If youve never read a church renewal book, this is an OK place to start. If you cut to the core though, its like most change management books...identify whats wrong, establish a super-ordinate goal, address problems objectively, then zero base and check everything you do against that goal. If youre looking for a Biblical basis for what a church should be, despite lots of Bible quotes, this isnt it. McManus believes a church should be overwhelmingly engaged in sacrifical service and obedience to Christ, but addresses those concepts without specifics. An Unstoppable Force is a loosely structured, passionate, anecdotal critique of and challenge to institutional churches. It is loaded with stories, accusations, admonitions, unusual metaphors and strong assertions. Some are intuitively appealing and convicting, others might be offensive or inaccurate; nothing is substantiated in any rigorous way. McManus may be the champion modern writer of pithy, quotable one-liner wisdomettes. McManus makes it clear An Unstoppable Force isnt a handbook or methodology, though the ninth chapter offer conceptual change management advice; its his perspectives on The Church and a story of his experience and Mosaic, an eclectic, independent ministry in Los Angeles where he is Lead Pastor and spiritual environmentalist. Based upon both the book and website, Mosaic apparently has no edifice, holding services in public buildings. It is a congregation that emphasizes diversity and active service for Jesus Christ, while rejecting - for lack of a better thought, stodgy traditions. Oddly though, neither Mosaics nor McManus Christology is revealed in the book, or on the website. Jesus Christ is frequently mentioned, obedience to Christ as Lord is encouraged but despite many Bible verses quoted, the only characteristic of the Jesus Christ of McManus or Mosaic that is unequivocal is inclusiveness. In his criticism of mainline churches McManus comes across as vigorous, confident and passionate. In describing his own ministry and Mosaic, he is sometimes perplexed, insecure, frustrated. He briefly aludes to two occasions where the congregation grew then divisively split with large factions departing. The dividing issues and events are not revealed. The last chapter of the book should be a published sermon, reprinted and distributed independent of the rest of the book. McManus does an eloquent job of describing the Ten Commandments as a minimum standard, not an objective, and portrays grace in an inspiring context. You have to work at this book to extract the substance; its hidden in a lot of rhetoric. If youre looking for something better suppported and more prescriptive for church growth and renewal consider Lyle Shallers books.
Finally Erwin has written! Honestly, few have the ministry location (dont read "geography") that enable this kind of breadth in one volume. Here is a guy with a sweep of cultural insight, passion for Gods church, creative genius and the ability to put it in print as well. This volume is essentially about the church getting in the game. Erwins challenge?.... the church needs to wake up, wise up and gear up to this new world into which we have been invited by God to speak fresh good news. In my ministry I have bought 100 copies of 2 different books in my life for my leadership team. This will be the third. It is the best thing written in this arena in a long time, maybe ever. Get it, buy it, read it and then go buy 100 copies and give them to every church leader you know.
I am not a pastor but this book still managed to change my life. It challenged me to rethink the way we do church and now I am striving to follow what I feel is Gods will for his church. When we rely on outdated traditions, everyone suffers. Erwin offers a fresh look at how church is done and I feel he is right on the mark. Read it!
