Sunday

This past Sunday a gentleman walked to the front of the church. He picked up the microphone and smiled. As music began to fill the Sanctuary he began to sing...

"I'm a thief, I'm a lier, I'm a murder..."

Fearfully, a six year old screams out from the back "what's he doing here?

Deep & Wide by Andy Stanley

Deep & Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy Stanley

I was asked to read and review "Deep & Wide; creating churches that unchurched people love to attend" by Andy Stanley. Although I am only 3/5 the way through, here are my thoughts thus far:

The book is divided into five sections, providing the reader with the opportunity to jump straight to a particular section if so desired (and required).

Section 1 - "My Story" - contains the basics of Andy Stanley's adolescent years, the years that he spent watching his father (Charles Stanley) in ministry, from points of confidence, humility, peace, and conflict. "My Story" not only explains Andy's past, it also reveals his approach to ministry and why NorthPoint Church is the way it is.

Section 2 - "Our Story" - gives a glimpse into the story of Christ's Church, the worldwide Church. More than this, section two reveals the mindset and structure of NorthPoint Church - a "church that unchurched people love to attend".

Section 3 - "Deep" - is an outline of the discipleship process, called the formation model, of NorthPoint Church. In these chapters Andy Stanley outlines the "Five Faith Catalysts" of NorthPoint Church and the discussions - or questions - that led to these catalysts. Further he offers questions and topics for church leaders to ponder in each of the five areas of ministry.

Section 4 - "Wide"

Section 5 - "Becoming Deep and Wide"

Although I am only through section 3 at this point I have thoroughly enjoyed the reading of this book. Andy brings to light many of the struggles that leaders in the mainline church has in our culture today. More importantly, he offers topics that must be wrestled with and discussed within any church that truly desires to "win" the lost for Jesus Christ.

Not only is this book a good read and packed with insightful points for church leaders, it presents tools that can be used (and adapted to fit) in any church, of any size, and in any location.

Backed by Scripture, experience, and results, Andy Stanley presents church leaders a tool for leading people into committed and faithful relationships with Jesus Christ. I will highly recommend this book to ANY leader in ANY church setting.