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You Are God's Plan A: There Is No Plan B
Every day and everywhere, everyone can live a powerful life of Kingdom impact . . . Jesus-style! One ordinary life making a powerful difference—that’s God’s amazing “Plan A” on display. Using real-life, riveting stories and a contemporary scriptural lens, Dwight Robertson shows how God’s exciting kingdom-building plan takes life—literally—in ordinary individuals. Robertson explains how God calls and equips average, everyday people—even those who don’t think they have anything special to contribute—to creative ministries that are as distinct and unique as the individual. God’s Plan A encourages average Christians everywhere to follow the model of ministering up close, one life at a time, outside church walls in our everyday lives. God’s Plan A involves all of us…and there is no Plan B.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
36 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 6, 2013
You Are God's Plan A is a book with a great primary message, that is, we all have a responsibility to share our faith with others. I like Dwight's passion and practical examples of how we can engage people with Christ's love. If you like books with practical application, this book is filled with ideas and could be perfect for you. However, I only gave this book two stars because it lacked a Biblical approach to evangelism.
In a nutshell, the author leads readers to believe that all Christians need to do is share God's "love" with people and this will create a desire in them to "come to Jesus". Unfortunately the author makes no mention of people needing to be aware of their sin or their need for honest, heart-felt repentance. Biblically, we know that salvation is not possible without repentance and being born again (1 Cor 7:8-10, John 3:3), Jesus and the apostles preached repentance (Matt 9:13, Matt 3:2, Matt 4:17, Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38, Acts 26:20)and Christians are commanded to communicate this very thing as well(Luke 24:47). Simply loving people in the name of Jesus or doing good works in His name is NOT communicating the gospel or making people aware of their need to turn from their sin and to put their faith Jesus for their salvation.
Before someone gets the wrong idea and labels me as a hate-monger, let me say that Biblical evangelism is also NOT preaching hell-fire and brimstone at people or beating them over the head with a Bible. (Nor am I saying that we should avoid doing good works, as that is clearly commanded in scripture.) For a Biblical approach to evangelism and a sound theological description, I suggest reading Hell's Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort (or watch his free videos online at www.livingwaters.com).
Overall, Dwight has a good message... to get out there and share Jesus with people. This is certainly a message that is needed in the modern American church where most people think this is the job of their pastor or local evangelist. He places the ownership of the Great Commission squarely on each of our shoulders as it should be... and for those reasons I think the book has merit.
In a nutshell, the author leads readers to believe that all Christians need to do is share God's "love" with people and this will create a desire in them to "come to Jesus". Unfortunately the author makes no mention of people needing to be aware of their sin or their need for honest, heart-felt repentance. Biblically, we know that salvation is not possible without repentance and being born again (1 Cor 7:8-10, John 3:3), Jesus and the apostles preached repentance (Matt 9:13, Matt 3:2, Matt 4:17, Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38, Acts 26:20)and Christians are commanded to communicate this very thing as well(Luke 24:47). Simply loving people in the name of Jesus or doing good works in His name is NOT communicating the gospel or making people aware of their need to turn from their sin and to put their faith Jesus for their salvation.
Before someone gets the wrong idea and labels me as a hate-monger, let me say that Biblical evangelism is also NOT preaching hell-fire and brimstone at people or beating them over the head with a Bible. (Nor am I saying that we should avoid doing good works, as that is clearly commanded in scripture.) For a Biblical approach to evangelism and a sound theological description, I suggest reading Hell's Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort (or watch his free videos online at www.livingwaters.com).
Overall, Dwight has a good message... to get out there and share Jesus with people. This is certainly a message that is needed in the modern American church where most people think this is the job of their pastor or local evangelist. He places the ownership of the Great Commission squarely on each of our shoulders as it should be... and for those reasons I think the book has merit.
April 22, 2022
The first half of this book provides several compelling examples of real people loving and serving people and the Lord in their scope of influence. I was moved and inspired by these stories. It focuses on the prayer and relationship-building aspect of evangelism. 4 stars
The second section focuses more on the motivational aspects of obedience… still good, but I did not find it as compelling as the first part. 3 stars
I very much agree with the relationship (salt and light) focus being prerequisite for the great commission. So many miss that and skip right to articulating the key tenants of the Gospel. It might be helpful to at least include links to those key tenants, which include sin and repentance, in appendix… But I do understand it would be tempting for some to rush to that and miss the key message of the book.
Averaged rating: 3.5 stars. Worth a read!!
The second section focuses more on the motivational aspects of obedience… still good, but I did not find it as compelling as the first part. 3 stars
I very much agree with the relationship (salt and light) focus being prerequisite for the great commission. So many miss that and skip right to articulating the key tenants of the Gospel. It might be helpful to at least include links to those key tenants, which include sin and repentance, in appendix… But I do understand it would be tempting for some to rush to that and miss the key message of the book.
Averaged rating: 3.5 stars. Worth a read!!
January 10, 2018
Amazing and impacting perspective
I needed this- validation and encouragement in my ministry as a father, employee, friend, neighbor... every church needs to encourage this book, and to walk out its principles
I needed this- validation and encouragement in my ministry as a father, employee, friend, neighbor... every church needs to encourage this book, and to walk out its principles
February 3, 2018
Inspiring collection of stories which reveal the difference one person can make in this life in the lives of others for now and for eternity.
March 21, 2019
Très très bon livre !!!! À relire
(Prêt Lorane)
(Prêt Lorane)
April 8, 2019
Exceeded my expectations. By a lot. Short, simple, easy read, but powerful in scope. Key, important truths for new Christians and old Christians.
July 24, 2021
Very practical and inspiring. A must-read for every follower of Christ.
January 20, 2024
Excellent book! Every Christian needs to get off the sidelines, get into this book & into ministry!
January 9, 2026
Good points, but gets redundant.
November 7, 2022
Ever Christian MUST read this book!
I loved "You Are God's Plan A"!! This book was all about Jesus style small ministry and being an effective witness in your own backyard. The author put emphasis on connecting to people you're around face to face--the grocery store, your job, the repair guy coming to fix your garage door, or even your waitress! The overall idea is that you're connecting with people individually as a regular person and allowing God to develop the relationship for His glory. You can pray for people without them having a clue about it! God can use you in visible and innocuous ways. The only requirement is YOUR WILLINGNESS! Do you WANT to be an effective witness for Christ where you are, with the people you already know? Jesus commanded us to "make disciples" and our desire should be to want to obey Him. What did YOU think of this book?
Oh! Last thing about You Are God's Plan A---I loved the emphasis the author put on having meals together! I felt inspired to invite people over for dinner more often! Fellowship can take many forms but a good conversation or laughter over a delicious meal is always my favorite way to fellowship.
I loved "You Are God's Plan A"!! This book was all about Jesus style small ministry and being an effective witness in your own backyard. The author put emphasis on connecting to people you're around face to face--the grocery store, your job, the repair guy coming to fix your garage door, or even your waitress! The overall idea is that you're connecting with people individually as a regular person and allowing God to develop the relationship for His glory. You can pray for people without them having a clue about it! God can use you in visible and innocuous ways. The only requirement is YOUR WILLINGNESS! Do you WANT to be an effective witness for Christ where you are, with the people you already know? Jesus commanded us to "make disciples" and our desire should be to want to obey Him. What did YOU think of this book?
Oh! Last thing about You Are God's Plan A---I loved the emphasis the author put on having meals together! I felt inspired to invite people over for dinner more often! Fellowship can take many forms but a good conversation or laughter over a delicious meal is always my favorite way to fellowship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2016
An inspiring reminder of our place in God's kingdom
This book is anecdotal and not academic. It is accessible to just about anyone. It will encourage and remind you with practical stories that everyone is part of God's plan to change the world.
This book is anecdotal and not academic. It is accessible to just about anyone. It will encourage and remind you with practical stories that everyone is part of God's plan to change the world.
October 4, 2023
My friend and roommate introduced me to You Are God's Plan A through our small group. Her family has some connections with the author, Dwight Robertson, and she had recently read the book and enjoyed it. We weren't able to finish it before the semester was over and she left for Ecuador, but I continued to read it (well, I forgot about it for a few months, but picked it up again during spring break. I absolutely love this book and some of the ideas Robertson presents.
The concept of the book is that God can use anyone, anywhere, to advance His Kingdom. God can use roofers and stay-at-home-moms and regular people to spread His Gospel and minister to people. Robertson presents a number of ideas of how to connect with neighbors and build relationships with them, and he encourages Christians to reach out to those God has placed around them. Our lives are meant to be infused with the presence and love of Jesus, and we need to trust that God will be faithful and go where we go.
There are a lot of anecdotes in this book, which I enjoyed reading and hearing about. Robertson makes many of his concepts seem more real and attainable when he uses stories of everyday people reaching out in love to those around him. Robertson prompts readers to consider their passions and positions in life and to follow God faithfully into the lives of others. Roberson illustrated that through prayer and reliance on God's love, power, and Word, Christians can reach those around them and help others to see and experience God's Kingdom.
The concept of the book is that God can use anyone, anywhere, to advance His Kingdom. God can use roofers and stay-at-home-moms and regular people to spread His Gospel and minister to people. Robertson presents a number of ideas of how to connect with neighbors and build relationships with them, and he encourages Christians to reach out to those God has placed around them. Our lives are meant to be infused with the presence and love of Jesus, and we need to trust that God will be faithful and go where we go.
There are a lot of anecdotes in this book, which I enjoyed reading and hearing about. Robertson makes many of his concepts seem more real and attainable when he uses stories of everyday people reaching out in love to those around him. Robertson prompts readers to consider their passions and positions in life and to follow God faithfully into the lives of others. Roberson illustrated that through prayer and reliance on God's love, power, and Word, Christians can reach those around them and help others to see and experience God's Kingdom.
June 3, 2013
This book was written by the President of Kingdom Building Ministries -- a ministry with an amazing vision that has personally impacted my life. I participated in a discipleship-training program with them out of college one summer and it was life-changing. I know Dwight personally and he is one of the most godly men I have ever met. Sitting and talking with him feels a bit like I imagine it would feel to sit and talk with Jesus. I love this book and its message. If you are looking to live a life of meaning that will impact God's kingdom for eternity, I would recommend you read it. Here is one excerpt I want to remember. It's not the crux of the book's message, but something that I really felt God say to me in the midst of it:
On being quick to listen; slow to speak: "Giving people an informational download before they feel valued or heard is presumptive and insensitive. True conversation opens doors to the kind of information sharing and enjoyable sotry exchange that leads to stronger and deeper relationships. Engaging people's lives iwth a listening ear and asking sincere questions that probe their hearts often opens a window to their souls. Hearing them share their stories of hurt, pain, joy and difficulty enables you to adapt what you share of God's hope, love, truth, and encouragement to their unique lives."
On being quick to listen; slow to speak: "Giving people an informational download before they feel valued or heard is presumptive and insensitive. True conversation opens doors to the kind of information sharing and enjoyable sotry exchange that leads to stronger and deeper relationships. Engaging people's lives iwth a listening ear and asking sincere questions that probe their hearts often opens a window to their souls. Hearing them share their stories of hurt, pain, joy and difficulty enables you to adapt what you share of God's hope, love, truth, and encouragement to their unique lives."
September 20, 2012
This is an important book for the church. Dwight Robertson has written on themes that most social club Christians still do not get, that Jesus' work in His people must be displayed through our very essence, and not just on regularly programmed compartments on Sundays and Wednesday nights, or when the pastor is watching.
Consisting of several real life portraits of Jesus people, or every day folk who exhibit the redemptive work of grace in extraordinary ways, this book will challenge, inspire and convict a reader to live in such a way that every encounter wwill be a God encounter for those with whom we interact. And it doesn't take a Mother Theresa avocation or self-sacrifice. We can make an impact as a cashier, a waitress, a mom, a grandparent, virtually anywhere we are. If we are real, genuine, and accessible, if we put relationship and not a cloak of religion first and foremost, then we can become the true reflection of our mentor and savior.
I loved his engaging writing style, his insight and even the more challenging ways that this pastor confronts the status quo of a ineffective program mentality church. I wish this book could be required reading for new believers.
Consisting of several real life portraits of Jesus people, or every day folk who exhibit the redemptive work of grace in extraordinary ways, this book will challenge, inspire and convict a reader to live in such a way that every encounter wwill be a God encounter for those with whom we interact. And it doesn't take a Mother Theresa avocation or self-sacrifice. We can make an impact as a cashier, a waitress, a mom, a grandparent, virtually anywhere we are. If we are real, genuine, and accessible, if we put relationship and not a cloak of religion first and foremost, then we can become the true reflection of our mentor and savior.
I loved his engaging writing style, his insight and even the more challenging ways that this pastor confronts the status quo of a ineffective program mentality church. I wish this book could be required reading for new believers.
April 9, 2015
This book is filled with stories of individual people who carried out the Great Commission in their own families, neighborhoods, everyday lives. The premise of the book is that each Christian is called to spread the Gospel through our interactions with others in our work and social lives. God builds His Kingdom through Christians living and loving those around them.
November 10, 2016
This was given to me as a gift in our Christmas Party. Reading this really inspired me and motivated me. I still remember few of the lessons taught here. The stories in each chapter and knowing they happened in real life amazes me as I ponder about each story.
April 18, 2011
Good, practical book on ministry. Had a lot of good advice and food for thought, but didn't overwhelm me with superior writing and ideas.
May 31, 2014
One of the best books i've read in a long time -- very easy to read -- but wonderful, thought-provoking concepts! i'm recommending it to everyone!
April 26, 2017
It was good. A reminder that God does have an unique plan for each and everyone of us. We just have to step into it. Would recommend to anyone feeling like they're not sure on life direction
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews