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Thrive: Digging Deep, Reaching Out by Mark Hall
In Thrive, the newest book by Mark Hall, the lead singer for the popular group Casting Crowns reminds us what it really looks like to walk with Jesus. With powerful and relatable stories, grounded teaching, and great application, Hall helps everyone who wants to take the next step of faith. You can do more than just survive your life, you can thrive! Mark Hall explores the two sides of our faith-- the roots that help us grow deep and the trunk and branches that are the fruit and working out of all that God does inside us -- and gives us steps and inspiration for growth in every area.
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First published February 11, 2014
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May 21, 2016
This is another one of those non-denominational books that has a good overall aim, but when you look down into the nitty-gritty of the language it uses, there's too many flaws to count. One example that comes to mind is The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living As If He Doesn't Exist, which I happen to have read recently, but it's a general problem in Christian devotional books nowadays.
First, I will say that I admire Hall's honesty and his target. He uses good pictures to encapsulate the Christian life and its dual reality of strengthening faith while at the same time reaching out to others in the world. On the whole, this book can be a good basic guide.
However, I have to criticize this book because there are important elements which Hall never addresses, or other things he describes very vaguely and in contradictory terms. He never even mentions Baptism and The Lord's Supper, much less their essential role in the Christian life. The other main problem that kept emerging is Hall's conflicting claims that salvation does not happen by our own power, while at the same time urging the reader to actively commit and "get saved." Which is it?
He uses phrases like:
"When we surrender to Christ..."
"'You can be saved right now.'"
"I'm handing over my future... my past. I'm handing over the controls here and now."
"...we step forward to follow Jesus."
"You have to walk through the door and commit yourself wholeheartedly to him."
"It means turning your life over to Jesus..."
But then he turns around and says things like:
"Once we sin, we cannot unbreak the chain in our own power."
"...we had no way back to him on our own."
And this one:
"If you think you did something to start your relationship with God, it's only logical to think you could do something to end it."
Yes! Exactly! So why do you keep asking people to start their relationship with God?
And this phrase made me sigh:
"But we'd be amazed to realize how much of our faith is still not ours."
Um, none of our faith is ours! Faith is a gift from God. We cannot get it, we do not develop it, we do not give it, by our own power. By grace, through faith, our salvation is given to us freely, not taken for ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9? Hebrews 12:12? Romans 12:3? Anyone?
Hall's constant urging to reach out, grasp, and take salvation by oneself (in a single conversion experience) kept rubbing up against his claims that "committing to Jesus" is not a one-time thing:
"There is no such thing as trying Jesus. We either yield our lives to him or we don't."
"The base of our roots must be the understanding that we did not figure this out; we did not turn over a new leaf; we did not decide one day that we were going to try this Jesus thing. The closest we can ever come with our own efforts is religion, and it will not grow. Religion has no roots."
Guess, what? Christianity is a religion. Christianity is both a religion and a relationship. It's both public and personal. 'Religion' is not a dirty word. Please stop reverting to the false dichotomy of 'religion vs. relationship.' It's not one or the other. It's both. Your claim that religion has no roots is ironic, considering that traditional liturgical Christian churches promote the study of various religious writings hundreds of years old *ahem...confirmation...ahem* while I've yet to see any nondenominational Christian church go deeper then just mentioning the Reformation happened.
This also intrigued me:
"The words of her prayer for salvation are just the outward expression of an inner transformation that only the Holy Spirit can produce."
This is a promising start, but he never goes further. How is this transformation initiated by the Holy Spirit? What are the means of salvation? How does one know whether the Spirit is doing this work of salvation, or whether you just feel like saying the words? What do you count as being "committed wholeheartedly" and how do you test this authenticity? Can a person be 'unsaved' in the interim period between signing up to follow Christ, and eventually wandering away in sinfulness again? How many times does someone have to go back and forth and say the salvation prayer before it sticks permanently? (*ahem*... Answer: weekly confession and sanctification... *ahem*)
This gets into really murky territory here, and I don't like it. I know I'm just a cranky Lutheran English major nit-picking on words. But when I see the flaws poking out, I have to speak up.
But despite the flaws in here, I do wish all the best to Hall and his ministries, and I admire how he gets the gospel out to thousands of people. I can't fault him in his widespread evangelical efforts, and I know he's doing great things. I just wish he had written a better book.
First, I will say that I admire Hall's honesty and his target. He uses good pictures to encapsulate the Christian life and its dual reality of strengthening faith while at the same time reaching out to others in the world. On the whole, this book can be a good basic guide.
However, I have to criticize this book because there are important elements which Hall never addresses, or other things he describes very vaguely and in contradictory terms. He never even mentions Baptism and The Lord's Supper, much less their essential role in the Christian life. The other main problem that kept emerging is Hall's conflicting claims that salvation does not happen by our own power, while at the same time urging the reader to actively commit and "get saved." Which is it?
He uses phrases like:
"When we surrender to Christ..."
"'You can be saved right now.'"
"I'm handing over my future... my past. I'm handing over the controls here and now."
"...we step forward to follow Jesus."
"You have to walk through the door and commit yourself wholeheartedly to him."
"It means turning your life over to Jesus..."
But then he turns around and says things like:
"Once we sin, we cannot unbreak the chain in our own power."
"...we had no way back to him on our own."
And this one:
"If you think you did something to start your relationship with God, it's only logical to think you could do something to end it."
Yes! Exactly! So why do you keep asking people to start their relationship with God?
And this phrase made me sigh:
"But we'd be amazed to realize how much of our faith is still not ours."
Um, none of our faith is ours! Faith is a gift from God. We cannot get it, we do not develop it, we do not give it, by our own power. By grace, through faith, our salvation is given to us freely, not taken for ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9? Hebrews 12:12? Romans 12:3? Anyone?
Hall's constant urging to reach out, grasp, and take salvation by oneself (in a single conversion experience) kept rubbing up against his claims that "committing to Jesus" is not a one-time thing:
"There is no such thing as trying Jesus. We either yield our lives to him or we don't."
"The base of our roots must be the understanding that we did not figure this out; we did not turn over a new leaf; we did not decide one day that we were going to try this Jesus thing. The closest we can ever come with our own efforts is religion, and it will not grow. Religion has no roots."
Guess, what? Christianity is a religion. Christianity is both a religion and a relationship. It's both public and personal. 'Religion' is not a dirty word. Please stop reverting to the false dichotomy of 'religion vs. relationship.' It's not one or the other. It's both. Your claim that religion has no roots is ironic, considering that traditional liturgical Christian churches promote the study of various religious writings hundreds of years old *ahem...confirmation...ahem* while I've yet to see any nondenominational Christian church go deeper then just mentioning the Reformation happened.
This also intrigued me:
"The words of her prayer for salvation are just the outward expression of an inner transformation that only the Holy Spirit can produce."
This is a promising start, but he never goes further. How is this transformation initiated by the Holy Spirit? What are the means of salvation? How does one know whether the Spirit is doing this work of salvation, or whether you just feel like saying the words? What do you count as being "committed wholeheartedly" and how do you test this authenticity? Can a person be 'unsaved' in the interim period between signing up to follow Christ, and eventually wandering away in sinfulness again? How many times does someone have to go back and forth and say the salvation prayer before it sticks permanently? (*ahem*... Answer: weekly confession and sanctification... *ahem*)
This gets into really murky territory here, and I don't like it. I know I'm just a cranky Lutheran English major nit-picking on words. But when I see the flaws poking out, I have to speak up.
But despite the flaws in here, I do wish all the best to Hall and his ministries, and I admire how he gets the gospel out to thousands of people. I can't fault him in his widespread evangelical efforts, and I know he's doing great things. I just wish he had written a better book.
January 25, 2022
This was so good!!! Partway through reading this book, I picked my word for the year: thrive. Now whenever I make out a "to-do" list for the day, I write "survive" at the bottom, cross it out, and write all in caps beside it, "THRIVE." My reminder to do my best with whatever God sets before me to do. <33
This book encouraged and challenged me in my faith, and I would definitely recommend it!
This book encouraged and challenged me in my faith, and I would definitely recommend it!
November 3, 2015
Don't have much time to read lately which is why it took me so long to finish this but boy I'm glad I did! Loved this book!
March 22, 2014
Title: Thrive
Author: Mark Hall
Publisher: Zondervan
Date: 2014
Pages: 230
Other: Casting Crowns
[In order to comply with certain rules and regulations enacted and enforced by the FCC, it is important that I remind you that I have received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased review here at my blog.]
I go into every book with a certain sense of enthusiasm because to my mind there is nothing more exciting than cracking open a new book and browsing through the publisher's page and the table of contents and maybe the index. And so it was when I received Thrive in the mail. I immediately cracked it open, fingered the pages, and began plotting my course.
This book is a fairly easy read and there is nothing terribly wrong with anything Mark Hall writes in the book. It was kind of nice to read some of the backstories for certain songs that Hall has written and performed with his band Casting Crowns.
The problem I have with this book is the same problem I have with any other book of this stripe: it's the same as every other book of this stripe. Let me be frank: I spent 15 years in local church ministry. I was faithful to God. I preached a faithful, biblical, sound doctrine. I prayed with and for my congregation. I reached out to the community we lived in with the Gospel and in good-neighborness Yet, and I say this with a mixture of sadness and disappointment, yet, I never tasted anything remotely close to the success that I read about in books like this.
I am sorry to say that these books are all over the place, a dime a dozen. If you are a megachurch preacher or pastor or rock and roll star, it is so easy to tell your story. It is so easy to be a cheerleader for the church and tell about all the good stuff that has happened in your life. But the truth of life is this: christianity doesn't have to be all the bells and whistles and 'jump-off' points in order to be genuine, effective, or full. I seriously think we need less of this rah-rah christianity and much more of the serious deep reflection on Scripture that we simply do not get from these mass produced books written by super-successful, spot-light Christians.
I have nothing against them. I'm genuinely happy for them. But just because they have had some modicum of success doesn't mean that their path is necessarily full of wisdom or that their path is the path everyone should or can follow. Truth is, Christians do not always wear smiles, and that is not a sin.
It is so easy for people to believe that success is so simple and that it is the desire of God for every Christian. So many of the books of this character follow the same basic pattern: a young christian is excited about Jesus, gets discouraged by an old-fashioned church, falls away from the church, has an epiphany, starts a church or youth group with two people, grows a church to a million, and then writes a book about the wisdom they have learned through all these experiences.
Just once I'd like to read a story by an author who simply does not get success in the end. That is, at the end of the day the story doesn't have a happy ending, they are still struggling, still suffering, still questioning, with the Psalmists, "how long O Lord, how long?"--and I'd like to read it from someone who still believes in Jesus and has faith in him. I don't want to read it from someone who has thrown out the baby with the bathwater. Sadly, I guess, the stories of less-than-triumphant Christianity are just not the kind that sell books.
It's just a tired story. Here's my main complaint: I sense a lack of humility in this book. I think it comes out in anecdotes like one found page 29 when he tells us of replacing a member of Casting Crowns with a new guitarist. Hall comments, "He had no idea I was watching everything he did." I can't quite place why this statement bothers me, but it rankled me for some reason. And there were others.
Finally, one final complaint, Hall uses the phrase 'love-on' quite a lot in the book. It's really annoying. It could just be me, but I just thought it was unhappily overused.
That's enough complaints. There were some aspects of the book that I found to be most helpful, and typically they came in the form of sentences that I found to be especially insightful.
First, I think it is especially insightful when he wrote, "God looked at David and saw something else. He saw the genealogy of Jesus" (31). It kind of makes me think that I wonder what God looks at me and sees. Then again, I think about some of the scoundrels in Jesus' genealogy and I wonder again about something different.
Second, he wrote, "If you think you did something to start your relationship with God, it's only logical to think you could do something to end it" (43). While on the one hand this smacks of an aspect of Reformed theology that I do not subscribe to, on the other hand it startles me anew with the refreshing whisper of God's grace. I did sense at times a reliance upon God's grace and this is one of the more redeeming aspects of the book.
I didn't enjoy this book, but neither did I hate it. I think this book is probably best suited for a high school-college aged students. I'm not sure this is a book that many readers will find sufficiently deep enough to satisfy their thirst even though its subtitle is 'Digging Deep, Reaching Out.' Like I said at the outset, there is nothing wrong with anything Hall said, it's just that I have heard it a thousand times before.
Yet, maybe I need to continue hearing the same message. Maybe all of us need to hear the same message over and over again that Jesus is the friend of sinners.
3.5/5
Author: Mark Hall
Publisher: Zondervan
Date: 2014
Pages: 230
Other: Casting Crowns
[In order to comply with certain rules and regulations enacted and enforced by the FCC, it is important that I remind you that I have received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased review here at my blog.]
I go into every book with a certain sense of enthusiasm because to my mind there is nothing more exciting than cracking open a new book and browsing through the publisher's page and the table of contents and maybe the index. And so it was when I received Thrive in the mail. I immediately cracked it open, fingered the pages, and began plotting my course.
This book is a fairly easy read and there is nothing terribly wrong with anything Mark Hall writes in the book. It was kind of nice to read some of the backstories for certain songs that Hall has written and performed with his band Casting Crowns.
The problem I have with this book is the same problem I have with any other book of this stripe: it's the same as every other book of this stripe. Let me be frank: I spent 15 years in local church ministry. I was faithful to God. I preached a faithful, biblical, sound doctrine. I prayed with and for my congregation. I reached out to the community we lived in with the Gospel and in good-neighborness Yet, and I say this with a mixture of sadness and disappointment, yet, I never tasted anything remotely close to the success that I read about in books like this.
I am sorry to say that these books are all over the place, a dime a dozen. If you are a megachurch preacher or pastor or rock and roll star, it is so easy to tell your story. It is so easy to be a cheerleader for the church and tell about all the good stuff that has happened in your life. But the truth of life is this: christianity doesn't have to be all the bells and whistles and 'jump-off' points in order to be genuine, effective, or full. I seriously think we need less of this rah-rah christianity and much more of the serious deep reflection on Scripture that we simply do not get from these mass produced books written by super-successful, spot-light Christians.
I have nothing against them. I'm genuinely happy for them. But just because they have had some modicum of success doesn't mean that their path is necessarily full of wisdom or that their path is the path everyone should or can follow. Truth is, Christians do not always wear smiles, and that is not a sin.
It is so easy for people to believe that success is so simple and that it is the desire of God for every Christian. So many of the books of this character follow the same basic pattern: a young christian is excited about Jesus, gets discouraged by an old-fashioned church, falls away from the church, has an epiphany, starts a church or youth group with two people, grows a church to a million, and then writes a book about the wisdom they have learned through all these experiences.
Just once I'd like to read a story by an author who simply does not get success in the end. That is, at the end of the day the story doesn't have a happy ending, they are still struggling, still suffering, still questioning, with the Psalmists, "how long O Lord, how long?"--and I'd like to read it from someone who still believes in Jesus and has faith in him. I don't want to read it from someone who has thrown out the baby with the bathwater. Sadly, I guess, the stories of less-than-triumphant Christianity are just not the kind that sell books.
It's just a tired story. Here's my main complaint: I sense a lack of humility in this book. I think it comes out in anecdotes like one found page 29 when he tells us of replacing a member of Casting Crowns with a new guitarist. Hall comments, "He had no idea I was watching everything he did." I can't quite place why this statement bothers me, but it rankled me for some reason. And there were others.
Finally, one final complaint, Hall uses the phrase 'love-on' quite a lot in the book. It's really annoying. It could just be me, but I just thought it was unhappily overused.
That's enough complaints. There were some aspects of the book that I found to be most helpful, and typically they came in the form of sentences that I found to be especially insightful.
First, I think it is especially insightful when he wrote, "God looked at David and saw something else. He saw the genealogy of Jesus" (31). It kind of makes me think that I wonder what God looks at me and sees. Then again, I think about some of the scoundrels in Jesus' genealogy and I wonder again about something different.
Second, he wrote, "If you think you did something to start your relationship with God, it's only logical to think you could do something to end it" (43). While on the one hand this smacks of an aspect of Reformed theology that I do not subscribe to, on the other hand it startles me anew with the refreshing whisper of God's grace. I did sense at times a reliance upon God's grace and this is one of the more redeeming aspects of the book.
I didn't enjoy this book, but neither did I hate it. I think this book is probably best suited for a high school-college aged students. I'm not sure this is a book that many readers will find sufficiently deep enough to satisfy their thirst even though its subtitle is 'Digging Deep, Reaching Out.' Like I said at the outset, there is nothing wrong with anything Hall said, it's just that I have heard it a thousand times before.
Yet, maybe I need to continue hearing the same message. Maybe all of us need to hear the same message over and over again that Jesus is the friend of sinners.
3.5/5
August 17, 2016
You guys, over 2 years later, I finally finished this book.
Please do not take that to mean that I didn't enjoy it. There's a lot of good stuff in here, and it works really well as a daily devotional (just read one chapter/day). The text is easy to understand and has good advice.
Please do not take that to mean that I didn't enjoy it. There's a lot of good stuff in here, and it works really well as a daily devotional (just read one chapter/day). The text is easy to understand and has good advice.
May 28, 2024
I bought this at a Casting Crowns concert over 10 years ago. I recently found it. It is a little beat up, it got shoved in a box with a bunch of stuff on top. What an excellent read !
Mark Hall is the lead singer of Casting Crowns, and they have a cd of the same name, Thrive. The title track is excellent, and drove me to buy the book. Why I never read it back when I bought it, I will never know. I enjoy Mark's stories when in concert. He has a wonderful way of telling a story. It shows in his music, and in this book. It is an easy read, goes quickly, and each chapter ends with a "Point to Remember". The point to the song, and to the book is that God did not make us to just survive this life. We were made to Thrive. This is a little mind blowing.
The illustration on the cover gives context. To be successful and thrive, we need to dig deep (in the Bible) like the roots of the tree, and then reach out (like the branches). There are 30 short chapters arranged in two parts: Digging Deep, and Reaching Out. The Reaching Out section is a manual for sharing your faith. This is ironic to me on many levels, having shared with many in recent years that I am a woman of faith, but not a great sharer of my faith. Challenge accepted.
Highly recommend !
Mark Hall is the lead singer of Casting Crowns, and they have a cd of the same name, Thrive. The title track is excellent, and drove me to buy the book. Why I never read it back when I bought it, I will never know. I enjoy Mark's stories when in concert. He has a wonderful way of telling a story. It shows in his music, and in this book. It is an easy read, goes quickly, and each chapter ends with a "Point to Remember". The point to the song, and to the book is that God did not make us to just survive this life. We were made to Thrive. This is a little mind blowing.
The illustration on the cover gives context. To be successful and thrive, we need to dig deep (in the Bible) like the roots of the tree, and then reach out (like the branches). There are 30 short chapters arranged in two parts: Digging Deep, and Reaching Out. The Reaching Out section is a manual for sharing your faith. This is ironic to me on many levels, having shared with many in recent years that I am a woman of faith, but not a great sharer of my faith. Challenge accepted.
Highly recommend !
December 31, 2020
I read 3/4 of this book and just couldn't convince myself to finish. It's nothing against the writing or the theology. I just didn't enjoy the style of the book. It felt like a series of blog posts or articles and didn't feel like a cohesive whole. I wanted to dive deeper into the idea of "thrive - digging deep, reaching out" but I felt like the book just brushed the surface.
There were a few good quotes. This one was my favorite.
"You're going to attach your idea of God to what you know. If you don't know what he says about who he is, how are you going to get to know him? If you let God define himself for you and let him define you for you, now you're ready to start blooming" (46-47).
There were a few good quotes. This one was my favorite.
"You're going to attach your idea of God to what you know. If you don't know what he says about who he is, how are you going to get to know him? If you let God define himself for you and let him define you for you, now you're ready to start blooming" (46-47).
July 22, 2017
I'm torn between a 2 star and 3 star review.
At points, I really enjoyed this. I liked Hall's use of the tree metaphor; he writes that in addition to having an internal spiritual awareness, we also need to "branch out" to others. But, I felt like he was all over the place in this book. Often times, he didn't have many concrete examples. He simply repeated many age-old Protestant go-to lines.
I think he was a bit too Protestant for my taste. I prefer Protestant authors like Groeschel.
At points, I really enjoyed this. I liked Hall's use of the tree metaphor; he writes that in addition to having an internal spiritual awareness, we also need to "branch out" to others. But, I felt like he was all over the place in this book. Often times, he didn't have many concrete examples. He simply repeated many age-old Protestant go-to lines.
I think he was a bit too Protestant for my taste. I prefer Protestant authors like Groeschel.
June 17, 2024
I read The Well: Why Are So Many Still Thirsty, which is a phenomenal book by Mark Hall, before I read this one and I think that impacted how I am rating this book. This book was ok, but it read more like a practical manual. I think if I were new to Christianity it would have been very helpful, but as a cradle Catholic it was just ok. The Well had a lot more stories and a lot more faith to life and life to faith moments.
February 11, 2020
Psalm 1- “He is like a tree planted by streams of water. In all that he does, he prospers.” This is how I want to be. I want to be rooted in Christ so that when I get attacked or a storm comes my way, I will stand strong because Jesus is my rock. Really enjoyed this book; Mark Hall dove into what it means to be rooted in Christ.
July 20, 2023
Unexpected.
I wasn’t ready for this book. Hall easily carves out your puzzle piece. He clearly identifies the path of salvation; the reality of who we really are in Christ, and the path to get us there. He reminds us that we are saved even when we stumble and don’t look (or act) like it. His story is a call to the Father, a call to action, the road map to Thrive.
I wasn’t ready for this book. Hall easily carves out your puzzle piece. He clearly identifies the path of salvation; the reality of who we really are in Christ, and the path to get us there. He reminds us that we are saved even when we stumble and don’t look (or act) like it. His story is a call to the Father, a call to action, the road map to Thrive.
June 18, 2014
Original review posted here: http://jesusfreakhideout.com/books/ThriveDiggingDeepReachingOut.asp
Reviewing books here at JFH has exposed me to the largest amount of Christian nonfiction I've yet to pick up since attending online courses at a Bible college. I have nothing against Christian nonfiction; being a Believer myself, I frequently scan this genre's section whenever I have the chance to see what's on the market nowadays. The only problem I have is with authors who think they know what they're talking about and end up leading people astray. Don't be alarmed. Thrive: Digging Deep, Reaching Out by Mark Hall was in no way one of those books, hence the reason I chose to review it. In a manner of speaking, Hall swings the opposite direction here: his ideas are well-meaning, but the manuscript reaches little depth until chapter 28, leaving us one chapter plus the conclusion to really dig deep into what he's trying to say.
Hall's writing begins with a sort of precursor as to what we're going to be getting in this book. He sets us up in the first chapter by usual nonfiction standards: you've picked up this book because X, now I'm going to answer your questions with Y and Z. Chapter two serves us the illustration of a tree in Geneva, Alabama called The Tree-a massive oak that sprawls into a river from the bank on which it settled hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Both the root system and branches are massive and are the inspiration for the book's cover, wherein the symbolism lay in us reaching out to others (the branches) while having a solid foundation in God (the roots). The spiritual logic behind this, in essence, is sound. However, this is where the connectedness of Hall's thoughts comes to an end.
Each chapter is quite short, and the logic within these chapters rarely connects to the Point to Remember at the end. For instance, chapter five was an illustration about an eagle whose egg rolls into a chicken pen, and when the eaglet hatches, it grows up thinking it's a chicken. When a real eagle comes about, the eaglet wishes it could be like that soaring eagle in the sky. The Point to Remember at the end of all of this was that God has a preset plan for our lives and our obedience to Him should be our response. The logic here does not connect. Notwithstanding the fact that this chapter could have been seamlessly combined with chapter four and made into a logical whole, the Point to Remember in no way states 1) whether our obedience will lead us to the path that God has for us, or 2) whether the eaglet could have been an eagle and discovered his identity if he'd just obeyed his natural instinct, because that portion of the illustration never even made it in. The book suffers this disconnection throughout, and the jar from one log jam to another has a drastic effect on readability.
I had issues with certain ideas in Thrive as well. Areas popped up now and again that flirted on the border of Prosperity Gospel. Until chapter twenty-eight, we were forced to tread water and search for deeper meaning, deeper roots, and a less vague sense of what was trying to be said. When "religious rules" were mentioned in chapter ten, the train of logic I was on came to a crashing halt. All this time, the book had been talking about thriving in the freedom of Jesus, and then we come about to rules and religion? The two don't mix, nor should they ever.
Now, I can in no way review this book in good conscience without making a very bold proclamation: I'm looking at this entire work by Mark Hall--lead singer of Casting Crowns--as a book by a writer. Let me restate: A nonfiction Christian book by a writer, not a musician, nor a pastor, nor anything else. The quality suffers, and I doubt Mark Hall is to blame, for behind every good writer is a great editor, and granted, writers always have the last say in this field. As a writer, with nine years of experience myself, though, I recognize poor editing when I see it. Mark Hall has admitted to having pretty intense ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), and I can feel for him because I have ADHD (add Hyperactivity, that's it). This editor needed to take the time to point every single thing out to Hall in order for this book to Thrive. The writing aspired to be great; somewhere in the revisions process, that aspiration was dampened, and editing must bear that mantle.
Overall, Thrive: Digging Deep, Reaching Out did its best to bring across the message it was trying to preach to us. As Mark Hall's fourth venture into book-writing, the trend of logical connection should be expected to stick. If he plans to write another book of some sort, I would advise him to either look more seriously during the revisions process or go over every single chapter draft with outside eyes besides his editor. Books claiming to carry heavy messages of learning how to thrive should deliver, or change the synopsis readers scan before deciding to buy said book, not leave them wondering where the promised message is until chapter twenty-eight. Thrive is a finished copy. I pray Hall's next nonfiction venture connects a few more of its own dots than this one ended up doing.
Reviewing books here at JFH has exposed me to the largest amount of Christian nonfiction I've yet to pick up since attending online courses at a Bible college. I have nothing against Christian nonfiction; being a Believer myself, I frequently scan this genre's section whenever I have the chance to see what's on the market nowadays. The only problem I have is with authors who think they know what they're talking about and end up leading people astray. Don't be alarmed. Thrive: Digging Deep, Reaching Out by Mark Hall was in no way one of those books, hence the reason I chose to review it. In a manner of speaking, Hall swings the opposite direction here: his ideas are well-meaning, but the manuscript reaches little depth until chapter 28, leaving us one chapter plus the conclusion to really dig deep into what he's trying to say.
Hall's writing begins with a sort of precursor as to what we're going to be getting in this book. He sets us up in the first chapter by usual nonfiction standards: you've picked up this book because X, now I'm going to answer your questions with Y and Z. Chapter two serves us the illustration of a tree in Geneva, Alabama called The Tree-a massive oak that sprawls into a river from the bank on which it settled hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Both the root system and branches are massive and are the inspiration for the book's cover, wherein the symbolism lay in us reaching out to others (the branches) while having a solid foundation in God (the roots). The spiritual logic behind this, in essence, is sound. However, this is where the connectedness of Hall's thoughts comes to an end.
Each chapter is quite short, and the logic within these chapters rarely connects to the Point to Remember at the end. For instance, chapter five was an illustration about an eagle whose egg rolls into a chicken pen, and when the eaglet hatches, it grows up thinking it's a chicken. When a real eagle comes about, the eaglet wishes it could be like that soaring eagle in the sky. The Point to Remember at the end of all of this was that God has a preset plan for our lives and our obedience to Him should be our response. The logic here does not connect. Notwithstanding the fact that this chapter could have been seamlessly combined with chapter four and made into a logical whole, the Point to Remember in no way states 1) whether our obedience will lead us to the path that God has for us, or 2) whether the eaglet could have been an eagle and discovered his identity if he'd just obeyed his natural instinct, because that portion of the illustration never even made it in. The book suffers this disconnection throughout, and the jar from one log jam to another has a drastic effect on readability.
I had issues with certain ideas in Thrive as well. Areas popped up now and again that flirted on the border of Prosperity Gospel. Until chapter twenty-eight, we were forced to tread water and search for deeper meaning, deeper roots, and a less vague sense of what was trying to be said. When "religious rules" were mentioned in chapter ten, the train of logic I was on came to a crashing halt. All this time, the book had been talking about thriving in the freedom of Jesus, and then we come about to rules and religion? The two don't mix, nor should they ever.
Now, I can in no way review this book in good conscience without making a very bold proclamation: I'm looking at this entire work by Mark Hall--lead singer of Casting Crowns--as a book by a writer. Let me restate: A nonfiction Christian book by a writer, not a musician, nor a pastor, nor anything else. The quality suffers, and I doubt Mark Hall is to blame, for behind every good writer is a great editor, and granted, writers always have the last say in this field. As a writer, with nine years of experience myself, though, I recognize poor editing when I see it. Mark Hall has admitted to having pretty intense ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), and I can feel for him because I have ADHD (add Hyperactivity, that's it). This editor needed to take the time to point every single thing out to Hall in order for this book to Thrive. The writing aspired to be great; somewhere in the revisions process, that aspiration was dampened, and editing must bear that mantle.
Overall, Thrive: Digging Deep, Reaching Out did its best to bring across the message it was trying to preach to us. As Mark Hall's fourth venture into book-writing, the trend of logical connection should be expected to stick. If he plans to write another book of some sort, I would advise him to either look more seriously during the revisions process or go over every single chapter draft with outside eyes besides his editor. Books claiming to carry heavy messages of learning how to thrive should deliver, or change the synopsis readers scan before deciding to buy said book, not leave them wondering where the promised message is until chapter twenty-eight. Thrive is a finished copy. I pray Hall's next nonfiction venture connects a few more of its own dots than this one ended up doing.
November 1, 2017
Loved this! My family and I have seen Casting Crowns multiple times, and they never disappoint! This is the first book of Mark Hall's that I've read, and it is full of simple, but so good, truths about digging deep and reaching out.
February 7, 2025
Amazing book
The goal is not to survive, but to thrive. Grateful for the book and the understanding of how important it is to not just dig deep in the Lord, but also reach out as well. Aiming to apply a lot of these truths to my life personally
The goal is not to survive, but to thrive. Grateful for the book and the understanding of how important it is to not just dig deep in the Lord, but also reach out as well. Aiming to apply a lot of these truths to my life personally
June 19, 2017
I enjoyed hearing the thoughts behind lyrics from some of Casting Crowns' songs. This book is not extremely deep, but was encouraging for sure! Great for middle school or high school age.
November 30, 2017
I really felt a deep connection with this book, more than I have with any other of Mark’s books. Loved the examples that he used to illustrate his points, both scripture and personal stories.
October 29, 2018
Good and simple read.
May 17, 2020
I loved this book.
Mark Hal l really challenge a the reader to go and Thrive. He wants me to get in the Words and that challenge d me.
Mark Hal l really challenge a the reader to go and Thrive. He wants me to get in the Words and that challenge d me.
October 22, 2021
Really great book. Much to think about.
December 2, 2023
Simple but applicable read.
March 3, 2025
I strongly believe that everyone needs to read this. This book is so power packed and incredible! The analogy of the tree, digging deep and reaching out, will forever stick with me. I already need to reread this so I can tab it!
July 20, 2014
Casting Crowns has been a huge blessing to Christians everywhere through their music & ministry. Mark Hall, lead singer, has many different irons in the fire including being a Youth Pastor. Thrive has become their buzz word. It’s the title of this book, a new song, plus the album.
Thrive is the verb the God wants us doing in this life. As Casting Crowns remind us in their song, ‘We were made to thrive’. But, Mark knows as well as anyone that thriving in this life can be difficult. Through personal stories of his life experience, deeply personalized moments in prayer, & reflections on God’s Word.
If you ever thought that Casting Crowns was simply a band, your mind will change. Mark Hall’s deep dedication to Jesus is evident on every page. While he could take credit for his success, he continually points people back to the Cross. By sharing his personal struggles, such as having learning disabilities, struggling scholastically, & suicidal thoughts, he lets readers know that he ‘gets it’ & thriving is still possible.
Explore familiar Bible stories such as King David’s in a new light. Delve deeper into New Testament Scriptures. Mark will reignite your passion for God’s plan for your life.
After finishing the book, I have such a deep respect for him as a man & a Christian leader. What courage it must’ve taken to admit that he has struggled! This book will motivate you to get up & move! If you have teens, especially ones who’ve just graduated, this book is the perfect gift for them. We all have times when we feel stagnant in our faith or simply stuck. If that’s you, read ‘Thrive’.
I will be sharing this book with my sons. They love Casting Crowns & I know they’ll take his words to heart due to their respect for their songs. If that sounds like you’re children also, let me encourage you to share the book with them too. Urge your kids to do more than just survive. I can’t give this book a high enough rating. It will be great as a Sunday School or small group environment especially groups of teen-early twenty somethings.
I was blessed with a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine. Find out more info via the publisher www.zondervan.com
Thrive is the verb the God wants us doing in this life. As Casting Crowns remind us in their song, ‘We were made to thrive’. But, Mark knows as well as anyone that thriving in this life can be difficult. Through personal stories of his life experience, deeply personalized moments in prayer, & reflections on God’s Word.
If you ever thought that Casting Crowns was simply a band, your mind will change. Mark Hall’s deep dedication to Jesus is evident on every page. While he could take credit for his success, he continually points people back to the Cross. By sharing his personal struggles, such as having learning disabilities, struggling scholastically, & suicidal thoughts, he lets readers know that he ‘gets it’ & thriving is still possible.
Explore familiar Bible stories such as King David’s in a new light. Delve deeper into New Testament Scriptures. Mark will reignite your passion for God’s plan for your life.
After finishing the book, I have such a deep respect for him as a man & a Christian leader. What courage it must’ve taken to admit that he has struggled! This book will motivate you to get up & move! If you have teens, especially ones who’ve just graduated, this book is the perfect gift for them. We all have times when we feel stagnant in our faith or simply stuck. If that’s you, read ‘Thrive’.
I will be sharing this book with my sons. They love Casting Crowns & I know they’ll take his words to heart due to their respect for their songs. If that sounds like you’re children also, let me encourage you to share the book with them too. Urge your kids to do more than just survive. I can’t give this book a high enough rating. It will be great as a Sunday School or small group environment especially groups of teen-early twenty somethings.
I was blessed with a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine. Find out more info via the publisher www.zondervan.com
September 8, 2016
In his book, Thrive, Mark Hall encourages believers to do more than simply survive and believe that better things are ahead 'when (fill in the blank) happens', but to thrive in your life. Using an illustration of an old oak tree, along with one of my favorite verses from Psalm 1, Mark explains how it is essential to have deep roots to sustain life and growth in a tree and that we can apply those same principles to ourselves. A believer may spend all of their time getting strongly rooted in the Word of God, but never applies that knowledge to reaching out to others for Christ. On the other hand, there are those that reach higher and further to share the love of Jesus, but neglect building a firm foundation of their beliefs.
Since Mark is a youth minister, I was reading this primarily with that audience in mind, and I do believe he gives excellent examples that teens and young adults will understand and take to heart. He has an anecdotal style that I appreciate and gave examples that stuck in my mind. I admit that I got a lot out of Thrive myself. We each need to take time periodically to re-evaluate our own lives, and see if there are areas we are neglecting. The last few chapters made me put a lot of though into my own actions---and lack of actions. The book ends with The Thrive Challenge: "Digging In", "Reaching Out", and "Digging In and Reaching Out". Yes, it is essential to work on one and two, and then learn to put them into the third challenge. I highly recommend this book for youth and up. There is also a student adaptation available though.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Since Mark is a youth minister, I was reading this primarily with that audience in mind, and I do believe he gives excellent examples that teens and young adults will understand and take to heart. He has an anecdotal style that I appreciate and gave examples that stuck in my mind. I admit that I got a lot out of Thrive myself. We each need to take time periodically to re-evaluate our own lives, and see if there are areas we are neglecting. The last few chapters made me put a lot of though into my own actions---and lack of actions. The book ends with The Thrive Challenge: "Digging In", "Reaching Out", and "Digging In and Reaching Out". Yes, it is essential to work on one and two, and then learn to put them into the third challenge. I highly recommend this book for youth and up. There is also a student adaptation available though.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 25, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
I have to say I love this book. I knew from the very first chapter, it was going to be one of those books that was going to be 5 stars for me. Immediately, I started telling people about this book.
Mark Hall is such a relatable person, and a great writer. The stories that he tells make you see that even as a pastor and the lead singer of a successful Christian rock group, he is still very human like his readers. He struggles just as much as we do.
There were only two things I did not like. The first was towards the end of the book with the proselytizing. I don't agree with it. I've hated when people have done it to me, and I would hate to make other people feel uncomfortable as some once did to me. I have never agreed with it, and I can't see me doing it to someone. I understand why the author feel that proselytizing is necessary, but its not for me.
The second thing I did not like was more about where I am in my faith journey in relation to the book. The book itself assumes that you're somewhat further on your journey than I am. I am a very new returner to my faith, so I really need more digging deep time before I could even think that I am near to where the author assumes I am in my journey.
Overall, it was an incredible book that I am hoping to read again very soon, and possibly get a physical copy of for myself.
I have to say I love this book. I knew from the very first chapter, it was going to be one of those books that was going to be 5 stars for me. Immediately, I started telling people about this book.
Mark Hall is such a relatable person, and a great writer. The stories that he tells make you see that even as a pastor and the lead singer of a successful Christian rock group, he is still very human like his readers. He struggles just as much as we do.
There were only two things I did not like. The first was towards the end of the book with the proselytizing. I don't agree with it. I've hated when people have done it to me, and I would hate to make other people feel uncomfortable as some once did to me. I have never agreed with it, and I can't see me doing it to someone. I understand why the author feel that proselytizing is necessary, but its not for me.
The second thing I did not like was more about where I am in my faith journey in relation to the book. The book itself assumes that you're somewhat further on your journey than I am. I am a very new returner to my faith, so I really need more digging deep time before I could even think that I am near to where the author assumes I am in my journey.
Overall, it was an incredible book that I am hoping to read again very soon, and possibly get a physical copy of for myself.
May 29, 2014
I'm always careful with the books I choose to read that are related to my spiritual relationship with God. There are some authors that put far to much emphasis on what they are trying to say rather than helping a person better understand the Word of God. I greatly enjoyed reading this book because Mark Hall does an excellent job of referring you back to the Scriptures for everything that he discusses.
This is a really good book for those learning how to bring the love of God into our daily lives and how to grow in our relationship with the Lord. It also delves into how to bring the message of Jesus to our friends and others with truth and love. Many of us don't feel comfortable doing that or know where to begin. This book helps gives you the knowledge, and points you to the Bible for how to allow God to use you in bringing his message.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, first and foremost because it brought me closer to the Word of God by pointing me there after every point that hit me. I found myself reading this book with my Bible close at hand because I was frequently "digging" into it. I also felt this was a good book for people both starting to understand Scripture, as well as those that have been connected to the Word for years.
This is a really good book for those learning how to bring the love of God into our daily lives and how to grow in our relationship with the Lord. It also delves into how to bring the message of Jesus to our friends and others with truth and love. Many of us don't feel comfortable doing that or know where to begin. This book helps gives you the knowledge, and points you to the Bible for how to allow God to use you in bringing his message.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, first and foremost because it brought me closer to the Word of God by pointing me there after every point that hit me. I found myself reading this book with my Bible close at hand because I was frequently "digging" into it. I also felt this was a good book for people both starting to understand Scripture, as well as those that have been connected to the Word for years.
June 20, 2014
I'm always careful with the books I choose to read that are related to my spiritual relationship with God. There are some authors that put far to much emphasis on what they are trying to say rather than helping a person better understand the Word of God. I greatly enjoyed reading this book because Mark Hall does an excellent job of referring you back to the Scriptures for everything that he discusses.
This is a really good book for those learning how to bring the love of God into our daily lives and how to grow in our relationship with the Lord. It also delves into how to bring the message of Jesus to our friends and others with truth and love. Many of us don't feel comfortable doing that or know where to begin. This book helps gives you the knowledge, and points you to the Bible for how to allow God to use you in bringing his message.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, first and foremost because it brought me closer to the Word of God by pointing me there after every point that hit me. I found myself reading this book with my Bible close at hand because I was frequently "digging" into it. I also felt this was a good book for people both starting to understand Scripture, as well as those that have been connected to the Word for years.
This is a really good book for those learning how to bring the love of God into our daily lives and how to grow in our relationship with the Lord. It also delves into how to bring the message of Jesus to our friends and others with truth and love. Many of us don't feel comfortable doing that or know where to begin. This book helps gives you the knowledge, and points you to the Bible for how to allow God to use you in bringing his message.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, first and foremost because it brought me closer to the Word of God by pointing me there after every point that hit me. I found myself reading this book with my Bible close at hand because I was frequently "digging" into it. I also felt this was a good book for people both starting to understand Scripture, as well as those that have been connected to the Word for years.
February 22, 2014
I have read Mark Hall’s other books and I would say this is my favorite one. Mark uses many life experiences to explain how we can Thrive. Mark uses examples from his ministry life to his learning disabilities throughout life. He talks about how you can overcome difficult times in life and learn to Thrive. This book has a nice writing style and it kept me engaged. I think this book would help people learn to Thrive in the moment, instead of just surviving. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn to Thrive. I am a fan of Casting Crowns and I look forward to more of their work.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 28, 2014
Thrive
Digging Deep, Reaching Out
Mark Hall
Copyright 2014
Mark Hall reminds us that God does not only want us to survive but in order to do that we must dig deep and reach out. We are also reminded that God has bigger dreams for us then we do.
In Thrive we are reminded that God has a plan for our lives but it is up to us to respond in obedience. Hall reminds us to that Satan is constantly trying to change what we believe he is trying to place doubt in our hearts. We are reminded to that we cannot Thrive unless our minds are renewed.
We are reminded too that when we Thrive in the Lord we will have to face oppressors. We are reminded too that Satan is going to try and attack our communication with God because he knows the damage that will cause.
Thrive is a great book for new believers and believers who are working to Thrive with the help of the Lord.
Five out of five stars
Digging Deep, Reaching Out
Mark Hall
Copyright 2014
Mark Hall reminds us that God does not only want us to survive but in order to do that we must dig deep and reach out. We are also reminded that God has bigger dreams for us then we do.
In Thrive we are reminded that God has a plan for our lives but it is up to us to respond in obedience. Hall reminds us to that Satan is constantly trying to change what we believe he is trying to place doubt in our hearts. We are reminded to that we cannot Thrive unless our minds are renewed.
We are reminded too that when we Thrive in the Lord we will have to face oppressors. We are reminded too that Satan is going to try and attack our communication with God because he knows the damage that will cause.
Thrive is a great book for new believers and believers who are working to Thrive with the help of the Lord.
Five out of five stars
December 19, 2015
The book Thrive: Digging Deep, Reaching Out has been my devotional book every morning lately. Every chapter is only a few pages long, ending with a point to ponder, but each small chapter leaves you hungering for more and the personal stories hit the heart deep. One of my favorite chapters was “Redefining Reality” where he explained with a great story, what we choose to fill our hearts and minds with does matter. It is important to saturate ourselves in God’s Word so we can “root out the weeds of the world.” This book is one of my favorites and one I recommend everyone from high school on up to read. Hall uses life stories and struggles demonstrating how we can Thrive in our relationship with Christ. I will definitely be passing this along for others to read.
February 10, 2014
If you’re looking for a good read that will help you take a look at your faith and encourage growth, then I highly recommend reading Thrive – especially if you also happen to be a Casting Crowns fan. This would also be a great book for a small group or a Sunday school class to build a Bible study around. There are a lot of chapters within the book that would offer great jumping off points for group discussions.
For my complete review, please check out my blog:
http://notanotherdumbblonde.com/2014/...
For my complete review, please check out my blog:
http://notanotherdumbblonde.com/2014/...
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