Lost Boy

by Greg Laurie

As a hippie and drug user who had grown-up in a dysfunctional family, Greg Laurie knew what it was to be lost. A seventeen-year-old, long-haired Greg soon discovered his passion for seeing people rescued from hopelessness and transformed into renewed beings with a saving faith in Christ. Laurie quickly became a wonder and an example as to how God could use someone with a sordid past to impact the world with the gospel. Throughout Greg’s autobiography, be encouraged by the trials he overcame and the far-reaching impact these lessons have had. The Lord’s influence in Greg’s life has been thoroughly evidenced by the fruit seen from the ministries Greg has planted, watered and grown; namely, Harvest Christian Fellowship (one of the 8 largest churches in America) and the Harvest Crusades. Greg Laurie’s legacy has been seasoned with trials and questions, but if God can take a hippie from a severely dysfunctional family and raise him to be one of the nation’s leading evangelists and pastors, what can God do with you?

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Religion, Biography Memoir

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2008

About the author

Greg Laurie is an American author and pastor who serves as the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, Harvest Corona in Corona, California Harvest Woodcrest in Riverside, California, Harvest at Kumulani in Kapalua, Hawaii, and Harvest Orange County in Irvine, California.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always exciting to see God's transformative work in a life, but especially so when it's a life that started in difficult circumstances and is having such an impact on the world today. Growing up in Southern California, I heard Greg Laurie's name a lot, knew that he ran the Harvest Crusades, but other than that didn't know much about him, so it was interesting to finally hear his story. He tells it in a conversational, easy-to-read way with lots of humor sprinkled throughout. I was kept riveted and was left inspired and encouraged by God's grace working in one humble life. Who would have guessed that the baby who came from a one-night stand would go on to be used by God so mightily? God is good.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly inspiring.

At the onset Greg Laurie states that he is not going to use this book to "preach"; however, as an evangelist, he warned that it would be difficult. I enjoyed every page of this book, and I look forward to reading more of his books. There is so much in this book that different people can relate to, many of us have had dysfunction in our lives, and this book is a reassurance that we are never too far gone that we cannot repent and turn to The Lord.

Favorite quote: "As Warren Wiersbe has said, 'If you can explain it, then God didn't do it.'" (Page 122).

[Jeanne Leaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t heard of Pastor Greg Laurie till I discovered him on a local radio station a couple of years ago. I really liked his messages. “Lost Boy” is his personal story of how God can take a hippie from a severely dysfunctional family and raise him to be one of the nations leading evangelists and pastors. A very inspirational story. The end of his book includes personal letters he has received over the years of many lives being changed as a result of his current ministries.

[Tanya Polstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! It changed my perspective on who Greg Laurie really is. Glad to know he's a sincere guy.

[Sylvia Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lost Boy" is a book by pastor and author Gregg Laurie. It is the autobiographical story of his life, starting with his childhood and teenage years as a rebellious, drug-using rock and roll fan. Laurie describes how his life was transformed when he became a Christian at the age of 17, and how he eventually became a pastor and evangelist.

"Lost Boy" is a powerful story of redemption and hope, and it offers a message of encouragement to anyone who is struggling with addiction, grief, or the challenges of life. Laurie's candid and honest storytelling style makes the book engaging and relatable, and his deep faith and spiritual insight provide inspiration and guidance to readers.

[Steve lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Greg Laurie's life. He has a pretty messed up childhood. Amazing that he turned out as good as he did. Very insightful look at why he is the way he is today.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first learned about Greg Laurie from The Jesus Revolution, the book he co-authored with Ellen Vaughn, and the movie by the same name. Both made me curious enough to learn more about him and his ministry. Since then, I’ve read many of his devotional teachings and watched his online teaching videos.

Lost Boy is an up-close look at Pastor Greg’s life from a troubled childhood, through his teen years of experimenting with drugs and alcohol while seeking life answers, to his acceptance of Jesus as his Lord and Savior, then beyond to his years in growing his church and ministry. Written in a conversational style the book reads easily, almost as if he is sitting down and telling his tale over a cup of coffee (much like his teaching). I loved seeing how God turned this “lost boy” completely around, upending his life and creating a passion for the Lord within his heart. It’s amazing to see how God uses people, even the most unlikely of us. The book closes with a number of testimonies from believers who came to Christ through Harvest Crusades lead by Pastor Greg. No one is beyond God’s grace and love.

Highly recommended reading for both believers and those wanting to know more about God and how He changes lives.

[Amy Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I have always liked Greg Laurie but never knew his back story until recently seeing Jesus Revolution. Lost Boy tells his story in more detail, in his voice. What a beautiful story of redemption! His life is a picture of beauty from ashes.

[Cheyanne Kowal · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite people to listen to, another powerful and amazing testimony. He is a bit hilarious at times too. Highly recommend. Great book.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful memoir of a boy with a alcoholic mom that married seven times and a son that turned to drugs as a coping mechanism. You learn about the lady that took him to church and how God met him and it forever changed his life. It goes to show that no matter how far we fall or the darks places we must at times endure, God is right there waiting on us to call His name. This doesn’t mean everything will always be okay either, for when you pick up your cross and follow me, the world will hate you God says.
I really good, eye opening book.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like reliving the late 60’s early 70’s Jesus People Movement for me. I had (I think I may still have somewhere) Greg Laurie’s Living Water tract from “the old days.” After seeing the Jesus Revolution movie which brought some names back to mind, it was interesting to get more acquainted with Greg Laurie and to learn of his early life as well as life since the early 70’s. I really enjoyed this autobiography that was chosen for our book club this month. That being said, I didn’t think he needed to put testimonies from others at the end of the book that seemed to focus on him a bit more than Jesus.

[Teresa C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Pastor Greg!

Listened to your wonderful messages on KWAVE during my long SoCal commute for many years. Attended Harvest Crusades in San Diego. I couldn't believe my surprise when after recently finding Lost Boy, the new movie Jesus Revolution came out! Thank you for writing your memoir, and thank you Jesus and Lionsgate for the movie!! I loved both. My heart is full. God bless you and Cathe for your faithfulness! ❤️ My life and walk have been hugely impacted through your teaching and testimony.

[Esmeralda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. From beginning to end, it was so brilliantly written. It's amazing how God can transform lives and how he has a purpose for everyone. This book had me in tears of how Jesus works. This is my first time ever reading a book by Greg Laurie. Would love to read more. I first heard about Greg when I went to Harvest in Angel Stadium. I remember him preaching but me not listening but God would always speak to me through the music.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!

This is such a wonderful book!There was. Edit honest candid narrative is easy to read and the truth of Gods love sinks in .The stories and anecdotes are relatable and inspirational .Thank you for writing this book. So many layers of thought provoking and leading to healing .

[Letty Beerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential

This book is incredible. The hand of God is so evident in Greg's story that it should bring hope to every person who reads it. It's a story of the real living God who loves with an unfathomable and relentless love. This lost boy received that love and is now a vessel to give it to other lost boys and girls all over the world. So glad I read this book.

[Lara Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m never surprised when God touches a life in such a profound way but I am always moved by it. This is a wonderful story of Gods grace and redemption for lost boys and girls. Thanks for sharing your story Greg Laurie.

[Chris Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow-up to the Jesus Revolution movie

I knew who Greg Laurie was but after seeing the Jesus Revolution movie wanted to know his full story. Its a compelling story that flows smoothly. There are many testimonies in the back from those converted at his crusades.

[Lisa Huettl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Such an inspiring story of how God can use, and usually does, those we would never expect to work for His Kingdom. Nicely told, in a humble, and at times humorous way. And how Greg Laurie loves to tell people about Jesus and see them come into the Kingdom.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting background on Greg Laurie!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart. I love reading about salvation and the person's story of how they came to know Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing.

[Linda O'Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful testimony of how Christ changes a life.

[Jayne Bartrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable account of God’s faithfulness.
Jesus Revolution

[Mike Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This is a great read! Greg Laurie’s life story encouraged me to keep my eyes on Christ and trust Him no matter what comes my way. I highly recommend this book.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read ..

Greg tells his story in an unsentimental, matter of fact, conversational way; some of it is shocking, some is hilarious, all is testimony to God’s amazing grave.

[Plan4theBoys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read. Somewhat raw at times, refreshingly honest. True testimony to the power of Jesus Christ! Enjoyable, especially after watching the Jesus Revolution movie. Highly recommended.

[Jim Mullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Nice to know where Greg Laurie came from and what experiences helped shape his life, beliefs.

[Danielle D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really inspiring book. It was about a boy named Greg and his experience of going through life with many difficulties. His mother had gone through many marriages trying to find that fairy tale love. However, that lifestyle lead her to alcohol and different drugs which she tried to numb her pain and Greg had to learn to talk care of himself most of the time. This story is about his struggles to find a love that he could feel whole again, but it took him awhile. After some years of experimenting with drugs and going through the hippie era, he finally found his way to the Lord and began doing God's work of preaching His Word. He began with a small church and slowly made his way to developing a church that today thousands of people attend. If you are having problems in your life that are making you feel as if you want to fill that hole in you heart, this is a great book to start with. Greg can really relate to the problems that many people are now experiencing today. Jesus understands everything about us because He has made us with his own hands. We are perfect in his eyes. Greg Laurie also reminds us that He knows all and He will keep knocking at the door until we acknowledge Him. "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Rev. 3:20 NKJV). This book is a great reminder of the love that the Lord has for us. "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8).

[Andy Ziesemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost boy was a story of a transformed life. Greg walked us through his childhood, exposing how he had been raised fatherless and in a state of constant change. He talked about the struggles of his life, and how he eventually made a decision for Christ.

As he grew in his faith, he makes sure to let the reader know how impactful having men in his life ended up being, as he describes the way Chuck Smith encouraged and taught him, eventually equipping hi to plant a church. A church that currently is larger than 15,000 people and reaches thousands with the Gospel each year.

I enjoyed the story of his life, and found the read well paced. It made me want to continue reading, and I would recommend this book for anyone interested.

[Gideon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is my pastor, and since the church is what you could call a "megachurch" you can imagine how difficult it is to get to know anyone there, especially the pastor, who is pretty much a celebrity to all who are familiar with him. I enjoyed reading his book, because even though he uses his life examples during his sermons, he has never really gone into depth with them, and reading this book gave me some great insight into his life and mind. My only gripe about it was that it was too quick a read, and I would have liked more colorful language, but Greg is all about being understand and relevant to everyone, so I can see why he didn't make it difficult.

[Sherry Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books I just couldn't put down, once I started reading it. I had listened to Pastor Greg Laurie speak and had heard a little bit about his background. This is an amazing account of how God takes a life that, by all statistics, should end up with a drug addiction, crime, or a "dead end" life...and completely defies those statistics. Pastor Greg Laurie is just a man, but he does a wonderful job of telling how he grew up, the mistakes he made, and how God changed his life completely.