURE GOLD and should be read by all Pastors. I am actually on my second reading of this book. However I think church leaders, seminary professors and congregational members can gain a lot insight from this book as well.
