false 0 2009-10-29T19:09:05-07:00 1516878 160 2009-10-29T19:09:05-07:00 0 2009-10-29T07:23:21-07:00 1513744 109 2009-10-29T07:23:21-07:00 0 2009-10-28T22:22:28-07:00 1512723 91 2009-10-28T22:22:28-07:00 0 2009-10-28T19:39:31-07:00 1512220 53 2009-10-28T19:39:31-07:00 0 2009-10-28T16:11:17-07:00 1511370 27 2009-10-28T16:11:17-07:00 4 0 false true Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Wed Oct 28 15:28:54 -0700 2009 Thu Oct 29 19:23:35 -0700 2009
When it comes to style, I wasn't a fan. At one point, Groeschel says that he was a skirt chasing frat boy before becoming a Christian, and, after reading his writing for a while, I don't think much has changed, outside of loving Jesus and only chasing his wife's skirt. Fart jokes abound and it has sort of a jock vibe to the writing. At moments I felt like some of the examples were based on hearsay as opposed to research ... like Luther translating the Bible into German so the common people could read it, never mind that they were illiterate.

However, I don't say that to disparage Groeschel or the book in any way, rather, I don't want those elements to get in the way of you grasping the gems in this book, especially the six words in the last chapter that really are a summary of the whole book ... stretch me, ruin me, heal me.

It's these three two-word prayers that are of utmost importance for everything else contained within. Yes, having a vision is good, and only working towards that vision is even better. Being creative enough to fail is important, as is having a team that enjoys working together so much it's like play. And of course, churches that want to share the gospel and view the Kingdom over the congregation are essential, but all of those things flow out of being stretched, ruined, and healed.

Just don't let Groeschel's inner jock get in the way of hearing that.]]>