Outcry: New Voices Speak Out about the Power of the Church

by Ryan Romeo

OUTCRY declares that local churches are at the heart of Christianity and you can make a difference in your community. The OUTCRY tours were born out of a desire to be the lights and sounds of the greatest movement in the worldthe local church. While studies and critics may indicate a decline of the local church, Ryan Romeo's OUTCRY attests that the movement is only increasing. It's time we band together to empower the local church to influence the surrounding culture. It's you. It's us. Stand behind the church Jesus gave His life for. The part you play in your local church matters. You are an integral part of bringing God's story to all corners of the world. God's church isn't finished! Her best days are ahead.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, ebook

Published August 9, 2016

Reviews

[Anthony Hiltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read but very heavy topic. Loved every word of it and it served as a great reminder to always fight for unity within the church!

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is always messiness in humanity. This is also true in the collective church, however, the goal of The Church is the gospel of Christ reaching into and through the messiness of our humanity and need for community.

This easy read will help you reconsider any disappointing view you may have of church as an institution and inspire hope for the collective community for the common cause of Christ.

[Yonasan Aryeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, the author includes several guest contributions from different talents well known in the Christian music industry. The author looks to the church and discusses the power of the church today. Romeo includes sections on the current relevance of the church, if one can be proud of the church, how the church is not perfect but worthwhile, and how messy life can be in the church. Outcry is the name of a tour that included many talented musicians. It was a huge success right from the start. In this book, Romeo presents that Outcry is not a movement, not the "next big thing," but rather part of the reason that G-d is endorsing and pushing forward to rejuvenate the church.

Romeo begins the work with a narrative of creation. It captures the reader's attention and draws them in, forcing the audience to salivate over what he is going to say next. Creation is no longer an abstract concept or moment in history, but a vivid action relived in every moment. It is in this introduction that Romeo brings attention to the church, using relevant Scriptures and storytelling, to present his thesis: despite the flaws and imperfections of the church (building, organization, and people group), the church is necessary and designed to help the people of G-d stand together and live together.

Romeo's writing is motivating, powerful, and driven. He aims to help the reader see the next big thing is the same big thing for the past two thousand years - the church. His writing is unapologetic yet gentle, encouraging the reader and guiding them to see what he sees. To know what he knows. To feel what he feels. And Romeo's not alone in his hope, with the assistance of guest authors that toured with him. Romeo shares his personal life, and heart, in his writing, and it's evident. Persuasive isn't the right term, perhaps addictive is. Romeo, along the path, gives a score of name-drops to add to the "success" of what he's sharing. While I may not be as doe-eyed and hopeful about the church as he is, his work nonetheless gives hope and inspiration where previously there was none.

Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't familiar with the Outcry tour before I read this book, so I learned about it while reading the book which is ultimately about the local church and how we can make a difference in our community, no matter how big or small the church is.

At the end of each chapter is a short passage written by someone in the Christian music industry. The book is an interesting read, and the author does a great job of showing the need for churches to get involved in their community. I found it an easy and fast read that kept my attention, and it was refreshing to see someone giving credit to small churches as being as important in this as the larger churches.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.