Following Jesus is not a safe course of action, it can upset your life and others. How does He do that? Through random acts of kindness, unexpected encounters, or a friendly stranger. Upsetting people can break down barriers and build relationships.
Pastor Ross teaches you how Upset the world with the message of hope and the love of Jesus Christ.
Tim Ross is a professional podcaster, social media influencer, author, preacher and businessman. His unorthodox approach to spirituality has guided him on a constant journey of progression and has garnered the attention of millions in the marketplace. Born in Inglewood, CA, Ross began his unexpected journey to evangelism at the age of 21. While pursuing a career in law enforcement, he gave his life to Christ in January 1996 and God pivoted him into preaching, which he excelled in for more than 27 years.
Ross spent years preaching and teaching for some of the most prominent ministries, including world renowned The Potter’s House in Dallas, TX, and Gateway Church in Southlake, TX, and in 2015, he founded Embassy City Church in Irving, TX. In 2022, he began his journey from pastor to social media influencer by merging spirituality and entertainment with the launch of his podcast, The Basement. The Basement is a podcast for people of all walks of life – no matter their spiritual condition - to safely discuss and share real issues, current events, testimonies and much more. The podcast currently has over 300,000 subscribers and more than 25 million views.
In 2023, Tim expanded into business with the launch of his technology company, B-Side, which includes the B-Side Application. The app delivers entertaining and enriching conversations that shift culture through the lens of faith. Beyond the pulpit, Tim also speaks to corporate, business, conference and festival audiences all over the world.
Ross is a modern man of ministry with the ability to adjust, reach and influence people where they are and ultimately reconcile them back to Christ through various mediums. In the future, with his wife and business partner, Juliette, and their two sons, Nathan and Noah, Tim will launch books, produce short films and venture into standup comedy.
I have really enjoyed reading Upset the World. If you have ever heard Tim Ross preach well you can hear him though his writing. A great book to get you up and moving for the Lord and to love on people especially in a time like we are in now.
I haven't read any of Ross's books prior to this one, so he was a new author to me. However, I did enjoy "Upset the World." The book was a great reminder of how Jesus truly did "upset" the status quo--but not as expected! Jesus came to reach those who were struggling and offer hope.
How do we show the love of Christ to others? Are we "upsetting" the world in the same way He did, or are we blindly falling prey to the negativity and stress of the human condition? Ross walks the reader through ways we can impact the lives of those around us in a good way.
Ross encourages us to show kindness to others without expecting anything in return, to closely examine our relationships with those we love and learn to become relational with those in our spheres of influence. Once we make the choice to be an "upsetter," we learn that strength comes from standing together in unity, living out the purpose God has for us all. We can bring hope and make a difference for the future.
I was an early reader, thanks to Gateway Publishers. All opinions are my own.
When I first read the title Upset the World, it immediately grabbed my attention. "Upset" so accurately describes our society these days. I was curious to learn what Tim Ross meant by "upset the world" and how being an "upsetter" could radically change people for good.
I absolutely love that Ross explains that to upset the world, we're not supposed to use hate or anger. We are simply to "go out and share the love of Christ in the most relational way possible.” He recognizes our current politically- and racially-charged climate and urges readers to take all their passionate feelings and convert them into love for people. This is such an important point. Too many people think that hate and violence are healthy expressions. Feeling angry about injustice is absolutely justified and understandable, but channeling that anger into violence accomplishes nothing but more hurt.
Another point he makes is that we can love people without agreeing with them which is also powerful and true. We can hate their sin without hating the person. That said, a person who gives His life to Christ shouldn't remain the same. Even though each one of us comes to know Christ just as we are, we can't stay the way we are once we've accepted the gospel invitation. As Ross says, "We want everyone to come, but we don't want anybody to stay the same.” Amen to that!
I did have a biblical concern with Ross' visit to a presbytery where his wife supposedly received a "word" that her deceased father was "pleased" with her. That aside, I am sincerely grateful to have read this book and highly recommend it, especially for those who are seeking a biblical perspective on how to deal with all the hostility and hate in our world. We are to upset people in the nicest way possible: with the overwhelming love of Jesus.
I received a complimentary copy of Upset the World but was not required to give a positive review. All ideas contained in my review are my own.
Right now, it seems like our world is definitely upset, but that is not what author Tim Ross meant when he wrote his new book. The book highlights how following Jesus—truly following Jesus—will upset the world in the best possible ways. The book is a quick read (less than 175 pages) and has a compact study guide you can purchase as well.
Tim shares the simple assignment we have as followers of Jesus: “To turn the world upside down with the message, love, and hope of Jesus Christ.” He provides practical tools that demonstrate how easy evangelism really is. He challenges the reader to go deeper into their faith and to transform all of the worlds where the reader has influence (home, work, community, church, etc.). Tim shares transparently and vulnerably and spurs the reader to action.
Depending on your faith background, your theology may be stretched as you read this book. I would encourage you to read it anyway—all the way through! Dive deep and ask God to grow your faith as you seek His Truth. And then take whatever you can away from it and implement it in your everyday.
I’ll also note that while I love the questions and scriptures in the study guide, I don’t love the size. It was a bit hard for me to write in, but still worth the purchase. With great activation activities as well, it is perfect for individual or small group (even churchwide) study.
The world is in desperate need of this book! Grab a copy today!
*I received a copy of the book and study guide from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
At a time when our world seems to be overcome with anger and strife, Tim Ross presents an idea that turns everything upside down. Upset the World, in spite of it's title, is not about causing more anger and strife. In Tim's words, it is about "[Jesus] wants us to love people. And that means EVERBODY!". This book reminds us that it's not about religion or rules or being part of the crowd. It's about Jesus. Plain and simple. When you have a relationship with Jesus, your world CAN'T be the same. Your life will be upset, and thus, the lives of those around you will also be upset. Initially, I was worried this would be another "look at me and how wonderful I am" pastor book. Thankfully it was anything but that. Tim is honest, vulnerable, and straightforward about what it takes to share Jesus to everyone in your world, whether you know them or not. I have been changed by this book and your life will be changed as well. This should be in the hands of every believer. It is particularly valuable to small group leaders and youth group leaders. There is a study guide so help go deeper into upsetting the world around you.
The launching of this book couldn't have come at a more perfect time. This book launched as my son was born, and it was a real eye-opener for me on how to be not only a good Christian but a good father. And on top of that not only a good father but a good teacher of my son so that one day he can grow up and upset the world also! It upsets me that I wasn't more involved in the launch of this book, but that line right there it says it all, I had upset my world to be a better father for my son! Thank you Tim Ross for such a wonderful book!
The book was fantastic! I kept going back to try to be sure I was understanding. I want to be an upsetter for Jesus. Tim shows it is so easy, but also so hard. Tim makes it easy to understand that we need to be upset for Jesus to upset others.
Just finished reading Upset the World, and I’m ready to read it again! This is the book you need that you didn’t know you needed. So much truth, so much revelation, and so much perspective. Tim Ross’ words, humor, and truth is the perfect mix bringing this message to the world.
I Am on page 432 and I am really enjoying the book. Well written and an easy read I that if confirms my walk and what I should be focusing on in my life
Love this book and the wording that Pastor Tim Ross uses when describing Jesus and the way Jesus “Upset the world”. The book challenges your walk and pulls you to go deeper with Jesus in becoming someone who, along side Jesus, “Upsets the World”.
Title: Upset the World Author: Tim Ross Genre: Nonfiction, Christian Rating:5 out of 5
From the very first time I heard Pastor Tim speak—when he was still on staff at Gateway Church—I’ve loved his dynamic way of speaking. His presence is vivid and dramatic, and he dares to say what you’re thinking out loud.
This book is filled with stories and anecdotes of his experiences and he doesn’t urge his readers to take big leaps of faith—just the next small step forward in their everyday lives. His tone is conversational and relatable, and his love for Jesus and people shines through on every page. Tim Ross is the pastor of Embassy City Church.
Upset The World - what breath of fresh air! A well-written and inspiring book that I could not put down. Tim Ross provides provides clear truth for Christians regardless of where they might be in their spiritual journey. I love his gentle reminders of what it means to be a Christian in today's society, particularly the chapter titled "Upsetter's Aren't Religious." The gentle reminder that "Upsetter's are religious because Jesus isn't religious" resonated with me. I recommend this book to any believer, regardless of where you fall on your spiritual path!
I love how Tim just gives us these really simply and practical steps on how to upset the world around us with the amazing news and love of Jesus. Easy and fun read, overall really enjoyed this book.
When I first pick up Upset the World, I thought the book would be about anger within the World. However, this is not at all the story. The book shares how we can Upset the World by sharing God's word and upsetting for good. Upset the World is a great book, easy to read and understand. It's a powerful book to get you excited about doing something in the name of Jesus. The book encourages you to walk alongside Jesus. I recommend it for anyone to read!
Not my cup of tea.. Had some odd doctrinal issues. A lot of bones to spit out for the amount of meat. Good stories and a good call to action. Has some soft prosperity/charismatic leanings. Problematic teachings on Spirit baptism as well as giving God permission to do stuff.
I've been a Christian all my life, but I still needed this book to shake me up a bit. It's not an upsetting book at all. Rather, it's a guidebook to engaging your faith in intentional ways in this world which is desperate to hear something different from true Christians.
Tim Ross shares his personal stories with grit and authenticity. He shows us exactly how God redeemed and restored him. He powerfully demonstrates how to engage with our broken culture with joy and grace, based on his personal experiences. I found his tone to be uplifting and inspirational while also stretching me to try new things.
If you want to recharge your Christian faith in these unique and challenging times, this is an upbeat, challenging, and encouraging book to help you. It would make an excellent book for group study, whether in person or online.
I received a preview copy of Upset the Word from Gateway Press.
Thank you, Tim Ross, for writing Upset the World in a concise, and to-the-point manner. I grew up in the church and have endured many hurts from Christians. So, my family and I decided to distance ourselves from the traditional construct of ‘the church.’ We figured if God wants his people to come together, the people are already positioned around us. Upset the World affirms this thinking. As well as challenges it for the better. I'll have to sit and marinate on the words that were read and written down. After reading, the only question lingering in my mind, how do I upset the world? The only response is by upsetting my worldview first. The premise of this book is based on Jesus upsetting your worldview and moving you to do the same for others. For me, that is the church experience God wants for all his believers. This book is worth the read!
Wow! Tim Ross hasn't written a book about evangelism, he has shared how he was and is Upset by the LOVE of Jesus and how we can Upset others by sharing that love. In a world that is upset by all kinds of negative issues, this book helps to develop Upsetters who focus on changing the world by loving people and doing good. This is what the world needs right now. I read the Kindle version, and it was great...can't wait to check out the study guide and share this Upsetting message with others!!
I can't put my finger on what I liked so much about this book, but it just spoke so much truth and I felt like the Holy Spirit was often nudging me while reading.
I know the terminology used was supposed to "shock" us but I did find the use of upset hard going and almost antogonistic so I replaced it in my head to upturn for the first 3/4 of the book until I got used to it. :)
The whole book is super practical and emphasises the importance of the everyday choices we make to love people.
In this book Pastor Tim Ross makes it so easy to understand upsetting the world the way Christ upsets our world when we accept Him as our savior. He gives practical advice, wrapped up in stories of his experiences. I would highly recommend this book for any believer, especially this searching for their calling.
This is a fantastic book! If you’re looking for God’s truth, freedom, hope, or an adjustment in your thinking, get this book. Tim’s writing style is funny, laid back, and he gets directly to the point, often through great stories. Don’t let the title discourage you from getting this book, you’re not going to make people mad. It just may turn your life around or upside down, in the best way.
Tim Ross is an excellent teacher of the Word of God. The correct definition of upsetting the world from God's point of view was clearly seen and how we as His children can also be upsetters for His glory.
Pastor Tim Ross explains the true meaning of the word upset, and how important it is to become an upsetter. I feel encouraged to continue to grow in my relationship with Christ, and to encourage others to do the same by doing good and loving life. This is a definite must read.
This book was very inspirational and informative. Tim Ross' writing style was conversational and made the book Ann easy read. It answered questions I had about evangelism and inspired me to want to be Ann Upsetters.
Such an insightful and refreshing perspective on what it means to walk with God and being used for His glory. I’m motivated to upset the world just as Christ came to upset mines.
Wish I could find a copy of this book to be able to read and provide a review... everywhere online is unavailable as well as the Gateway Church Bookstore. Any recommendations of where to find a copy?