In recent years, I have developed great admiration for megachurch
pastor Andy Stanley as I have heard him speak and read some of his writing. He is an effective preacher, a practical
leader, a transparent believer and a lifelong learner. We might disagree on some fine points of
theology, but I have learned a lot from him. Stanley is much more open to women
in leadership than most people realize. It will come as a surprise to many that women
serve in practically every role at North Point Church. He also acknowledges that women serve as
pastors (although not at North Point), and he includes them in his comments in
this book.
Therefore, I have found myself recommending his new book
Deep and Wide to a number of people. The
subtitle of this new book is “creating churches unchurched people love to
attend.” It is that and more—personal
testimony, preaching insights, practical guidelines about discipleship, and a
kick in the pants to do something different.
Stanley does not consider himself a church planter but he is
definitely an architect of church culture.
In this book he explains candidly the personal struggles involved in
breaking with his father and launching North Point Church and then goes on to
provide an inside view of the church’s intentional approaches to building a
culture, reaching the unchurched, forming disciples, and preaching the Bible.
The seven questions he provides beginning on page 304 are
well worth the price of the book. Stanley understands that good questions challenge
us to self evaluation, provoke our discontent, and encourage us to change. If the church or any other organization is to
be a “learning organization,” it must ask pointed questions and learn from the
answers.
I highly recommend this book. Even if you disagree with the author, you
will be forced to rethink how you “do church.”
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