BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of a Reformission Rev.
I received a copy of this book (written by Mark Driscoll - pastor of Mars Hill) when I responded to a blog entry from Mars Hill Church (Seattle, WA). It was a free copy and the request was that I would read and then write up a review on my blog. Well, I just finished the book so it’s time to pass along a review on the book - it’s subject matter and contents.
Starting this book I must admit I came into it with some pre-conceived ideas of what it might be about as well as the various things I had heard about Mark himself. It continues to amaze me how much we feed off of gossip of others and the more secondhand information I hear, the less 2nd hand information I want to hear. There’s a tendency among too many circles (and I’ll admit I have made mistakes of my own) to tear down others in church ministry that experience success. I think it erroneously makes us feel better but does nothing but reveal our own weaknesses.
Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill have experienced a great deal of success as a church which makes them a natural target. Mark addresses this in his book and tackles the great small-church vs. big church debate. His answers and thoughts may surprise you.
Going in, I had some preconceived ideas of what Mark may write considering his place among the leaders of the Emerging Church movement. Reading this book caused me to raise my eyebrows on frequent occasions. He made a lot of great points that all pointed to his over-riding view of the church. That view? That Jesus Christ is and should always be the absolute head of the church.
This book is for anyone either involved in ministry or looking to become involved. It will challenge and inspire you. In literature, I often encounter things that I disagree with but this book was a sequence of “right on!” moments throughout. I finished feeling inspired and challenged. Mark takes off the gloves and really takes on the nitty-gritty details of church growth.
It became obvious that Mark has done his homework and there was such a biblical underpinning to all his views that made this book not about the latest trends or pop-psychology but served to remind me of the missional focus of the church - a timeless focus that has never changed. Being hip is not the point. Being relevant alone isn’t the issue either. The issue is reaching non-believers with a message that brings about radical life change and the discipleship process that must follow.
I found his insights on church growth particularly interesting. This book is essentially a biography on Mars Hill and the successes and failures they (and Mark) experienced to reach the place where they are today. Being a creative person myself, his thoughts on the various stages of church growth and how to sustain growth through the ongoing creative process was dead-on. He recounts the many times he had to use deconstruction to refocus and allow for growth.
Want to feel challenged? Looking for some great insights on how to bring life and vision into your ministry? This book is definitely worth the read. I have a list of must-read writers and have now added one more name to that list…Mark Driscoll.
If you pick up this book, I’d love to hear some of your feedback on his thoughts.
Leave A Comment
All fields marked with "*" are required.