This Invitational Life: Risking Yourself to Align with God's Heartbeat for Humanity

by Steve Carter

The community of Christ has a great tradition of invitation. Inviting others to faith requires leaning in to your own story, overcoming fear, and stepping out. But the good news is for everyone, always. And you can help keep it going.

Using Scripture and story, Steve Carter casts a vision for non-threatening conversations that point people to Christ. Most significantly, Steve shows that only through risking it all will we discover what God is truly like.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Faith, Leadership

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2016

Reviews

[Larry Kowalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 20% read and cannot wait to read the rest. Absolutely the best I have read in a very long time. This book has shown me that I am on the right track in developing relationships with those that are struggling. However, it also shows me there is so much more I can do to help others find "Jesus and Immanuel". Thanks, Steve!!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has quiet literally changed the way I think about my Christianity and has, in turn, changed my life. Carter does an amazing job at "inviting" the reader to invite others into the faith. With every word that I read I began to feel more and more encouraged and equipped to go out into the world and share my story...which would hopefully inspire someone else in return. Carter talks about the reservations we may have about living this "invitational life", but quickly reminds readers that everyone is welcome (similar to the parable in Luke 14). Among all of the inspiring things that stood out to me in this book, one thing Carter said I believe will stick with me long after reading this book: "You are the closest that some people will ever get to a Bible or a church" (pg. 64). Something about this concept just hit me where it needed to. It's just a such a powerful statement when you think about how much of an impact you could have on whether or not a person decides to follow Jesus. This book had inspired me in more ways than one and I pray it does the same for you.

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good book. Steve Carter has a way in this book of exploring the nuances and difficulties of the simple nature of the gospel. Because he puts it so evidently that living an invitational life, while simple in concept, is hard in application - because life is hard and full of fear, pain, suffering, you name it. And yet, the gospel is life changing and worth living out. I like how Steve broke it down in four parts: live, show up, relate, and risk. All four parts have their own unique beauty and challenges, and are all a necessary part to the invitational life. Last but not least, the best part to this book is that the gospel is for everyone, always. More often than not, we spend our time loving those who are like us, when instead we should remember and embrace that Jesus is for all of us. Again, an idea we know conceptually, but not one we practice as Christians. Overall, I would share this with other Christians because this is such a beautiful and simplistic reminder of what is important, and who it is important for: all of us.

[Lauren Bolles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall: like reading a sermon.
So I mainly went to Willow Creek (DuPage County campus) for church in college, and I got this book at an event there! It was a decent read and the standout feature would have to be the stories that Steve Carter tells. Overall there are some good ideas and messages here but it also feels like you’re reading a sermon (which does make it easy to read). I liked his emphasis on making sure you have a diverse array of people in your life and that you’re challenging yourself to get to know more of humanity.

Notable quote: “Will the people I’ve impacted in life be a homogeneous display of those who looked, dressed, and voted like me? Will they believe the same things I did? Or will my life represent something much more aligned with the way of Jesus and his disciples?”

[Josh Czinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book caught me and compelled its reading. I can say that upon completion the title is still the best part. I did like some of the perspectives the author brought to various biblical stories, and his personal experiences were touching. The primary message in the book is powerful and I will learn from it.

[Joe McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling read on how to live in a way that naturally invites others into your life and share your faith naturally.

This book does well to redeem evangelism by highlighting a way of life that naturally invites others into your own life and possibly into faith as well.

[Laura Crowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Every person was created in the image of God. That means whether someone is a follower of Jesus or not, that individual has something to teach me about God."

"May you live a life deeply aligned with God's heartbeat for humanity, every single member of it."

[Beckynovacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging read. I won't forget his concept of "every person we meet is a prayer away" from a transformation life.

[Louis MAre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read

Love how he shows that any person can reach people for Christ, that it is not only the church staff job, and that with God anyone can do it

[Bekah Backman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stories, Biblical and his own, to illustrate the need to develop more intentionality in our lives with others. God's message of love and hope is worth this reminder to us!

[Jason Tiearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read, conversational style with so many great thoughts and challenges about how to love a life that welcomes people to Jesus, not pushes them away.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit cliche at points but some good nuggets hidden throughout. An easy read. A call to what those who claim to love God could be.

[Mogomotsi Cedric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an intriguing read that talks about how we can preach Christ without being judgemental to other people's beliefs.

[Lorie Candir · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Can you commit to being curious about the stories of those you meet?"
A book about relating to people.

[Jeffrey_leblanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Energizing

Such a good read and I love the way it causes me to see everyone I meet as a person just one prayer away.

[Irene Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a lot of my life...I always felt as though I needed to be what others wanted me to be, afraid people would leave if they knew my faults. And even though, I always believed in God the Carters were the first ones who really showed me what this looks like and it has forever changed my heart. I hope when others read this--they will allow themselves to sit in these words. Really wrestle. The thing is--what Steve is sharing, they really live like this. I haven't met one person whose life hasn't been changed for the better. The truth is we have an idea of what relationships should look like--but often times we don't have the right tools. it cannot be done unless we are able to allow others to be themselves..and the way that happens is really giving them time..showing up and reminding them their worth. I can fully say this because they've extended this to me and I wouldn't be who I am if it weren't for them. We often have this bad taste of the bible...but my prayer is for those who read this wherever they may be in their story is for them to be wide eyed w an open heart and being able to be bold and to listen to the whispers.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the current climate, one of the most difficult things I have found to do is to share my Christian faith with others. Probably like the majority of Christians I work in a secular workplace where talk of Christianity is frowned upon. While I will step out and admit that I am a Christian, if the topic comes up, it often seems to lead to comments about "bad Christians." Often I feel I should do something more, that I'm missing out on doing what I should, and yet I don't know where to start and I have to honestly say, the thought of doing that scares me.

This book was an eye opener. It encourages the reader to reach out to others where they are, to learn their stories, to be gracious and compassionate. Hopefully, I will be able to implement some of the author's suggestions.

I recommend this book to every Christian.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Invitational Life

Risking Yourself to Align with God’s Heartbeat for Humanity
by Steve Carter

David C Cook



David C. Cook
Christian

Pub Date 01 Aug 2016

I was given a copy of This Invitational Life through the publisher and their partnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:

This book reminds us that God wants us to put our Invitational Life on display, that God wants us to pray boldly.

We are reminded too that at the core of our faith is truth. The truth of why we are here. We are reminded that God put us here for a purpose. We are reminded too that though there are times our earthly Father will walk away our Heavenly Father never will.

I give This Invitational Life five out of five Stars.

Happy Reading.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful - enriching - enthralling - book - it keeps things plain and simple - and most of all - he backs all things up with Scripture - and the one thing my father always told me is that you do not take what a pastor or teacher or writer or anyone has to tell you unless they back it up with Scripture and to not let that Scripture be twisted to fit what they want it to say - by the way - did I tell you my father was a pastor? This is a wonderful teaching tool for new or old Christians - it is great and I am so glad I was able to get to read it. I received a copy of this book to read and give an honest review

[Daniela Kamachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very deep and genuinely written! I really enjoyed all the stories and the connections Steve makes with our purpose and mission in life. It is eye opening for someone who is been following Christ but not blooming or not seeing any good change. Excellent book!!! I recommend for anyone searching for spiritual growth.

[Adam Lorenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

For my review of This Invitation Life, go here: http://www.adamlorenz.net/review-this...