Review written by
Matthew
Kratz
The book is described as the story of "two pastors
who turned their churches around show
leaders how they can help usher in a new season of health, faithfulness,
growth, and vision in their churches. The U-Turn
Church walks readers through the roadblocks of tradition, lack of vision or
leadership, structural problems, and concerns about denominational distinctives
to forge a new way forward into a hope-filled
future. Through the stories of
two churches that have experienced healthy
transformation, readers will see that there is not just one right way to reverse decline. They will receive
practical help and wisdom born of experience as they begin their own U-Turn
journey".
From their own introduction, many
common elements are included in
the
U-turn process where the authors
share some of their own personal stories and strategies for increasing and
deepening prayer in their churches.
Kevin Harney
described
the big idea of U-Turn is that "any church can move in new
and life-giving directions if they are willing to take bold and humble steps
toward the heart of God. God is ready to do a new thing if we are willing
to follow Him! My prayer is that leadership teams of local churches
will read this book, be inspired, and take the practical ideas and
contextualize them for their unique church setting. This is not a
one-size-fits all approach, but a collection of ideas that can be adopted and
adapted". Although, there were practical applications, many of the
applications would suit those of
larger
churches best.
What I found troubling was an wholly insufficient definition of
that health. The basis of that health as defined by scripture only seemed
to be an afterthought. It's like the principles were chosen and passing
"proof-texts" were alluded to on editing. The texts were only
mentioned in passing and you had to go to the end notes at the back of the book to see the scripture reference. I
believe if they were truly serious on their statement of health they would have
directly quoted the scriptural basis and then explained how exactly this would
look like.
Although the definition of health
is not sufficiently spelled out, what it
is not is well articulated. In listing several wrong motives for making a
U-turn, such as self-preservation, increased income and larger attendance, the
overall objective of doing this to the glory of God is spot on (p. 20-21). Most
likely, this is from the author's Reformed Church of America background.
A recurring helpful aspect of the
book are the exercises and reflections,
and prayers at the end of each chapter. There really take the principles of
the chapter to practical application. One impressive example of application is
the "Tabernacle Prayer Model"
that takes the elements of the Tabernacle as a thematic reference for extended
prayer times. (p. 62). Through various chapter, one author or another will give their individual reflections on the
topic.
The book is formatted in the
beginning, middle and continuing aspects
of this U-turn. I loved the section (chapter 7) on
High Expectations. I would encourage the authors to right a book solely
based on the material in this chapter. Too often we set our sights too low in
our service to
Christ, and this chapter was most refreshing.
Yet, like how the rest of the book is structured, I had to go to the end notes
and pencil in the scriptural referents to help provide the solid foundation for
the explanation of this High Expectation.
Once curious recurring feature
are the roadblock and myth counter
sections. It is if the authors were often counting a criticism, even before
making their own points. Unfortunately, their methodology for this counter is
purely pragmatic instead of explicitly starting with scripture. Nevertheless,
their warning on why people often fail (p.100) should give pause to those who
would act before thinking. Chapter 8 deals with this very topic of expecting
opposition (Tough Skins and Soft hearts) and
The formatting of chapter nine on
Taking Holy Risks seems backwards.
The examples are given before the principles. Although the principles are
sound, they lack an explicit scriptural reference that would have given them
more force. The general references to "faith" do not seem to fit the
context.
Chapter 11 on "
the Wow Factor" is mistitled. It
should really focus on excellence and be linked with chapter seven on High
Expectations. Why this chapter occurred after Chapter 10 on "
Looking Out" dealing with
outreach, is puzzling. Although the reminded that every church ministry should
begin to pray and plan for outreach (p.154) is a helpful remind, the aspect to
"tune in to the presence of the spiritually disconnect" (p.155) is
the most theologically disturbing that worship should someone be structured to
accommodate "seekers".
"No one understands, no one seeks for God" (Rom.
3:11)
I wish the authors would have
expanded section three on "
The
Never-Ending Journey of a
U-Turn Church".
The chapter on
Myths (Chapter 12)
and "
You-Turns" (Chapter 13) seem better suited to start the
book, not end it. I fished the book both confused and disappointed. It was like
eating a fast-food meal. It had some tasty elements,
but it was fast burning calories that only promised satisfaction.
Table Of Contents
Introduction: Welcome to the Journey 9
Section 1 The Beginning of the U-Turn
Chapter 1 Holy Zeal 17
Chapter 2 Urgency 27
Chapter 3 Crystal-Clear Vision 40
Chapter 4 The Power of Prayer 55
Section 2 The Middle of the U-Turn
Chapter 5 Biblical Truths vs. Personal Preferences 73
Chapter 6 Unleashing Leaders 90
Chapter 7 High Expectations 108
Chapter 8 Tough Skin and Soft Hearts 123
Chapter 9 Taking Holy Risks 135
Chapter 10 Looking Out 150
Chapter 11 The "Wow" Factor 164
Section 3 The Never-Ending Journey of a
U-Turn
Church
Chapter 12 U-Turn Myths 179
Chapter 13 You-Turns: From You-Turn to U-Turn 191
Notes 201
Details
-
Pub. Date: June 2011
- Publisher: Baker Publishing
Group
- Format: Hardcover , 208pp
- ISBN-13: 9780801013713
- ISBN: 0801013712
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker
Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from
Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
