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Vertical Church: What Every Heart Longs For. What Every Church Can Be. (2012)

by James MacDonald(Favorite Author)

4.07 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

143470372X (ISBN13: 9781434703729)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

David C. Cook

review 1: Thought provoking, but did not agree with a few of James MacDonald's points. However, after reading many times in preparation for discussion with other church leaders each month, some earlier points made more sense after reading the complete book and reviewing once more. Still don't agree with some points, but others moved into the 'possible/think more about' side. Book proved to be an excellent discussion starter with the church leaders.Reading the book provoked me to listen to 'Walk In The Word' program available on the web. Trustworthy Bible based program that I would recommend to anyone.
review 2: I have been anticipating the release of the "Vertical Church" book. I was not disappointed. This book delivered what I thought was coming and goes well beyond tha... moret. I found myself nodding my head in agreement, occasionally setting the book down to think through what I just read, encouraged by what I read (because I see it in our church) and convicted with a greater sense of responsibility and urgency in the ministry roles the church and God have entrusted to me. And that has me praying more, acknowledging my need for and asking for God's grace and power for that work for Christ and His church.Every church leader should read this book -- whether from Harvest Bible Chapel, a Harvest Bible Fellowship church plant or any evangelical church. There are numerous sections that should make any church leader (small group leader, deacon, elder, pastor) who will have to give an account to our Lord for shepherding the local body (Hebrews 13:17) sit up in their chair and really think through whether their church is Vertical or is pursuing Vertical. For example, in Chapter 2: "A Singular Provision: Glory", James writes:"What we pastors and church leaders too often lose sight of is that the only thing that makes a church worth shouting about is God showing up in power and doing what we cannot do for ourselves -- and so many churches miss it completely!"I love the focus on inviting God to church throughout the book. How amazing that we can meet corporately with the Almighty in weekly worship when we go Vertical. And how sobering and sad that any local church could become horizontal and nothing more than a checkmark. (See the Ichabod chapter which should be absolutely required reading.)I will reference "Vertical Church" often and see myself re-reading in its entirety a number of times. I recommend you do the same. Let's make sure we invite God to church. We will continue to be amazed! less

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