QUIT GOING TO CHURCH

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

QUIT GOING TO CHURCH
By Bob Hostetler

OVERVIEW: Quit Going To Church is about identifying and correcting the ways we have forgotten―or departed from―the way of Jesus. This book will ruffle more than a few feathers. At times, the going gets really hard, and you will be challenged and stretched, turned upside down, and maybe even broken. But the author is praying that when you are done reading you will be more in love with God than ever before and more active in bringing his kingdom in and throughout our communities.

AUTHOR: Bob Hostetler is a writer, editor, pastor, and speaker from southwestern Ohio. His twenty-seven books, which include the award-winning Don't Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and American Idols, have sold over 3 million copies. He has won two Gold Medallion Awards, three Ohio Associated Press awards, and an Amy Foundation Award. He is a co-founder of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio. He and his wife Robin have two grown children, Aubrey and Aaron.

MY REVIEW: Here I go again. Yes, this is one of the best books I have read this year. And yes, I know that I say that often and that I have said it for the last two or three books I have reviewed. Suspicious? You might say that. For the suspicious minded you might think that I am writing a positive review for every book I review to please the publishers. I can only hope that you know me well enough to know that I am sincere when I post a disclaimer at the end of every review stating that this is a fair and honest review and all opinions are my own. Now, getting that out of the way I want to move on to the review of Quit Going To Church which is an excellent book.

I agree with Leonard Sweet, author of Real Church in a Social Network World who said, "...an astonishing book...entertaining in its form, and profound in its argument." When I read the title, Quit Going to Church I didn't know what to think. I had no idea what that could mean. But it's so simple. Bob Hostetler is arguing that we should stop just going to church and be the church. I think you have to read chapter one to get the full impact of that statement. All of the chapters are as challenging: Quit Saying Your Prayers, Quit Reading Your Bible, Quit Sharing Your Faith and eight more just as challenging and instructive. I especially liked, Quit Trying To Be Good.

There is an Epilogue: "The Scandal of God's Love" from Bob Hostetler's upcoming book, How to Fall in Love with God. I can't wait to get my hands on this one.

Get this book, read it and start living it.

(I received this book from Leafwood Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.)