Move Toward the Mess

I have read several books about "being the church" and "taking the church to the people". This book is one of the better ones I've read. It hits the mark because it encompasses stories from around the globe of everyday people making a difference. Most books tell the story of certain individuals or certain missions and how they become doers of the Word. There is nothing wrong with those books, and I applaud the people they are about. But one size does not fit all in mission work. This book gives you a broader perspective in which to define your own mission work.

This book is written to inspire and guide you to live in a way that is engaging, that is memorable, and that makes a difference. The authors says the reason he feels passionately about this lifestyle is because his Christian life used to be boring. The problem he found, which is true for many of us, was that his Christian life was separate from the rest of his life. Our Christian life should be nurtured in church but lived out in the world.

I love this anonymous quote from the book: "The church is not a country club for saints. It's a hospital for sinners." In Romans 3:23, Paul says "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We all need the church, we all need Jesus. This book is about taking Jesus and the church to those people who are either neglected or may not know how to find Him.

Part one of the book includes stories of individuals and organizations that embrace the mess of life and truly work to make a difference. It starts out with stories of how Jesus specifically ministered to and welcomed those that were normally left out or shunned. Then it continues with stories from the front lines, ranging from a group that ministers to prostitutes, the conversion of a former IRA member, a couple that attempt to spread the Gospel in Pakistan, and the story of Jim Rayburn, who revolutionized the youth ministry model in the 1930s and 1940s.

Part two focuses on some actionable ways to put moving toward the mess into practice. It begins with a fascinating story of the CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators. Then it continues with a practical plan to decide where to get involved and the steps needed to take action, as well as the importance of recruiting others to join you. Next comes a remarkable story about Atlanta Mission (which ministers to the homeless) and the people that run it. The final sections present obstacles you may face, including resistance from your own church, and how to best overcome them, and how to recognize and deal with burnout.

Overall this book is well written and it flows well. I would recommend this book to all Christians as a call to expand our ministry beyond the church walls. I wouldn't just say that if you are bored with church as usual then this is the right book for you. I would say that it is right for everyone to learn how we can take Jesus to the people that need Him the most. I received this as a free ARC from David C. Cook Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.