Game Plan for Life: Your Personal Playbook for Success

by Joe Gibbs, Tony Dungy (Foreword), Jerry B. Jenkins (Contributor)

Three-time Super Bowl and NASCAR champion Joe Gibbs’s Game Plan for Life is an “average Joe’s” guide to what the Bible has to say about the 11 most-important topics for men. Topics such as: finances, relationships, living a life of purpose, finding the right vocation, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and overcoming sin and addictions. Edited by Jerry Jenkins, and featuring contributions from Randy Alcorn, Ravi Zacharias, John Lennox, Tony Evans, Chuck Colson, Josh McDowell, Don Meredith, Walt Larimore, Ron Blue, Ken Boa, and Os Guinness, "Game Plan for Life" shows readers how to live a balanced, God-centered, purpose-filled life, using examples of Coach Gibbs’s own storied championship careers as a backdrop. A perfect blend of sports and basic theology, "Game Plan for Life" is designed to bring God’s word home to sports fans of all generations.

Genres: Sports, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Biography, Leadership, Personal Development

336 pages, Hardcover

First published July 21, 2009

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you know any man who would like tips for success in life? Would it be even nicer if it was written from a Christian perspective?


In Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs, he has written a book for men outlining the guiding principles he has used thoughout his life. With a team of experts, he has uncovered the 11 most important issues facing men today and addresses them in this book including "Who is God?," "Finances," "Relationships and Sex," "Overcoming Sin and Addiction," and more.


As he introduces each topic, Joe shares stories of his life and athletes he has mentored. Many of these are situations that we all can relate to. Then, as an added bonus, he introduces his team of "knowledgable experts" on the topics addressed in the book. Josh McDowell discusses "The Bible:Can I beilieve it?" Ron Blue sheds light on our finances and how best to use them for God's kingdom and our daily lives. Other men who share insights are Randy Alcorn, Ravi Zacharias, and Dr. Walt Larimore.

With the sports' theme running through the book, many men will share memories and experiences with the author. As some of the parts are drier than other, the overall information is well delivered and easy to incorporate into everyday life.

My rating 4 out of 5 stars

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book for review.

[Dr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a Redskins fan - growing up and living until 2009 on the Beltway, it has been refreshing to look into this Game plan. I have always been a fan of Joe Gibbs, both as a coach and a vocal Christian. I recommend this book to men and challenge them to accept this plan for their lives. I rededicated my remaining years to following this game plan for life.

[Dwayne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and a must read for every believer. The connection the book has to the website with updates to the chapters is excellent. The staff that Coach Gibbs has put together to write the chapters is second to none. I also highly recommend the small group bible study by the same name.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellant and relevant for thos interested in Christianity and the bible in today's world.

[Matt Smart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to use to introduce someone to Christian doctrines pertaining to the Bible and God. However, to someone who has been "churched" it can get a little slow.

[Kellyanne Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Gibbs actually gave us this book when we visited Joe Gibbs Racing last month, and he autographed it to me and my husband. He's always been candid about his being a Christian. I appreciate that he presents himself as "an average Joe" and puts things in simple terms - and has his contributors do the same. I like how the book starts off with internal and external validity for the Bible and the nature of God, then goes into various topics, setting the stage for why you should rely on the Bible for answers to these issues. It's set up so that you can use it as a reference book for various issues as you face them. The only place I felt lacked scriptural soundness was the chapter about Heaven. While the writer notes that sitting on clouds with harps in Heaven is not from the Bible, he goes on to paint a picture of Heaven that is not rooted in what we see in the Bible. Other than that chapter, I really enjoyed the book.

[Leslie Yong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Praise for the book, ‘Game Plan for Life : Your Personal Play Book for Success” by Joe Gibbs

This is truly an amazing book, very well written and it covers almost everything we need to use as a guid for a living a meaningful, fulfilling and successful life while here on earth. The author highlighted 11 of the most important topics for men based on principles of the Bible and together with teachings of personal life examples and experiences, he is able to express the importance of it.
The author emphasises that ultimately there are only two teams- the winning team and the losing team. Living life other than God’s plan leaves us empty. But on the other hand, living a life of God’s plan will give us significant and purposeful living

[Scott Beddingfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

While somewhat evangelical for my tastes, Gibbs strategy for the book -soliciting experts to address specific challenges of life and faith - is brilliant and enlightening. The chapter on the afterlife is particularly illustrative and helpful. Sprinkling in great stories like his start in NASCAR Gibbs’ overarching theme that life as a believer is best lived when one not just identifies as a Christian but instead allows God to guide completely. Being ‘good’ is not enough but being LED by God is everything.

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellently compiled and written book, full of life's wisdom. The book can in someways feel a little disjointed, and in all honesty I would have liked to hear more from Joe Gibbs himself. Yet, understanding his intent, one can learn to greatly appreciate the book. The contributions from Ravi Zacharias and Oz Guinness are particularly enlightening, as is the contribution from Chuck Colson.

[Gerald Earnhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked this book more if Joe Gibbs would have written more of the book, instead of having guest writers in each chapter. Joe Gibbs writing is honest and interesting. Some of the other guy’s parts are 3 stars at best. I found this book difficult to read simply due to text size that was smaller than normal.

[Jonathan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

Joe does a good job of putting together stories from his nfl coaching and nascar ownership days combined with very high experts in theology to bring together gameplans for different areas of people life
Joe covers finances, family balance, and many other topics that are relevant to the average person
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a stronger faith in god

[Matthew Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect book for someone coming new into Christianity and wants to know some basic information about what the Bible says about different topics. Gibbs gives his own thoughts on each topic but then brings in an expert to write the majority of the chapter. Topics include: the validity of the Bible, Who God is, Creation, Health, Finances, Heaven, etc.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to form, coach Gibbs assembles a team of experts to discuss a variety of life topics of interest to men, based upon surveys (research) to see what concerns them. This book includes Joe Gibbs' personal testimony and the christian thread that connects all of the topics. He uses professional football and NASCAR examples as well as personal life experiences to make his points. This book can be used for personal study, directed study or for groups of men in a reading club or Bible-study setting.

[Douglas Calder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by Coach Gibbs and his team. Was a very enjoyable and eye opening experience. I recommend it for anyone that has questions about their faith, trying to figure out how to start, or just strengthen what they already believe.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of redemption stories from a great panel of Gibbs' connections.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very inspiring .Although its aimed at a male audience i found the stories relatable as well. It was a terrific read that i enjoyed and highly recommend : )

[Jim Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for sports fan. Great book for those wanting to share their faith with a lost sports fan.

[Shawn Sandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prison chapter will change your life!

[Jim Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Each chapter is a different topic from a different "guest author". Good information, perspectives.

[Edward Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

Concise, well organized and very useful book. This is one of the very best and most practical "self help" book I've ever read

[Kadi Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is directed towards men but it was an overall good book! I would highly recommend for a new believer who is interested in sports.

[Deborah Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good! A lot of eye opening stuff in it. I know it was mainly addressed to men but stuff still applies. Glad I found it on dad’s shelf lol

[Dean Raasch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. I liked how Joe used his personal life to shed light on how a faith journey takes place. He then brought in an expert to go deeper into the faith side of what Joe had gone through. It was a very helpful book and an easy read.

[Vince Pavic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Joe Gibbs is a champion and teaches you how to put life into perspective. Excellent book and one I will reference back to often.

[Jennifer Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just might be the revival you're looking for, or the answer to emptiness in your life. Yes, this book is geared towards men, and it's about sports, but this book can really be for everyone, and you don't have to know a thing about football to understand it. Joe Gibbs authors this book, with the help of several others who each author a specific topic of expertise, from finance to health to heaven and much more. Some may say that this is just another religious book, but it's not. It's 100 times more insightful than any religious service in which I have ever been! I was raised in church, and even went to private Christian schools for several years. I went to every revival meeting, every Wednesday night prayer, every Sunday school.... I even had Bible classes in school. This book blew my mind! The depth that these coauthors went to are amazing by my standards. I'm impressed, inspired, and stronger in my faith than I was when I picked this book up.

[Longbeverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed some of the chapters in this book. I actually copied the one on the Bible because it had myths vs. facts (concise charts for prophecies fulfilled and ancient manuscript copies). Josh McDowell wrote that one and of course is always good. I have trouble reading sports figures' writing because they tend to repeat themselves and I find myself skimming along. That must be necessary in coaching - repeat, repeat, repeat. This is a positive, uplifting book.

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book's intended audience is men. However, I have to say, as a woman no less, that this is one of the best books I have ever read. It is easy to read and so well-thought out. It truly is a playbook for success. I plan to buy a copy of this book (after reading a library copy)to keep to reread. Man or woman, this is one book that everyone will enjoy reading.

[Don Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. I enjoy reading about individuals who are very competitive and struggle to figure out how to combine that with a deep abiding faith in God. Joe Gibbs does an excellent job in expressing that in this book. I like how he recruited "experts" for this book to write about areas that men struggle in.

[Jason J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of different aspects of life from a Christian perspective. Great way to connect to Dads and friends who may not be too into reading 'spiritual' or Christian books. Material is relevant and doesn't lack much - good, solid teaching. A great summary review for people who read many 'spiritual' books as well.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for me, but I love this book so much that I bought one for my Dad. I feel like I learned more about how to love men in a Godly way because I have some insight to their life. It's an easy read with a straight forward message.