Dangerous Church

Description

Dangerous churches are willing to put everything on the line for the one thing that matters most; reaching lost people. Through probing questions and amazing stories of God’s grace, John Bishop confronts church leaders to embrace what matters most to the heart of God, whatever the cost. Most churches naturally gravitate to what is safe and familiar. Church leaders who take risks are bound to fail, and fear drives us to continue in our comfortable, but ineffective patterns. But reaching out to a lost world was never meant to be easy. Jesus promised his followers that they would have trouble in this world. Dangerous churches are churches that are willing to risk everything—comfort, safety, and the security of the familiar—for the sake of the one thing that matters most: reaching out to people who may spend eternity separated from the God who created them. God wants us to live on the edge of our margins, walking by faith and not simply following scripted methods or programmed patterns. Dangerous Church takes you back to the Book of Acts and reminds church leaders that the heartbeat of the church is not found in agendas or human plans, but in pursuing the mission of God and reaching out to a lost world. Learn what can happen when church leaders abandon their fears and begin to live a dangerous faith. Dangerous Church is part of the Leadership Network Innovation Series.

About the Author

Endorsements

What would it look like if we lived on the wild side as a church? Who might we reach? How might God show up in the most unexpected ways? John Bishop challenges us to open our hearts and minds to all God desires to do in our congregations and communities, and to experience the fullness of grace every step of the way. This book will challenge the way you lead forever. -- Margaret Feinberg, Author

In every area of life, we find reassurance in the familiar. Yet the essence of Christianity is about looking past our comfort in order to reach those who are far away from God. In this book, John Bishop takes readers on a personal journey. And as he stretches us beyond the limits of our comfort and unpacks the power of risk, he reveals what a life of dangerous faith can produce---a life of passion, power, and true purpose. -- Ed Young, Pastor

John Bishop’s passion to take God’s grace to a world in need excites and challenges me as a pastor, and I know it will do the same for you. As you read the story of Living Hope, I encourage you to let the Holy Spirit reshape your ministry paradigm and rekindle your compassion for the lost. ---Judah Smith, Pastor, The City Church -- Judah Smith, Pastor

The Bride of Christ is rising on the earth like never before. A “dangerous church” is a church that is alive, full of the lost and broken, a generous church that takes risks. It is a church that is willing to be exposed to misunderstanding and persecution for the sake of the gospel. John Bishop will confront, enlarge, and equip any leader who has the courage to read this book and do whatever it takes to see the cause of Christ advanced on the earth. -- Brian Houston, Pastor

Tired of the status quo---business as usual in your life and ministry? Dangerous Church will shake you out of your comfort zone and into your divine calling. In an honest and humble way, John Bishop challenges the church to recover its lost passion and fulfill its destiny. ---Kerry Shook, Pastor, Woodlands Church -- Kerry Shook, Pastor

John Bishop is dangerous. So is his church. That’s why their story needs to be told. It’s a story of steps of faith so large (and at times so crazy) that “Only God” could bring success. Read it, and then let God ignite the danger within. -- Larry Osborne, Pastor and Author

Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” John Bishop and the people at Living Hope Church understand that Jesus meant the church, not our enemy, is what is truly dangerous, really on the offense, the one that is overcoming. As you read Dangerous Church you’ll see the compelling story of a church that risks everything for God to enjoy the thrill of joining Jesus on mission. Because I walked with them through much of the journey, I can say the story is awesome. Only God! ---Dr. Gerry Breshears, Professor of Theology, Western Seminary -- Dr. Gerry Breshears, Professor

I have witnessed first hand the environment, the power, and the creativity of the dangerous church John leads. I was blown away. Still am. One thing I know, The Dangerous Church model might not fit your profile right now, but if you give the principles in this book a chance, they most likely will change for all time how you do what you do as a Christian leader. I love John and celebrate his creativity. ---H. B. London Jr., Vice President, Focus on the Family -- H. B. London Jr, Vice President