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A Radical Idea: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God

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What if building the right church depends on using all the wrong people?Imagine. Churches not built on the greatest talent, the finest facilities, or the most exceptional programs. Instead, churches that come together to unleash every single person to impact the world with the Spirit of God for the glory of God.It’s a radical idea.

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

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About the author

David Platt

141 books1,061 followers
DAVID PLATT serves as Lead Pastor at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C. He is the founder and chairman of Radical (Inc.), an international ministry that serves the church for the cause of Christ—to glorify God by making disciples and multiplying churches among all nations. Resources from David Platt and Radical can be found at radical.net.

Books by David Platt include Radical, Radical Together, Follow Me, Counter Culture, and Something Needs to Change, as well as the following volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series: Exalting Jesus in Matthew, Exalting Jesus in James, Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, and Exalting Jesus in Galatians.

David Platt received his Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Along with his wife and four children, he lives in the Washington D.C. metro area.

Connect with David on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Kim.
313 reviews
September 19, 2020
This book was written long before the Pandemic of 2020 but how relevant it is TODAY!!!! Pastor Chad of the Spencerville SDA Church May have even come across this in his readings. A few weeks ago, he preached a sermon about empowering the members of his church to build stronger small groups - enhanced community - such that the future of the church may not be centered around a central gathering in one building on Saturdays but that the church body would be in “effect” in a much greater way in the homes and in the communities where church members live. I think there’s definitely merit here. Now, the question is how to build up this idea / start to activate with fervor in my church community. There’s just something amazing in a small group of people committed to coming together to pray for each other in a meaningful way as compared to just gathering to hear a great orator and group of musicians. With the wealth of podcasts, YouTube sermons and church apps, I can hear tons of sermons and great musicians every day all day. However, that human connection and power of people coming together to pray for our world, our country, our neighborhoods and each other just seems so much more important to me right now. And with fewer big gatherings, the timing fits. We’ll see . . .
100 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2016
Radical. Do you remember when that used to be the word to use? I was so chest deep in this word that I can remember slowing it down and emphasizing each syllable. Rad-i-cal.

Cool wasn't cool enough and tubular was for wanna-be surfers. So if you wanted to express an idea as being worthy, radical was your word.

Now I don't know enough about David Platt to know if he feels the same way about radical, but he has used this idea in a series of books now. This one, A Radical Idea, is available as a 10-pack, for you and your 9 best friends. The subtitle explains more of Platt's focus; Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God.

At just over 50 pages, Platt doesn't waste anytime getting to the point. Writing from a pastor's perspective he wants to know one thing. "How can we in the church best unleash the people of God in the Spirit of God with the Word of God for the glory of God in the world?"

That's a great question.

Platt weaves in personal stories of tough decisions that his church made in order to ensure that they were making the most of all their opportunities in the community. He talks about not leaving ministry in the hands of the pastoral staff, but intentionally spreading the calling and the task of making disciples to all the people.

While Solomon's reminder that there is nothing new under the sun could be said about every book, I will say that this idea of pastors training others to do the discipling work is nothing new. Clearly, this was Jesus' plan when He started the Dozen on their tasks.

What makes this book appealing is its size. At 52 pages it can be read in one afternoon and still leave time for a nap. This would be a good read for church leaders as they talk and review purpose.

I received this 10-pack from from my good friends at Waterbrook Multnomah. They don't tell me what to say, but ask that I say something. In case you're wondering about those 9 other copies, I've got at least that many leaders at my church that I plan to share these with.
20 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2012
A Radical Idea: Unleashing the people of God for the purpose of God by David Platt

This is a little booklet that takes the average reader around 30 minutes to read. For such a small investment of time, the return is extremely valuable. Dr. Platt addresses the typical church growth strategies of the American church and asks if there is a different and better way to approach the church. As a believer you are challenged to be a part of extending God’s kingdom through having a disciple-making plan. This is not for professional Christians but for those who are serious about their spiritual journey.
Profile Image for Kel.
796 reviews
March 12, 2012
What if our ideas about church are backwards? Very thought-provoking book.
Profile Image for Lisa.
166 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2012
Let the church come together and proclaim God's love among the nations! That is exactly what this book is all about. Great resource for your church!
Profile Image for Andy Goodrich.
38 reviews
October 23, 2012
This was short. Good but felt like a teaser to get you intrested in Radical Together. I wish I would have known that I would just have bought that.
Profile Image for Joe Gnatek.
10 reviews
June 25, 2013
Just a rehash of his previous book Radical, which was great.
Profile Image for Michael.
12 reviews8 followers
March 10, 2017
An okay summary, but your time would be better spent reading Radical.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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