Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus

by Mike Slaughter

Something is not working. Despite the church's place of prominence in American culture and the ubiquity of the church in every American town, misconceptions about the faith of Jesus Christ run rampant today. Christians are known more for exclusivity than for love, more for potlucks than for solving world hunger.

It's time for churches to get over the cruise-ship mentality of being a program provider, and reconnect with the true message and mission of to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed.

Pastor Mike Slaughter challenges church leaders to look at the future of their congregations and make tough but necessary choices.

Will you send the church out into the world?
Will you focus on building disciples or tallying decisions?
Will you multiply your impact or expand your facilities?
Will you step out in courage or comply with the status quo?


The answers to these and other questions determine how your church will focus its time, its energy, and its budget to work for real change in a hurting world.

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For more info, visit www.ChangeTheWorld.Cokesbury.com

Genres: Christian, Theology, Leadership, Christianity, Christian Living, Religion, Ebooks

121 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2010

About the author

Mike Slaughter is the lead pastor at Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio. Under his leadership, Ginghamsburg became known as an early innovator of small group ministry and a leader in global mission efforts. A frequently sought-after speaker, he is the author of many books, including Dare to Dream, Hijacked, Change the World, Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, and Upside Living in a Downside Economy.

Reviews

[David Mullens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over all it was a strong book. However, I felt he spent too much time dwelling on what his church has done. He also made mention that his budget was only $27000 when he started at the church (in 1975). That was not real helpful. According to the Inflation calculator that would be about 112,000 in today's dollars. About right for a church of that size.

What I was hoping he would address _how_ can a pastor create a culture within the church (or be a part of the transition) that reflects missional values and behaviors. I came away from the book with where he feels churches need to move to...but I was unclear on exactly how he felt that move happened.

It reminds me of what Andy Crouch says in "Culture Making" about how we believe that once we have analyzed something, we have changed it. After reading through this book, I have an understanding of what Ginghamsburg has done and what Slaughter believes needs to happen, but I'm not convinced he has given much of an understanding of how to _embody_ the shifts that must take place.

[Joseph Griffin · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I really appreciated about this book was the focus on how the church needs to work among the poor, needy, and disenfrancised. The modern church has too often overlooked this part of its mission. Slaughter's call to this is much needed. However, the exposition is poor, and the arguments remind me more of a U2 concert than a well-reasoned exegesis of Scripture. I agree with much of the focus of the book, I just see a very poor effort to get there exegetically. The pragmatist may say that doesn't matter so long as we get to the goal, whatever that might be. But I think the journey is as important as the destination in this regards. I think that those who come to see the need to work among the poor and fight for justice from a sound biblical argument rather than simply proof texting will do so by realizing this important issue's place within the context of the Gospel.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another commentary on how the institution of "church" is failing those within and outside of its walls. I started out reading this in the paperback, but there were so many great quotes and thoughts that I purchased the Kindle edition just so that I could highlight notes along the way. If your spiritual growth through regular church services has stagnated and you feel that Christ is telling you that there is more to a relationship with Him than attendance on Sunday morning and serving on committees, this is another good resource. Slaughter is still the pastor of a congregation, but his congregation definitely challenges other ones to do things differently.

[John Hanscom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Or maybe less. What he has to say is great, but he is self aggrandizing, and his examples do not match his words - for example, he says that it is not a good measure to rate a congregation by size, then brags how many people attend his congregation; he says that being a "multi-program" congregation is not necessary, then brags about all the programs his congregation has. In addition, in this age of "shared ministry," he makes the congregation minister almost a cult of personality.

[Barbara P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slaughter writes from an authentic and spiritual grasp and understanding of discipleship. His commitment to a church living as disciples rather than just counting numbers is desperately needed in today's Christian world. His writing is clear, inspiring and very specific in stating the challenges of contemporary church life.

[Dave Pettengill · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciated the emphasis on being a Missional church, I left wondering how does this apply to other churches besides Ginghamsburg. It was cool reading the stories about that church and how it has applied these principles but not sure it gave enough direction for others in their local setting.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While looking for a book to encourage families to radical, community-changing living, I found this book. Its focus is more for church leaders but is spot on for creating churches that influence persons to focus on giving their time and resources where it is needed rather than to self or church buildings.

[Heather Djama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was free on kindle and I loved it. The author focused on what Christianity is supposed to be all about and looked at getting back to the basics of what Jesus taught instead of what religion teaches.

[Janet Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very powerful book. Very convicting look at why and how we can save church by transforming it from noun to verb. Measure not in belief but by action. I appreciated the many examples and didn't find it too preachy. What will happen if the church leaves the building?

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there are some areas where Mr. Slaughter and I would disagree theologically, his call to look at things differently, to challenge the Church to actually follow Christ (rather than "historical" modes of "worship") is refreshing and well worth the read.

[Jared Stine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me ask myself "Do I love Jesus, or do I just love the idea of Jesus?" Mission-minded UMC pastor Mike Slaughter challenges our preconceived notions about church while urging more courage and less fear in the pursuit of God's transformation - of ourselves and the world.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for churches and individuals that desire to follow Jesus' example for reaching the world.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was amazingly clear on what God is currently saying to the church

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

He talked a lot about changes we should be making within the church to more reflect the gospel. Also made me wonder what we should be changing as individuals.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Interesting. Great Points to use and help to define the Mission of the church.