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Strong: Stand Firm. Be Courageous. Strengthen What Remains.
Author, pastor, podcaster, husband, father, and grandfather, Kevin Swanson, enters the arena with the takeaway word for the Strong.
Emphatically, this book is not for those who see no urgent need for the revival of the Christian church in this age. For any, though, who suffer from a chronic relentless anguish and stabbing heartache over a sick and dying church within any and all Christian communions, these words will be received as a welcome tonic.
Here is one more cry in the wilderness, an urgent appeal, a burden, a prayer, a call, and one simple Stronger. The antidote for the gelatinization of the evangelical faith is Strong Foundations, Strong Men of God, a Strong Gospel, a Strong Faith, a Strong Savior, Strong Grace, Strong Salt, Strong Doctrinal Base, Strong Ministry, Strong Affections, Strong in the Fire, and Strong against Strongholds.
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. . . (Revelation 3:2)
“May the Lord use this book for the advancement of His kingdom and the purification of His people.” —JOEL R. BEEKE
“A bracing tonic. . .a refreshing and much needed wake up call for a somnolent church.” — GEORGE GRANT
“Read this book and pray that God would give you a sense of the moment.” — SCOTT BROWN
“A scathing critique of weak, complacent and compromised churches. . . If you have grown weary of weak, pop-culture ‘churches,’ you will appreciate Strong.” — ISRAEL WAYNE
“A timely book that I am happy to wholeheartedly endorse.” — JEFFREY D. JOHNSON
Emphatically, this book is not for those who see no urgent need for the revival of the Christian church in this age. For any, though, who suffer from a chronic relentless anguish and stabbing heartache over a sick and dying church within any and all Christian communions, these words will be received as a welcome tonic.
Here is one more cry in the wilderness, an urgent appeal, a burden, a prayer, a call, and one simple Stronger. The antidote for the gelatinization of the evangelical faith is Strong Foundations, Strong Men of God, a Strong Gospel, a Strong Faith, a Strong Savior, Strong Grace, Strong Salt, Strong Doctrinal Base, Strong Ministry, Strong Affections, Strong in the Fire, and Strong against Strongholds.
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. . . (Revelation 3:2)
“May the Lord use this book for the advancement of His kingdom and the purification of His people.” —JOEL R. BEEKE
“A bracing tonic. . .a refreshing and much needed wake up call for a somnolent church.” — GEORGE GRANT
“Read this book and pray that God would give you a sense of the moment.” — SCOTT BROWN
“A scathing critique of weak, complacent and compromised churches. . . If you have grown weary of weak, pop-culture ‘churches,’ you will appreciate Strong.” — ISRAEL WAYNE
“A timely book that I am happy to wholeheartedly endorse.” — JEFFREY D. JOHNSON
182 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2025
About the author
Kevin Swanson
106 books58 followersKevin Swanson is a husband, father, pastor, radio-host, and national speaker. Kevin is the pastor of Reformation Church in Elizabeth, Colorado (ReformationChurch.com).
He also serves as the Director of Generations; a ministry he founded to strengthen Christian families around the country. As a father who wants to leave a godly heritage for his five children, Kevin's passion is to strengthen and encourage families all over the world, and to cast a vision for generations to come.
For the last 13 years Kevin has hosted a daily radio program--Generations Radio-- that reaches families across the U.S. and in over 100 countries.
He also serves as the Director of Generations; a ministry he founded to strengthen Christian families around the country. As a father who wants to leave a godly heritage for his five children, Kevin's passion is to strengthen and encourage families all over the world, and to cast a vision for generations to come.
For the last 13 years Kevin has hosted a daily radio program--Generations Radio-- that reaches families across the U.S. and in over 100 countries.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 9, 2026
I must disclose that the author, Kevin Swanson, is a friend of mine and has been for many years. That said, the book reflects his way of doing things: lots of detail and at times even information overload. The information is relevant and convincing, but in some cases it’s an avalanche.
Overall, it is a look at the modern state of the church. Most of the attention goes to the church and culture in this century with some references back to the 20th century. Very randomly Kevin will cite people and movements back in the Reformation era or the 19th century. The situation today is not rosy. His documentation shows a decline in a robust faith, a compromise with non-Christian beliefs and practices, and the inconsistencies of people professing to be Christians but acting like unbelievers. He also points out that many churches and denominations, once solid, now shy away from being controversial in their stands, preferring to be politically correct rather than being polemical.
Solutions are offered, but they comprise a very small percentage of the book. Perhaps it’s because the solutions are simple: be strong. I thought it interesting that he brings up a return to Psalm singing as helpful to bring congregations back to singing good doctrine, but he doesn’t mention hymns that contain sound theology. I suspect the reason is that songs based on the Psalms are pretty hard to distort, but there are hymns of every sort, both old and modern, that have poor theology.
His chapter on strong men was very good. It was the standout chapter for me. While he doesn’t say it outright, white Christian men have been attacked and demonized in the last 50 years, and the result is many have ducked their responsibilities in order to avoid being personally attacked. The thinking is sort of like life has enough headaches, so why stick my neck out and bring more ridicule upon myself; I’d really rather go fishing.
On a personal note, I happened to be the one to introduce Kevin to Kipling’s poem, “The Gods of the Copybook Headings,” so I chuckled to myself as I saw three references to in the book. Who should read this book? I think believers who are wondering about the current state of the church will find it helpful in understanding where the greater church in the West is today and how it got there.
Overall, it is a look at the modern state of the church. Most of the attention goes to the church and culture in this century with some references back to the 20th century. Very randomly Kevin will cite people and movements back in the Reformation era or the 19th century. The situation today is not rosy. His documentation shows a decline in a robust faith, a compromise with non-Christian beliefs and practices, and the inconsistencies of people professing to be Christians but acting like unbelievers. He also points out that many churches and denominations, once solid, now shy away from being controversial in their stands, preferring to be politically correct rather than being polemical.
Solutions are offered, but they comprise a very small percentage of the book. Perhaps it’s because the solutions are simple: be strong. I thought it interesting that he brings up a return to Psalm singing as helpful to bring congregations back to singing good doctrine, but he doesn’t mention hymns that contain sound theology. I suspect the reason is that songs based on the Psalms are pretty hard to distort, but there are hymns of every sort, both old and modern, that have poor theology.
His chapter on strong men was very good. It was the standout chapter for me. While he doesn’t say it outright, white Christian men have been attacked and demonized in the last 50 years, and the result is many have ducked their responsibilities in order to avoid being personally attacked. The thinking is sort of like life has enough headaches, so why stick my neck out and bring more ridicule upon myself; I’d really rather go fishing.
On a personal note, I happened to be the one to introduce Kevin to Kipling’s poem, “The Gods of the Copybook Headings,” so I chuckled to myself as I saw three references to in the book. Who should read this book? I think believers who are wondering about the current state of the church will find it helpful in understanding where the greater church in the West is today and how it got there.
September 23, 2026
Swanson takes the Scriptural command to "be strong" and applies it to every area of life with God. Both highly convicting and also highly motivating. Despite its relatively short length, it seems to leave no stone unturned, because it is well-researched. It reminds that no area of life is safe from the eyes of God, who sees the heart and all things done or thought in secret. In a prophetic fashion, Swanson beckons all Christians, especially Christian men, toward the life of a living sacrifice, and according to God's ways and not man's.
March 17, 2026
Okie, so I think Kevin makes some pretty good points and tips in this book, but he also disses on every little thing and I disagree with some of the stuff he talks about
May 19, 2026
excellent to read, especially for our men. Men be strong and lead your household like Christ would.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews