The God Chasers: My Soul Follows Hard After Thee

The God Chasers #1

by Tommy Tenney

What is a God Chaser? A God chaser is an individual who hunger exceeds his reach. A God chaser is a person whose passion for God's presence presses him to chase the impossible in hopes that the uncatchable might catch him. A child chases a loving parent until, suddenly, the strong arms of the father enfold the chaser. The pursuer becomes the captive; the pursued the captor. Paul put it this way: "I chase after that I may catch that which apprehended me" (Phil. 3:12). Job was a God chaser. He said, " Oh that I knew where I might find Him!" David was one; he said, "My soul followeth hard after Thee." Paul was one too: "That I may know Him...." The passionate paths of God chasers can be traced across the pages of history from Moses the stutterer, David the singer, and Paul the itinerant preacher, to contemporaries like A.W. Tozer, Leonard Ravenhill, and countless others who share one common bond: an insatiable hunger to know their Lord. These are people who relentless, passionate pursuit of Christ often made them appear foolish in the eyes of others. Yet, having tasted His goodness and glimpsed the invisible, they could be satisfied with nothing less. "I must warn you, this is a dangerous book. If you are comfortable and complacent and want to stay that way, don't even open its pages!" -Cindy Jacobs, Co-founder, Generals of Intercession "The God Chasers is not for the fainthearted but for those who, in pursuit of God, are willing to die in the process."-Ken Gott, Revival Now!, Sunderland, United Kingdom

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Spirituality, Christian Non Fiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

Tommy Tenney is the author of multi-million selling The God Chasers series. He has written more than thirty books, with eight best-selling titles to date. Tommy has books in over forty languages, traveled into more than seventy-two countries and television broadcast into one hundred twenty nations. Tommy spent ten years pastoring and has spent over twenty years in itinerant ministry. His two passions are leading others to seek the presence of God and encouraging unity in the body of Christ. He is the founder of GodChasers.network, a mission's ministry organized to assist pastors globally, and distribute Tommy's teachings through various media. Three generations of ministry in his family heritage, and three daughters, have given Tommy a unique perspective on ministry. The Tenneys reside in Louisiana with their three daughters, their son-in-law, four grandchildren and two Yorkies.

Reviews

[Chioma Bethel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 2008 just before my graduation. it has led me down a five year path of being emptied of my fleshy aspirations and being literally filled on a constant basis with His bigger dreams. i prefer to walk with a limp and be blessed than strutting about in self-conceived importance on a void path. wow, chasing God is actually allowing Him to lift you up and draw you closer. it is a response to divine love.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book talks about a revival in the church through seeking God. Not just seeking God’s blessings (the things he can give us), but actually seeking His face. The book was written to usher in God’s presence in your life and your church family. Tenney said that the fires of revival must first ignite the church before its flames can spread to the street. God’s glory only comes when repentance and brokenness drive you to your knees, because His presence requires purity. I like this book because the author talks about changes you should make in order to have a closer relationship with God.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this a few times before. Each time I do, it reignites the desire in me to keep going after God. Having had some experiences myself when just the smallest amount of God's presence invaded the place (nothing as large as Tenney describes in chapter 1), there's the sense I have that there MUST be more than what I've experienced to this point. Fresh encouragement to continue in the pursuit...

[George Hunger · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have heard much about The God Chasers book written by Tommy Tenney over the years and have intended to read it for some time. So, when I finally had the chance, I downloaded a digital copy and prepared to be inspired and encouraged to chase after God for all He's worth. In short, let me begin by saying that there are many things I liked about the book, but when an author teaches bad doctrine, it's hard to put a stamp of approval on such a book.

I agree with Tenney that "God is just waiting to be caught by someone whose hunger exceeds his grasp." I agree that God is waiting for people to genuinely seek Him in Spirit and truth. I also agree that the American church is largely comfortable in sin and is more willing to cling to it's religious routine than seek after God and His holiness. These are the things I like about the book.... however, there are serious flaws that need exposing.

Have you ever read a book and get the idea that the author is running out of things to say? I felt this way with The God Chasers. Tenney made his point... seek after God with all you've got... but then says it over and over and over again. He speaks of repentance and brokenness... a very good and necessary thing, but doesn't give any practical application on HOW to do that, or HOW to build disciplines into your Christian life in order to become more like Christ, or how to develop a lifestyle of repentance and discipline. There were simply no steps given in which to accomplish these things.

Secondly, and most important, Tenney's view of evangelism is seriously flawed. He states, when speaking of non-Christians,

"The bottom line is that people are sick of church because the Church has been somewhat less than what the Book advertised! People want to connect with a higher power! Their hunger drives them everywhere but the Church."

In the book, he goes on to explain that many non-Christian hang out in bars and filthy places because there is more of God in those places than in the church. Really? I think Tenney has overlooked the scripture that says our hearts are "deceitfully wicked above all things" and that unless we are born again, we never truly desire God. The Bible says that "none seek after God", that every heart is wicked and the unsaved "drink iniquity in like water". Truth is, non-Christians reject church because they reject God. Romans 1 says that every person sins with conscience, knowing that they are offending God. There's no way around it... they sin because they like it and are unwilling to submit to God and His ways.

Tenney then goes on to say that if we finally allow God into our churches, and His power moves mightily, that the unsaved will flock to our churches and they will be busting at the seems (paraphrased). Why does the author overlook the command to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel"? This is the way we are commanded to evangelize. Biblically, we are called to preach sin and repentance, and then offer cleansing and forgiveness through Christ for those that repent. Having great church services with God's presence is great... but I assure you it will not bring about revival alone. We must be obedient to the Word of God and DO what we are called to do... as well as seek God's face and His presence in our lives. BOTH are required to bring about genuine revival in America... and in the world.

Lastly, the author makes idiotic statements like "I'm afraid that we have satiated our hunger for Him by reading old love letters from Him to the churches in the Epistles of the New Testament. These are good, holy, and necessary, but we never have intimacy with Him. We have stifled our hunger for His presence by doing things for Him."

Why does the author diminish the value of the Word of God in order to push spending quality time with God? Isn't Jesus the Word made flesh? Aren't the two things one in the same? One cannot separate God from the Word that goes forth because they are the same thing. The Word is essential... in fact, I would argue that it takes precedence OVER whatever private word or unction, or goose bumps one may get in a good church service. God does not and will never contradict His Word. Church services don't change lives, but God's Word does. The author needs to recant of putting God's Word on a lower shelf and from placing experiences over it.

There are several smaller issues I take with the book, but it would be redundant to mention them here. Overall, I like the premise of the book, but the doctrine is atrocious and taxing, to say the least. I once told someone that when it comes to books like these, "I can eat the chicken and spit out the bones." Unfortunately, this is an example where one would spend too much time choking on the bones to actually enjoy the meal. May I humbly suggest skipping this boney little chicken and perhaps dining on a steak dinner prepared by A.W. Tozer, Leonard Ravenhill, J.C. Ryle, or the like? There's much better fare available to the discerning reader who is famished for more of God and His presence.

[Christa]

THIS BOOK THIS BOOK...If you want to get closer to the God you read about in the Bible this boook is a must read. WE read about our God with a thousands of years ago mind frame but the God of the Old testament IS the God of 2013 and he is waiting for us to seek truly after Him and in our seeking He will show us His face...I need to read it again :-)
C

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far, I'm not sure if I'm going to like this book. I can understand the idea the author is wanting to convey, but I feel like he's maybe giving the "idea" a little too much overbearance (I'll try to explain that). I can't agree that God has to be "chased". I am hoping that the book will actually go in the direction of "chasing after the knowledge of Christ, of wanting to constantly be in the Lord's presence by doing what's right and letting His light shine through you" instead of the inference that "God is just beyond my reach". I think the author wants the reader to understand that perfection is a constant battle and struggle but, these first few pages, at least, he's saying it all wrong. The writing so far is...uncomfortable.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seek to bind closer to God. As a result, I've read a lot of books on the Bible and the journeys of christians of all denominations. This book, more than many of the others, helped me gain better understanding of myself and my relationship with Him. Because of this book and its sequel, I'll probably attempt to read most of Mr. Tenney's works. He's a fellow in pursuit of God's heart, seeking His face, and he has some good points to ponder in our own pursuit of our Heavenly Father.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many readers, this is one book that has changed my life. Tenney does an amazing job helping the reader to truly understand God in a new way, "inspiring a whole new generation to go from being 'pew-sitters' to God chasers." This is a must read for every young person and young Christian looking to explode their faith and get closer to God.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

A chaser is something you drink immediately after having a strong drink to rinse your mouth out. The picture of God painted by Tenny is one that is hard to swallow. Such a chaser may come in handy. Then again better theology is probably more apt.

[Mondo Rodarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. I have never been same since I read it. It has a blessing in it just reading it. Up to that time of reading it I had never read a book that filled me with hunger for God like this one did. I started experiencing dreams and visions after reading it

[Lisa Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Books next to the Bible.. It changed my life. Tommy Tenny showed me there was more. A God beyond just knowledge, or Deity, but a God who wanted a relationship with me. I highly recommend...

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking. Challenging. Convicting. Just my kind of reading!

[Brittany B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt the urgency to reread this book 7 years later and wow! Reading this now as a mature Christian it a definitely 5 ⭐️

Here’s why: this book challenges the fiber of your lifestyle as a believer. It’s a divine appointment for you to seek the presence of God, not just His blessings, and allow Him to bring revival to you, your city, region, and nation.

It empowers you to allow God to box out of the boxes we have put Him in (perspectives, presumption, fear, church denominations, etc).

This book is edifying to the soul and a challenge for life(styles).

[Tess Reinhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This totally changed my view on chasing after God. And it made me thirsty for a revival where people experience the face and presence of God. I loved when it emphasized that we want to pursue the Giver not just the gifts. This is definitely worth the read. Though, it is pretty dense so take it slowly.

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROFOUND! Mr. Tenney presents rich revelation in an easy to understand manner. Reading this book has challenge me to honestly look at my hunger level. This book is a must read for those who want more of the Lord.

All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the book was written in the late 90s, it still grabs my attention since this is how I am feeling right now: sick of church but still hungry for God. I think most churches have not only become social clubs for believers and forget the lost but also worship and admire the messenger instead of abiding to the message! We are humans and we hunger for truth of something beyond us; and know of people even family members who no longer attend church, or wish to go, and find other sources to fulfill this hunger.

Tommy Tenney, a pastor, who has ministered to various churches and even thought he arrived as a pastor when you speak at these mega-like churches but realized his hunger grew and desired to be a God chaser, not chasing after these speaking engagements and such. I didn't know he was a pastor since I read his biblical fiction book on Hadassah (and enjoyed greatly and read both of the books in the series a few years ago).

There were some other passages that stuck with me such as looking at yesterdayyear's word and ignornign GOd's summons; we are overstuffed with manmade programs for self-help and advancement; searching and turning to psychics, counselors, etc. instead of God and having such a "spiritual hunger" to seek His face instead of His hands; and people are guided only by the written word or prophetic one than a deeper maturity in Christ which Paul speaks about.

"There is much of God in most bars as there is in most churches."

The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star read, because it became redundant further in the read.

Leisure read 2014

Adrienna Turner
Author of God is in the Equation

[Ronda Pierce]

I was visiting a friend and went to her church Word of Faith in Austell, GA Sunday. Tommy Tenney gave the message for that day. I never heard of Tommy Tenney but after his message not being intimidated (came out of Joshua 5) I knew this man was anointed. When they said author of God Chasers I knew I had to read this book that I heard so much about. When I went to purchase the book in the church lobby (where Tommy and his wife were signing books)they said it was sold out at the 1st service (I attend the 3rd service)! So I bought God's Favourite House (sequel to God Chasers). But because I heard so much about God Chasers and heard Tommy Tenney I had to get it from Barnes & Noble.

[J.M. Gagne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely disappointed with this book. A word of caution to those considering this book. I had a sense of nausea from page one. There were some points that were made to sound worthy of discussion. However, it was mixed in with unbiblical logic and the author's opinions and a sprinkling of Scriptural reference. Dangerous combination and not where a mature Christian would venture. More like televangelism in book format. Complete with a short catalogue of promotional products at the end of the book. Waaaaay not cool!

[Adam Conder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good premise - easy read - excellent record of Tenney's experiences. It is a very subjective (even judgmental) view of the church from Tenney's point of view. Tenney does not contain much Biblical foundation for the claims he is making and he does not give much "how" to his proposals for The Church or a "chaser" of God.

[Oladeinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books that I have ever read that made me to cry like a baby.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a challenge to me spiritually, causing me to look inward and why I am seeking Things in my Life over HIM who is formed me.
Well worth the read to bring about change.

[Michael Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read awhile ago but was very influental!

[Phallen (Helen) Sakhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you pursue God with all your heart, soul, and body, He will turn to meet you and you will come out of it ruined for the world. You can get so caught up in being “religious” that you never become spiritual. God may have to ‘pierce’ the veil of our flesh to reveal our emptiness. It’s a pride problem – we point with pride to where He has been while we deny the obviously apparent ‘glory’ of the Son of God. If we can lead people into the manifest presence of God, all false theological houses of cards will tumble down.

It’s not just an argument or a doctrine; it’s an experience. Seek His face! Why? it is because His favor flows wherever His face is directed. You can be God’s child and not have His favor, much as an earthly child would be in disfavor but not be disowned.

God is not coming to people who merely seek His benefits. He’s coming to people who seek His face. We have sought His hands for too long. We want what He can do for us; we want His blessings, we want the chills and the thrills, we want the fishes and the loaves. Yet we shirk at the high commitment it takes to pursue His face.

You will have to make room for Him in your life, no matter how crowded and cluttered it may be at this moment. Sometimes it means your most treasured things may have to be broken to release the fragrance God remembers. The burial of man’s glory is often the birth of God’s glory. God wants you to openly and boldly let the world know how much you really love Him -even if you have to dismantle your glory right in front of a room full of disdaining disciples.

If you want to have that kind of encounter with God, then you will have to ‘break’ yourself. The highest level of worship comes from brokenness, and there are no shortcuts or formulas to help you “reach the top”. No one can do it for you; that is something only you can do. But if you do, God will stop just to spend time with you. The breaking of your heart arrest the ears and eyes of God, and it begins when your love for Him supersedes your fear of what others may think. You can’t seek His face and save your face.

Salvation is a free gift, but God’s glory will cost us everything.

[Reagan Vernon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book, even with my nervousness of Tenney's former oneness background.

Tenney's frequent references to the likes of A. W. Tozer, Charles Finney, and others were like treats scattered throughout his book. I was surprised that Jonathan Edwards was scarcely mentioned, even when Tenney was referencing the first great awakening. I wonder if this has to do with nervousness with Edwards' Calvinist theology, or with Edwards' own nervousness concerning certain extreme expressions within the great awakening.

Tenney argues that we ought to seek first the face, rather than the hands (gifts), of God. Although this call is particularly pertinent to Pentecostals, the message is relevant to all Christians. Indeed, his call for an intimate communion with God reminded me of the Christian mystical authors- I am also currently reading Teresa of Avila's The Interior Castle, and the parallels are striking (Central thesis, cited passages such as Mary + Martha, etc.).

I am nervous of Tenney's tendency to speak of human will as supreme over God's- much of his language runs along the lines of "We must do X so that God can do Y," "God will only do X once you Y," etc. He argues that we can, "arrest the plans of God" through seeking him- meaning that God puts aside whatever he is doing and decides to do something else when we seek him fervently enough. I think he could have been more selective in his language and more reflective of the implications of his logic.

I also did not appreciate his presentation of scripture as "moldy pages" which some Christians have made an idol. COGOP teaching is that, just as all scripture is God breathed, God's breath is not dissipated for modern readers. God's breath rests on scripture today as it did when it was inspired, and so too do we read scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit. Of course, our God is not a book, but he has revealed himself through a book.

Overall, Tenney pairs great seeking of God with theological assertions that made me uneasy. Recommended for the thoughtful reader.

[Alina Radchuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a slow start and in many parts, I felt like I was trudging to get through repetitive ideas. But the last two chapters were amazing. The insights into the woman washing Jesus’ feet and Moses’ 1,500 year pursuit of God’s glory were riveting.


Quotes:

We have wanted “life” in our services when God was after “death” in our gatherings! It is “death” through repentance and brokenness that ushers in the presence of God and causes you to draw near to the Lord and yet live.

“God, whatever it takes. I lay myself on the altar, and ask you to consume me with Your fire, Lord.”

This same woman who anointed Him in His life witnessed the crucifixion and said, “I can’t leave Him unanointed in His death.” As she carried yet another compound of precious spices to anoint the Lord’s body in the tomb, she found His tomb empty and again felt her heart break with emptiness as she began to bitterly weep and cry. Oh, the love of an anointer!
They are willing even to pour anointing over dead dreams!

If He hears that cracking tinkle when you break your alabaster box of personal treasures; if He notices the rustling sound as you bow to dismantle your own glory; you are going to stop Him in the middle of whatever He’s doing, because God cannot pass by a broken and contrite heart. He is going to move Heaven and earth just to come visit with you.

If you ever get so hungry for God
that you are in pursuit of Him,
He will do things for you
that He won’t do for anybody else.

He will not frustrate us. God will allow Himself to be caught by us. As a father playing tag with his child allows himself to be caught by the laughing, loving child, so too will the heavenly Father allow Himself to be caught. In fact, just when you would tire in despair, He will turn and catch you. He wants to be “captured” by our love.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a challenging book for me. The initial reason being that the author comes from a much more charismatic part of the Body of Christ than I. But much more so, this book was challenging because it forced me to ask uncomfortable (but essential!!) questions about myself and my faith in God.

I feel like this book encouraged me to think about the Lord in a way that I hadn't up until now. Primarily that God wants His people to chase Him, to pursue Him! The illustration Tenney gives of the joy he experiences when playing with his young daughter, laughing and loving her as she chases him around the yard and he pretends to be caught is poignant and effective. God doesn't want the "stuff" we bring Him, trying to please Him. He doesn't necessarily even want our efforts to try and please Him. He just wants us. To love Him, to worship Him, to trust in Him. This isn't a new truth, it's a thread found throughout the entire Bible, but sometimes even the plainest truths get overlooked when humanity gets involved.

This was a challenging book, but a very practical and important book, and I'm glad that I read it.

Thanks for taking the time to read my review!

[antony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gets you in a headlock and won’t let go

This is a deep and inspiring book. It is not for the neophyte, it is for someone who has already travelled and wants to go further and deeper. It’s for someone who wants to go beyond the superficial.

This book is about having a real relationship with God. It is for someone who wants God and not God’s stuff.

This book is two books in one. First there’s the completely focused, no holds barred, figure four leg lock treatise on how you should proceed if you really want God in your life. Then there is the workbook on how to apply that lockstep, day by day.

This is not an easy read, it’s a confronting choice between spiritual life or accepting the spiritual veneer.

This book gets you in a headlock and won’t let go until you decide what you are doing with your life.

Can’t say I agree with everything the author says, but I could not stop turning the pages.

[Ian Minielly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not for me. I have a highly skeptical eye on books and lessons from Charismatics. As far as that goes, this book was nowhere near as bad as some Charismatics and for the most part was alright. Sure the author takes giant liberties with Scripture to make his point, but he is right that most people never get past their initial proclamation of faith and into a deeper relationship. This is an issue and I suspect it always has been, even for the earliest churches, otherwise Paul would not have admonished them for being infants unable to handle solid food.

This seems to be our way as people. God makes a generous offer and instead of taking it with joy, we dance circles around ourselves because of the offer and never actual experience the joy of God's blessings.

[Mark Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Tenney describes a remarkable visitation of God in a church service in which he was a guest speaker. That event, covered in Chapter One, serves as the foundation of the book, and is truly worth reading. The lessons that he takes from that experience are also provided in Chapter One, and they are well articulated and instructive.

However, the remaining nine chapters are largely rehashes of the points of the first chapter, and often repetitive.

This book would have been stronger if it had been shorter. I would recommend reading the first chapter for the personal testimony contained therein, if you can find a library or used copy somewhere. That much is certainly worth your time.

[Denise Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF stopped at chapter 3. It lost my interest. Book started out with story of God’s presence being filled at the church that it moved the pastor approximately 10 feet from pulpit. Then follow up chapters seemed to say that today most churches don’t experience that because people aren’t that hungry for God. I agreed with him saying people looking to crystals and psychics are most likely looking for God. And how an experience with God can change you. But I disagree with experience having to be supernatural. Sometimes just reflecting on your life before Christ is enough