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Misfits Welcome: Find Yourself in Jesus and Bring the World Along for the Ride
Being a misfit does not disqualify you from a dynamic life--it prepares you for it.
Matthew Barnett knows a thing or two about misfits.
As founder of the Dream Center in Los Angeles, a twenty-four-hour church that ministers to thirty-five thousand hurting people a week, Barnett has seen a little of everything. Gangsters, addicts, orphans, taggers, cutters, the sick, the suffering, the hopeless--all the misfits of the world come through the Dream Center's doors in search of hope.
But when Barnett first arrived in LA, it was "he" who felt like the misfit. In "Misfits Welcome," he shares the simple, life-changing lesson he has learned from twenty years of ministering to the forgotten: Being a misfit prepares you to do the work of the Lord.
Have you found yourself in a jarring new era of life? Have your circumstances deviated drastically from your plans? Maybe you've felt like a misfit all your life, or maybe you're still haunted by yesterday's mistakes. Whatever the case, rejoice! It is at your most broken that you are most ready for what God has in store. "Misfits Welcome" is not just about embracing the misfits around us--it is about embracing the misfits "within" us and using them for the glory of God.
Matthew Barnett knows a thing or two about misfits.
As founder of the Dream Center in Los Angeles, a twenty-four-hour church that ministers to thirty-five thousand hurting people a week, Barnett has seen a little of everything. Gangsters, addicts, orphans, taggers, cutters, the sick, the suffering, the hopeless--all the misfits of the world come through the Dream Center's doors in search of hope.
But when Barnett first arrived in LA, it was "he" who felt like the misfit. In "Misfits Welcome," he shares the simple, life-changing lesson he has learned from twenty years of ministering to the forgotten: Being a misfit prepares you to do the work of the Lord.
Have you found yourself in a jarring new era of life? Have your circumstances deviated drastically from your plans? Maybe you've felt like a misfit all your life, or maybe you're still haunted by yesterday's mistakes. Whatever the case, rejoice! It is at your most broken that you are most ready for what God has in store. "Misfits Welcome" is not just about embracing the misfits around us--it is about embracing the misfits "within" us and using them for the glory of God.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2011
21 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Barnett
36 books11 followersThere is more than one Matthew Barnettin the Goodreads catalog. This entry is for Matthew ^ Barnett, religious writer.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 23, 2024
Amazing book. I really recommend :)
July 21, 2020
I appreciate his stories, and all hes done. I appreciate the overall message that was supposed to be conveyed. However, this book is just not well written
December 16, 2014
“Being a misfit does not disqualify you from a dynamic life—it prepares you for it. Matthew Barnett knows a thing or two about misfits. As founder of the Dream Center in Los Angeles, a 24-hour church that ministers to 35,000 hurting people a week, Barnett has seen a little of everything. Gangsters, addicts, orphans, taggers, cutters, the sick, the suffering, the hopeless…all the misfits of the world come through the church's doors in search of hope.”
The Least of These... This is the premise for this powerful book, “Misfits Welcome: Find Yourself in Jesus and Bring the World Along for the Ride” by author, Matthew Barnett. For more than 20 years Matthew Barnett has served the “misfits” that walk in our midst - those that most of society has thrown away – as founder of the Dream Center in Los Angeles, California. He has served them with through programs and out reach ministry. But through it all, he has served them in love.
He brings it all together when he helps us to realize that at some point, on some level, we are all misfits, but we all have something to give even if we don’t think so… God knows so. My favorite quote: ”Everyone has something to give God. If you feel like a failure because of your past, give God your past. If you feel like the calling is beyond your ability, give God your ability. We always have something to give God.”
Visit the Website at: http://misfitswelcome.com/
About the Author: Matthew Barnett is pastor of Angelus Temple and the Dream Center in Los Angeles, California, the first of 150 Dream Centers launched around the world. He is also the bestselling author of The Church That Never Sleeps and The Cause Within You. Barnett is married with two children.
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.”
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Christian Book, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
The Least of These... This is the premise for this powerful book, “Misfits Welcome: Find Yourself in Jesus and Bring the World Along for the Ride” by author, Matthew Barnett. For more than 20 years Matthew Barnett has served the “misfits” that walk in our midst - those that most of society has thrown away – as founder of the Dream Center in Los Angeles, California. He has served them with through programs and out reach ministry. But through it all, he has served them in love.
He brings it all together when he helps us to realize that at some point, on some level, we are all misfits, but we all have something to give even if we don’t think so… God knows so. My favorite quote: ”Everyone has something to give God. If you feel like a failure because of your past, give God your past. If you feel like the calling is beyond your ability, give God your ability. We always have something to give God.”
Visit the Website at: http://misfitswelcome.com/
About the Author: Matthew Barnett is pastor of Angelus Temple and the Dream Center in Los Angeles, California, the first of 150 Dream Centers launched around the world. He is also the bestselling author of The Church That Never Sleeps and The Cause Within You. Barnett is married with two children.
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.”
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Christian Book, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
May 3, 2015
Barnett reminds us that the Bible is full of "misfits". We should remember that God is looking for people who don't have it all together but are willing to let God take their lives and run with them. The following quotes summarize the main ideas of this book:
"Religion often says, 'When you believe, then we will let you belong.' But Jesus lived the concept that 'when you belong, then you'll believe.' (p.52)
" . . . compassion opens doors. Friendship usually precedes faith." (p.54)
"Grace is the ability to see what someone can become even though they've counted themselves out. The church is not a social club of fake perfection. It's a place where broken people fall in love with a perfect God." (p. 59)
Be like David. (David encouraged himself in the Lord.) Don't count on people to encourage and appreciate you. David learned how to pray, how to praise, and how to persevere.
"The next time you feel entitled, frustrate, or at the limits of yourself, leap to your feet and do something to help others. Its' the quickest way our of grief, pain, and the entitlement of selfishness. When feeling like a misfit, encourage yourself by finding a need and filling it, and finding a hurt and healing it." (p. 73)
Jesus "would come to the rescue of the fallen a lot more than we do. We often pick the areas where we want to forgive but stay quiet about other areas. Many people get irate with others who sin differently than they do. When we pick and choose what we want to restore, that's not really grace. It's selective grace.
Here's what I've learned. People who make lists of what sins are worse than others rarely have their own sins in the top ten. Misfit love is not afraid to take a stance of restoration that is unpopular. Love has one great goal, and that is to obliterate shame." (p. 128)
"When you respond to the call of God in obedience, be ready to be misunderstood. Also be ready to be labeled irresponsible." (p.141 Think Abraham - go to a land you have never seen; think Noah - build an ark with no water around; think David - pick up a rock to sling as an armed giant)
"Religion often says, 'When you believe, then we will let you belong.' But Jesus lived the concept that 'when you belong, then you'll believe.' (p.52)
" . . . compassion opens doors. Friendship usually precedes faith." (p.54)
"Grace is the ability to see what someone can become even though they've counted themselves out. The church is not a social club of fake perfection. It's a place where broken people fall in love with a perfect God." (p. 59)
Be like David. (David encouraged himself in the Lord.) Don't count on people to encourage and appreciate you. David learned how to pray, how to praise, and how to persevere.
"The next time you feel entitled, frustrate, or at the limits of yourself, leap to your feet and do something to help others. Its' the quickest way our of grief, pain, and the entitlement of selfishness. When feeling like a misfit, encourage yourself by finding a need and filling it, and finding a hurt and healing it." (p. 73)
Jesus "would come to the rescue of the fallen a lot more than we do. We often pick the areas where we want to forgive but stay quiet about other areas. Many people get irate with others who sin differently than they do. When we pick and choose what we want to restore, that's not really grace. It's selective grace.
Here's what I've learned. People who make lists of what sins are worse than others rarely have their own sins in the top ten. Misfit love is not afraid to take a stance of restoration that is unpopular. Love has one great goal, and that is to obliterate shame." (p. 128)
"When you respond to the call of God in obedience, be ready to be misunderstood. Also be ready to be labeled irresponsible." (p.141 Think Abraham - go to a land you have never seen; think Noah - build an ark with no water around; think David - pick up a rock to sling as an armed giant)
November 15, 2014
No one can deny that the Bible is full of misfits. From Noah’s unpopular ark all the way through the New Testament, misfits abound. Jesus never shied away from them; in fact, he welcomed them. Dining with lepers & tax collectors, calling prostitutes out of their misery, & shucking tradition, Jesus’ ministry was tailor made for misfits.
Drawing on this same type of ministry, Matthew Barnett founded The Dream Center. Filled with folks from Skid Row & victims of human trafficking, The Dream Center has made an enormous difference in Los Angeles. It is their stories, along with his own, that Pastor Barnett uses to fill the pages of ‘Misfits Welcome’.
Born into a genealogy of pastors, Matthew Barnett knew what it takes to build a megachurch. His father is well-known in ministry circles & has a big heart full of compassion. At age 20, Matthew went to LA with visions of a grandiose ministry. What he found instead were legions of hurting souls.
Each of these stories will have a profound impact on readers. Many will find inspiration to help their own hurting communities. Hopefully, all readers will sense what Pastor Barnett knows: Jesus loves outcasts.
‘Misfits Welcome’ is a fantastic piece that should be required reading for seminary students with a heart for compassion ministry. Not only is The Dream Center a success, but it’s a ministry whose success Barnett encourages others to duplicate. All the stories in the book are amazing tales of redemption & being an overcomer. Whether you need a boost or want to launch your own Dream Center, ‘Misfits Welcome’ is well worth the read. It’s a 5 star book from a 5 star Pastor.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Drawing on this same type of ministry, Matthew Barnett founded The Dream Center. Filled with folks from Skid Row & victims of human trafficking, The Dream Center has made an enormous difference in Los Angeles. It is their stories, along with his own, that Pastor Barnett uses to fill the pages of ‘Misfits Welcome’.
Born into a genealogy of pastors, Matthew Barnett knew what it takes to build a megachurch. His father is well-known in ministry circles & has a big heart full of compassion. At age 20, Matthew went to LA with visions of a grandiose ministry. What he found instead were legions of hurting souls.
Each of these stories will have a profound impact on readers. Many will find inspiration to help their own hurting communities. Hopefully, all readers will sense what Pastor Barnett knows: Jesus loves outcasts.
‘Misfits Welcome’ is a fantastic piece that should be required reading for seminary students with a heart for compassion ministry. Not only is The Dream Center a success, but it’s a ministry whose success Barnett encourages others to duplicate. All the stories in the book are amazing tales of redemption & being an overcomer. Whether you need a boost or want to launch your own Dream Center, ‘Misfits Welcome’ is well worth the read. It’s a 5 star book from a 5 star Pastor.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
September 25, 2016
A must read for every Christian!! LET THIS SHAKE US AWAKE
I love how Matthew Barnett shares his faith journey of the Dream Center, showing practical ways to reach communities with love and compassion! Every page speaks of faith, hope, and restoration!! Several demonstrations spoke to me: Matthew spending the night in the cold on skid row to truly experience homelessness. Secondly, his love for children following the Holy Spirits direction by taking the group to the movie not worrying over the cost. Most important his example of serving in the out reaches on a regular basis never stating in a rut or letting the Dream Center broom just a program!!
I love how Matthew Barnett shares his faith journey of the Dream Center, showing practical ways to reach communities with love and compassion! Every page speaks of faith, hope, and restoration!! Several demonstrations spoke to me: Matthew spending the night in the cold on skid row to truly experience homelessness. Secondly, his love for children following the Holy Spirits direction by taking the group to the movie not worrying over the cost. Most important his example of serving in the out reaches on a regular basis never stating in a rut or letting the Dream Center broom just a program!!
March 22, 2018
I bought this book based on the title and that is was written by the founder of the Dream Center. I knew of the Dream Center's work and wanted to read how this project got started. It's a place that is the embodiment of the good Samaritan...a place that does so much good for those who have nothing good in their lives, and it was all done on faith.....trusting God to supply & multiply, loaves & fishes & everything else for the variety of needs ,which would change a community that had more than it's share of nightmares, to a safe haven with dreams to spare.... Matthew Barnett proves that society's misfits are not meant to be rejected, but transformed by His grace and used to share His message of hope, love & forgiveness... Now there are over 150 Dream Centers! This book was very encouraging and helps us embrace the misfit in ourselves and others.
July 23, 2020
‘Compassion is like deodorant: you’ve got to put it on everyday.’
Borrowed this book from the library, but after reading it, I know I have to go out and buy it. This is the kind of book you lend to people that need a mind-opening smack, or a dose of empathy, or even those that are weary and tired from serving.
It’s counter-cultural, and necessarily so, because Jesus was and is counter-cultural too. So why aren’t we?
What a good reminder to love deeper, reach further, and give much much more. I hope to get to visit the dream center one day to witness the effects of a culture of love and compassion :)
‘Sunday morning church is not the destination spot for the church but the launching pad of inspiration for what we can be and do Monday through Saturday.’
Borrowed this book from the library, but after reading it, I know I have to go out and buy it. This is the kind of book you lend to people that need a mind-opening smack, or a dose of empathy, or even those that are weary and tired from serving.
It’s counter-cultural, and necessarily so, because Jesus was and is counter-cultural too. So why aren’t we?
What a good reminder to love deeper, reach further, and give much much more. I hope to get to visit the dream center one day to witness the effects of a culture of love and compassion :)
‘Sunday morning church is not the destination spot for the church but the launching pad of inspiration for what we can be and do Monday through Saturday.’
May 8, 2018
What an inspirational book! Matthew Barnett did a great job of writing this book in a way that captures the reader. His voice and style of writing were so relatable and inspired me! After reading this book, I felt compelled to help the homeless in some way. I wish that I could find a church like Angelus Temple that welcomes all of the misfits!
January 25, 2020
This is an exciting book to read. The author shows through many experiences what it means to serve misfits. He points out that Jesus spent time and ministered to people who were often outcasts from society. This is a book which would encourage all Christians and challenge us to express love toward all people.
January 24, 2019
Inspiring
Reminding us that God always wins when we give him a chance. This book illustrates over and over again changed lives. It takes an big God and someone willing to reach out and make a difference
Reminding us that God always wins when we give him a chance. This book illustrates over and over again changed lives. It takes an big God and someone willing to reach out and make a difference
October 29, 2021
Matthew Barnett is the founding pastor of the Dream Center in Los Angeles. A lot of the book revolves around stories from the Dream Center and the restoration of criminals, homeless and addicts.
Final Rating: Borrow It
Final Rating: Borrow It
May 31, 2020
Much needed read.
July 26, 2020
A great reminder to love Jesus and show people Him by loving them and not being afraid to get dirty.
September 23, 2022
This book was wonderful! It felt like such a call to action. It was written in such a way that I just wanted to keep reading to hear about the wonderful stories of lives being changed.
October 22, 2014
Welcome to my review for the wonderful book Misfits Welcome Find Yourself in Jesus and Bring the World Along for the Ride
By Matthew Barnett.
By Matthew Barnett.
I was able to read this book through booklook bloggers and received a free copy in order to do an informed review.
Misfits Welcome will make you feel very accepted by God no matter what was going on in your past or how you may feel different from other Christians. its about using the gifts you were given not focussing on the ones you don't have.
The book shows us that its when we are the most broken that God can use us for his perfect will and we will find ourselves at the right place to use what we have and leave the rest go God.
This book would make an really wonderful gift for someone who is planing to devote their lived to ministry and may be in college. it will help motivate anyone who reads it to work with what you have no matter what that may look like to others.
Its about taking leaps of faith and using where you are with what you have to bring people to Christ and show the kindness Jesus did.
this book is so well written and reminds us that God is with us where we are not where we think we should be .
This book is fantastic to read or give as a gift.
Thanks for looking at my review
January 20, 2017
I enjoyed learning about the amazing the ministry the author had established in Los Angeles. The book has a lot of amazing testimonies of people's lives radically changed by the Gospel. The book provides a celebratory tone about the miracles of God's love in people's lives, although I would have liked to learn about the challenges and struggles of the ministry as well. Overall, it's an inspirational book about how God uses misfits who have now transformed lives to engage well with other misfits who need God's love and provision.
May 29, 2015
This book just made it to my top favorites. I've always had a heart for the underdog, loving the unloveable... But this book took it to a whole new level. Amazing. I think we are here to serve and love people, yet so many people get caught up in their lives and forget that. Why do we worry more about "things" than people?! My heart is overwhelmed with joy in knowing that it's not about a position of serving but a privilege of serving. "Find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it!"
December 31, 2015
A powerful story of how the L.A. Dream Center started. The book is full of inspiring anecdotes of God's faithfulness along the way as He uses misfits to build His kingdom. This book will make you want to dream bigger right where you're at. The stories will stick with you and cause you to think outside the box in your own life. Overall, a great reminder that with God, anything is possible.
March 30, 2016
I would probably rate this book a four and a half but I have rounded it up to five. It is a very good and inspirational book. As some one who works with the marginalized on an almost daily basis this is encouraging to me. Although I do not have the privilege right now to work as much as Barnett does. Still an encouraging read the charge the batteries a bit more.
April 8, 2016
What would it be like if church could be a place filled with broken people who admitted their brokenness and reached out to a broken world. Matthew Barnett imagined such a place and seems to have found it in his Dream Center. I was challenged to consider how I can reach out to the broken, misfits around me and to admit the misfit that lives inside of me.
October 18, 2014
I found myself drawn into this book, into the stories, and came out inspired. I highly recommend this book. After a week of living at the Dream Center it took me back to the experiences I had and the power of God at work in our lives.
March 1, 2018
A simple read, yet inspirational, Barnett tells story after story of lives of people at the Dream Center who have been transformed by the gospel. An encouraging read, and recommended if you're feeling like you're stuck in the rut of church-culture routine.
October 25, 2014
see my review on cread.com.au
March 25, 2015
This book reminds you that God uses unlikely people from unlikely places to do unlikely things for the glory of God. Inspiring read.
February 25, 2016
Excellent book
Wonderful testimonies of Gods grace and changed lives! Such a good reminder to love others to the fullest and to never give up on someone!
Wonderful testimonies of Gods grace and changed lives! Such a good reminder to love others to the fullest and to never give up on someone!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews