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Starving Jesus: Off the Pew, Into the World
I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink … It’s time to STOP STARVING JESUS. In other words it’s time for Christians to get off their comfortable seats near the back of the sanctuary and get out into the world. Authors Craig Gross and JR Mahon challenge fellow Christ-followers to stop talking about being spiritual, and start being spiritual—by rolling up their sleeves and serving a world desperate for the hope Christ offers. You can make a difference.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
18 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 28, 2011
The guys who wrote Starving Jesus are also members of XXXchurch.com, a ministry to the porn industry in the name of Jesus. I empathize with their "us against them" mentality regarding normal Christianity. I find it hard to believe that any Christian would be critical of ministry to prostitutes and pimps. This seems to be exactly the kind of ministry that Jesus was doing. And yet, by their own admission, there is a LOT of rejection and condemnation from the church.
I really appreciated their message of action. That is the best part of this book. These two men, time and again, strip away all of our justifications for inaction, and put things squarely in black and white. I really appreciated the openness and honesty with which they shared their own struggles with sin and pride. I think they are right on target with their call for honesty. I was moved by their discussions on prayer and fasting. I wholeheartedly agree with their outreach to the "untouchables" of our culture.
So, great book. The problem is that "just do it" is an overreaction that will lead to bad things. Also, the command to "do new, creative things" can be good, but it can also be bad.
Christianity is full of tensions, full of imponderables that we must ponder. I think the better message is "never let incomprehension excuse inaction". There is always something you can do as a Christian. You can feed the homeless, share the gospel, or any other thing clearly laid out in Scripture. But encouraging people to just start new things, willie-nillie, is a terrible idea. Especially given their seeming disdain for established ministries. I urge people to remember that God gave us a body for a reason. To overlook the teachings of the church for the last 2000 years is to ignore the "great cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews.
Also, the astute reader will probably notice that this book is full of contradictions. To me, that's okay. This book does not purport to be a theology textbook. It is a testimony and a call to action. How many of our lives are contradiction free?
Overall, great book for readers in the west.
I really appreciated their message of action. That is the best part of this book. These two men, time and again, strip away all of our justifications for inaction, and put things squarely in black and white. I really appreciated the openness and honesty with which they shared their own struggles with sin and pride. I think they are right on target with their call for honesty. I was moved by their discussions on prayer and fasting. I wholeheartedly agree with their outreach to the "untouchables" of our culture.
So, great book. The problem is that "just do it" is an overreaction that will lead to bad things. Also, the command to "do new, creative things" can be good, but it can also be bad.
Christianity is full of tensions, full of imponderables that we must ponder. I think the better message is "never let incomprehension excuse inaction". There is always something you can do as a Christian. You can feed the homeless, share the gospel, or any other thing clearly laid out in Scripture. But encouraging people to just start new things, willie-nillie, is a terrible idea. Especially given their seeming disdain for established ministries. I urge people to remember that God gave us a body for a reason. To overlook the teachings of the church for the last 2000 years is to ignore the "great cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews.
Also, the astute reader will probably notice that this book is full of contradictions. To me, that's okay. This book does not purport to be a theology textbook. It is a testimony and a call to action. How many of our lives are contradiction free?
Overall, great book for readers in the west.
January 15, 2011
I found the two authors to be very transparent (a good thing)but I also found them to be full of themselves. I agree with the books encouraging to fast, a very forgotten discipline in the church Today, but I think these two men wore it as a badge of honor rather than individual discipline meant to foster intimacy with God Matthew 6:16,18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."Luke 18:11-13 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner." In one part of the book the authors even admitted to struggling with Pride in this area, it seems they have used there ministry context of reaching those in The Porn Industry and those struggling with porn as a badge of honor in a church that I agree treats most of this context like outcasts. It seemed this book had one or two good points and turned them into a longer than needed book. I was however encouraged by the testimony of Ollie Horne, a southern Pastor who's life and ministry seemed changed by the authors encouragement to fast and pray. I would say this book is just another in the lines of books that represent a segment of the church that is upset with status quo.
November 4, 2013
I'll admit that I am overly critical with Christian books. It is not because I dislike them or I found them unnecessary but most of them follow the same format. There are many books that are full of cliches and the content is not saying anything that I have not heard before. It is rare for me to really enjoy one, but there are a few exceptions. However I do look for titles that catches my eye, that is a sure way to grab my attention. For instance take this for example, the title is what made me want to read it but I felt slightly disappointed after finishing it.
The positive portion about this book is that it is calling Christians to "GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING!." It calls out the laziness in the church how we always want people to come, instead of going out and getting the people. I applauded that aspect of the book, there are far too many churches that want the world to come to them and not the other way around. Also I love the transparency and how the author used examples from his personal life. The scriptures went along with what he was saying, it really struck a cord with me.
On the other hand,the second half of the book seemed rather predictable. The author expounded on his reasons for writing the book and that lost me. Granted it is not a bad thing to explain why you wrote the book but I think the readers should draw their own opinion. Maybe I am being extra picky but nevertheless,it had valid points but also flaws.
The positive portion about this book is that it is calling Christians to "GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING!." It calls out the laziness in the church how we always want people to come, instead of going out and getting the people. I applauded that aspect of the book, there are far too many churches that want the world to come to them and not the other way around. Also I love the transparency and how the author used examples from his personal life. The scriptures went along with what he was saying, it really struck a cord with me.
On the other hand,the second half of the book seemed rather predictable. The author expounded on his reasons for writing the book and that lost me. Granted it is not a bad thing to explain why you wrote the book but I think the readers should draw their own opinion. Maybe I am being extra picky but nevertheless,it had valid points but also flaws.
June 14, 2008
Well, it was blessedly short.
The premise (or at least what I believe is the premise) isn't bad; Christians should be far more active in their faith, get up and DO something. However, the authors don't really seem to give solid ways that people should do that - there are vague references to "paint your neighbor's house" and a commercial for what I take to be the author's own ministry to sponsor a child, but the lists of what ordinary people should do were generally along the lines of pray, read the Bible and fast. The first two are hardly revolutionary, and the idea of fasting was given short shrift, which is unfortunate in that a forty day fast (which one of the author's engaged in) is not something to be taken lightly, and certainly not something that should be done with no more direction than was given here.
In addition, on several occasions where the authors COULD have made a difference, they chose not to do so (the Hurricane Katrina example is particularly striking). A porn ministry (yep, you read correctly) is great, but until the authors are ready to make some harder choices and sacrifices that those covered in the book, their hard edged instruction comes off as a bit hypocritical.
Definitely not recommended.
The premise (or at least what I believe is the premise) isn't bad; Christians should be far more active in their faith, get up and DO something. However, the authors don't really seem to give solid ways that people should do that - there are vague references to "paint your neighbor's house" and a commercial for what I take to be the author's own ministry to sponsor a child, but the lists of what ordinary people should do were generally along the lines of pray, read the Bible and fast. The first two are hardly revolutionary, and the idea of fasting was given short shrift, which is unfortunate in that a forty day fast (which one of the author's engaged in) is not something to be taken lightly, and certainly not something that should be done with no more direction than was given here.
In addition, on several occasions where the authors COULD have made a difference, they chose not to do so (the Hurricane Katrina example is particularly striking). A porn ministry (yep, you read correctly) is great, but until the authors are ready to make some harder choices and sacrifices that those covered in the book, their hard edged instruction comes off as a bit hypocritical.
Definitely not recommended.
July 27, 2011
I enjoyed the style of the book--the two authors took turns writing and it was interspersed with a lot of Scripture. I liked the main themes that ran through the book, themes of digging into the Word on a regular basis, fasting, prayer, and becoming a disciple of Christ.
There were a couple of places where one of the authors came down really hard on a person who wondered why they didn't have a clear gospel presentation on their website and a pastor who wanted more information about their tour stop. It was hard for me to read they this author considered those people (and others who think like them) to be "super Christians," legalistic, and judgmental. Reading something like that detracts from the other messages of the book, which are really quite good.
Overall, this was just an okay book for me. There were things I really liked about it, and other things that could have been done better. The overall message is one that the Church needs to hear, but it came across pretty forceful in certain points.
There were a couple of places where one of the authors came down really hard on a person who wondered why they didn't have a clear gospel presentation on their website and a pastor who wanted more information about their tour stop. It was hard for me to read they this author considered those people (and others who think like them) to be "super Christians," legalistic, and judgmental. Reading something like that detracts from the other messages of the book, which are really quite good.
Overall, this was just an okay book for me. There were things I really liked about it, and other things that could have been done better. The overall message is one that the Church needs to hear, but it came across pretty forceful in certain points.
April 12, 2013
It's hard for me to evaluate this book. I spent my time agreeing with the authors and being angry with them simultaneously. It was a bizarre feeling that I didn't appreciate, but I believe was needed to rock my comfortable world.
The gist of the book is that Christians are too lazy in their faith and are not getting out and doing what they are meant to be doing. We are paralyzed about failing or have a pride issue or whatever, that we don't do anything. I find this timely in my life. Just days ago when I was writing in my journal I wrote about feeling paralyzed in making decisions for my future. So, I know that this book has given me some hard words to deal with. I think most could benefit from this reality check.
The things that drove me crazy and caused me to want to throw the book in the trash several times was the condescending tone of one of the authors. It got old very fast, but the information he shared in his portions allowed me to deal with it. It also reminded me that we can all learn something from every person, even if we don't necessarily like them very much.
The gist of the book is that Christians are too lazy in their faith and are not getting out and doing what they are meant to be doing. We are paralyzed about failing or have a pride issue or whatever, that we don't do anything. I find this timely in my life. Just days ago when I was writing in my journal I wrote about feeling paralyzed in making decisions for my future. So, I know that this book has given me some hard words to deal with. I think most could benefit from this reality check.
The things that drove me crazy and caused me to want to throw the book in the trash several times was the condescending tone of one of the authors. It got old very fast, but the information he shared in his portions allowed me to deal with it. It also reminded me that we can all learn something from every person, even if we don't necessarily like them very much.
September 11, 2009
Strong, solid "Christians need to get off their asses and change the world" talk from two guys who are dedicated enough to the concept that they launched their own ministry reaching out to save pornographers. Gross and Mahon trade off in dialogue -- Mahon in particular gets personal in discussing his "Born Again Lazy" tendencies and how he finally shook them off.
One thing I found interesting/frustrating is that while it seemed like the 40-day cross-country "Starving Jesus" fast and motivational speaking tour was a big driving force behind this book, it actually doesn't even into play until close to the end. It feels like that has a lot to do with how personally turbulent the tour ended up being for them, but the stories they do choose to share are compelling and make you want to hear more.
I'm not 100% with these guys, but their sincere desire to make the world a better place comes through loud and clear.
One thing I found interesting/frustrating is that while it seemed like the 40-day cross-country "Starving Jesus" fast and motivational speaking tour was a big driving force behind this book, it actually doesn't even into play until close to the end. It feels like that has a lot to do with how personally turbulent the tour ended up being for them, but the stories they do choose to share are compelling and make you want to hear more.
I'm not 100% with these guys, but their sincere desire to make the world a better place comes through loud and clear.
November 4, 2015
Never quite understood the title but eventually got the message
This book was a little hard to follow at first because two guys are writing it separately, bouncing back and forth within each chapter. The intro says it is a conversation between them, but all of it is directed at the reader.
If I'd only gotten through the first part I might have given it two out three stars. For me, it got better, and more cohesive, as it went along.
I think the general over all message is good and important: get out there and do something. I don't know that the methodology, our perhaps the lack thereof, necessarily best supplies to everyone, but it usually takes radical voices with radical examples to get others to take the first steps.
This book was a little hard to follow at first because two guys are writing it separately, bouncing back and forth within each chapter. The intro says it is a conversation between them, but all of it is directed at the reader.
If I'd only gotten through the first part I might have given it two out three stars. For me, it got better, and more cohesive, as it went along.
I think the general over all message is good and important: get out there and do something. I don't know that the methodology, our perhaps the lack thereof, necessarily best supplies to everyone, but it usually takes radical voices with radical examples to get others to take the first steps.
August 25, 2015
I definitely feel challenged after reading this book. I like the writing style of having two writers take turns presenting their ideas. I don't like how the book doesn't really give the reader many tangible ideas of what to do to act out his or her faith. Not everyone can fast for forty days while going on a speaking tour chained to a pew. They also don't get into what you're supposed to do while fasting. Go about your normal day? Sit in a closet and pray the whole time? I've got the challenge, but I don't have the method to take it on.
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February 24, 2008Written by the Pastors of XXX Church (a church that fights against pornography and helping people recover or get out of the business), this book is offensive but in the way I believe Jesus meant us to be. To look at the church's lack of inactivity of fighting the real problems of the world, in being truly transparent in the body of Christ to encourage one another, and in taking His Word to the streets the way He did.
December 11, 2012
Life changing. This book lets you know exactly what you are supposed to do in order to follow Christ. Even if you don't want to do it sometimes. Still, the authors know that to live a spiritually fulfilling life, we need to live outside ourselves and make our lives dedicated to others. Starving Jesus will change the way you think about church and even how you pray. I really recommend this book.
November 14, 2008
A really good book. Get ready to have your faith pushed and prodded at. It certainly makes you think and will hopefully get you out of the pews. There were parts of it that I had issue with but overall an inspirational read that goes about religion in a very different way.
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September 4, 2008What did I learn? That we are Born Again Lazy; that I need to re-priortize my personal schedule to make room for Jesus!
This book is a great witness to the Born Again believer to self examine their walk and witness with the Lord. I don't want to starve Jesus any longer!
This book is a great witness to the Born Again believer to self examine their walk and witness with the Lord. I don't want to starve Jesus any longer!
March 6, 2012
It was pretty good when I was into god. I appreciated it for its insight to how people need to stop praying and get out and actually do something. However, you should probably not actually fast for 40 days...
December 25, 2013
Critical, harsh, shaming rather than motivating- I gave up on this one 50 pages in... There are better ways to inspire people to love like Jesus than to attack the methods currently being used by the American church
October 16, 2014
Life changer! I actually enjoy the tone of this book; what others are calling obnoxious or arrogant. They're rightly P'd off at pew-sitting Christianity, and are utilising their god given personality traits to praise The Lord! Their ministry is badass too. Might glue it to my bible.
Want to read
March 5, 2008if you read my review of the gutter this is the book my boyfriend had...
August 24, 2008
Outstanding book. Get ready to be challenged. Expect to be reminded that "he who looses life, shall find it". The authors are completely transparent, open and honest. Highly recommended
January 8, 2010
This book really does make you want to get up, out and into the world.
September 4, 2010
It is a must read book for any Christian that does not totally understand why they go to church or why their parents make them. =)
September 15, 2010
I loved the way the two authors discussed topics. It was like a Q&A but a well thought out lesson. A must read if your into radical Christianity books... like Shane Clairborn.
May 7, 2011
The writing style of these guys isn't my favorite BUT I thought the book was challenging, thought provoking and worth the read.
August 14, 2015
I appreciate the ministry that these guys are engaged in, but I found the author to be a little mouthy and too in-your-face. He ended up coming off as obnoxious.
May 11, 2012
This book just might change your life, the way you perceive, believe, walk and breathe.
August 17, 2014
Great motivation to be a change in the world
May 24, 2013
Another challenging read, along the lines of the Gutter, by Craig Gross.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews