STRETCH

Wild Goose Chase

Wild Goose Chase

Mark Batterson (Multnomah Books, 174 pp.)

In Wild Goose Chase, Batterson challenges believers that pursuing the Holy Spirit should be an adventure of a lifetime. He describes this adventure as something much more than what Christians often settle for in terms of walking in the Spirit.

One of the staples in Wild Goose Chase is “live like today is the first day and last day of your life”. It challenges the reader to embrace a risk taking, roller-coaster of a ride experience with Christ. What could God do with the full availability of man?  

Mark explores six “cages” that often keep us confined, restraining us from chasing the 'Goose.' Overall the book is very encouraging and inspiring, and at the same time has some very practical questions at the end of each section to help you unpack how the issue may be effecting you in your life.  The book would be great for a group study or even for someone who is looking to for ways to help spiritual growth areas in their life. 

Here is a link to www.chasethegoose.com. 

Here is a link to purchase the book.

-Reviewed by Jesse Watson, Student Pastor, Phoenix First Assembly of God, Phoenix, Arizona.

On the blog tour!

Just got an email from Mark Batterson's peeps about being selected to read and review Wild Goose Chase, which is Mark's new book.  I will be posting reviews in a week or so!  I'm pumped for the read.

Jesse

The Starbucks Experience

I'm reading 'The Starbucks Experience' which basically examines 5 key principles to the success of Starbucks.  I wanted to share a couple of great statements that I think translate into the church world, from an organizational perspective, so well.

"The accomplishments of starbucks are driven by a powerful passion for product, people, experience, and community."

I think this statement, for the most part does a good job in representing the mission of the church.  We have a powerful passion for our product (Jesus).  We have a powerful passion for people, afterall we are in the 'people-business'.  Do we have a powerful passion for experience and community?  If so, what does that look like?

How do we measure our passion for experience and community?  What do those two even look like from a church perspective?  Ideas?

Jesse

POP Goes the Church

As I am reading through Tim Steven's manuscript, 'Pop Goes the Church' I have to admit - I don't remember being as challenged as I have been ever with regards to the church and pop culture.  I have read through approximately half and the book is like an intense drama production unfolding.  I love it so far!  It will definitely be a book that will sit on my desk, available for inspiration at any time.

Jesse

Tim Stevens and me....lol

If you don't know this guy - get to FAST! He is the Executive Pastor at Granger Community Church and is currently writing a new book called "Pop Goes The Church."

For some reason, he picked me along with 9 other leaders to review his new book before it is finalized. So, I will be busy reading and critiquing (ha) for the next few days. I will keep you posted on how it turns out.

Jesse