Vision: Lost and Found: The Story Of A Church That Got Stuck but Didn't Stay There

by Tim Stevens

"Vision: Lost & Found" is the behind-the-scenes story of a church that grew from nothing to be labeled as the second most innovative church in the country--and then got stuck.Author Tim Stevens tells the story of Granger Community Church's journey through the ups and downs. You will feel their angst, but you will also smile as they celebrate significant moments along the way. You will read about the pain, the relational strain, the unbelievable mountain-top experiences, the struggle and the process that helped Granger discover a new vision that would literally redefine their church. It is not a story that is finished, either. Don't look for a nicely-wrapped ending with an "everyone lived happily ever after" conclusion. You will be encouraged by Stevens' candor and vulnerability as he unpacks a story still being written.Many churches are stuck. Some are stuck because of old ways of thinking; some because they can't figure a way out; others because they are happy not changing. "Vision: Lost & Found" will challenge your paradigms, inspire your heart, stretch your thinking and give you tangible tools to help your church take its next step.

Genres: Leadership, Church

234 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the heart behind this book. The goal of continuing to grow and being willing to follow God's leading in your church is worthy of commendation. However, that this church was not guided by scripture in there changes in any way deemed worthy of mentioning is a problem that is hard to ignore.

[Jacob Enns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read!

I found it inspiring, encouraging and uplifting for church leaders. Great to learn from. - how Granger Community Church navigated through its early years and later on succeeded in bringing back growth and momentum.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like I was reading my own biography!

Started this book at 10:30, thinking I'd read just the first chapter before bed, and finished it at 12:45.

This is engaging stuff. Besides the keep-you-hooked format--each chapter is only a page and a half--Tim tells a compelling story. This is the personal, behind-the-scenes account of the Granger team's success with attraction church in the early 2000's AND discovery in 2010 that church can/must also be missional.

Not only does he describe how the senior staff team wrestled through the re-visioning process, he also provides samples of the very documents they used with the congregation as they collected input/feedback on the emerging plan.

Tis was extremely practical/motivating/clarifying for me as I attempt to lead our team through a similar exercise.

[Carol R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, it's another megachurch story, but if you can get past that, the principles still can apply to any church that is seeking to discover or rediscover its vision. Comes with copies of the actual resources they used and timelines, all really helpful. There was brutal honesty in the book as well, which is great for all of us who know there is no perfect church and sin finds its way into every church.

[Rob Hurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the author's honesty regarding the struggles their church faced, the inside look at the staff's struggles and they way they continue to innovate despite the criticism of folks that aren't doing squat other than criticize and judge. A lot of concrete, helpful insights and tools. Excellent book!

[Matthew Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the candid approach of the author...this was an easy read that identified the pitfalls and triumphs experienced in church growth...I enjoyed getting an inside look at the beginning of their church and their efforts to continue re-inventing themselves over the years to make the biggest impact.

[H.b. Charles]

I found this book very honest about the ups-and-downs of ministry. But it is does not reflect a biblical philosophy of ministry.

[Mike Conner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning and end...not so much the middle.

[Jt]

Good book about struggling as a church and then finding its way to make a difference. Very encouraging book to read.