How To Knock Over A 7-Eleven: And Other Ministry Training

by Michael Cheshire

A true underdog story. Journey with these young leaders as they do church their way.  A diner, driving school and an odd jobs company are just some of the ways this group used to build a thriving church. In "How to Knock Over a 7-Eleven and Other Ministry Training," author and senior pastor Michael Cheshire brings real-life stories to out of the box church work. His humor is unmatched and the insights you get will cut to the core as you journey with him and his team as they build a church from scratch. This book takes you behind the scenes of a radically different way to build a church. It's a valuable resource for those planning to launch a new ministry or for leaders wanting to be more innovative in their community. This is not a story of the traditional church. Michael and his team sacrifice more than a few sacred cows in their pursuit of God's calling. If you're determined to pursue a calling in any type of ministry, this book will only make your fire grow.

Genres: Christian

172 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2011

Reviews

[Jackson Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a book written by a pastor who is not afraid to step off the pedestal that the public eye so often places leaders of ministry on. He shares his ministry experience and tactics that have worked for his congregation of the years of leadership. These tactics you may or may not agree with, and I think that's what makes me so glued to it.

I didn't agree with everything he wrote. And I love it. Because it challenges myself to go beyond what I know in leading ministry.

Michael Cheshire very beautifully combines humor, wit, wisdom, and incredible ministry advice into a quick yet entertaining read.

[Otis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give it over 4 stars but half stars are not allowed. I really enjoyed this read. It’s a short book, but I believe the resources available within would be impactful if applied with a heart to serve others to win people to Christ. The visual the author describes regarding the robbery had me in tears from laughing. Win, Train, Send. The approach might be different but that’s ok. It’s God that gives the increase.

[Wes Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't rate this book as a one star because it's horrible, it's not horrible. It is a really quick read, and I think for the time that I spent reading this book I got a return on my investment. The reason then, that this book receive a one star rating from me is simply because I don't believe this book needed to be written. There is very little depth to this book; it contributes minimal to the world of theology, missiology or ecclesiology. If you're looking for practical advice on how to plant a church, turn down the opportunity to read this book and instead listen to and read everything published on theology, pastoral work and church planting by guys like Craig Groeschel, Tim Keller, Andy Stanley, Zack Eswine, Matt Chandler, Dave Harvey, and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, this story does not have a happy ending. Mid-way through finishing the book, my friend who was reading this book with me, and I "googled" Cheshire and Journey Community Church, and the path that both headed down really caused us to lose trust in the content of this little book on ministry training.

[Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, a disclaimer that I received this book for free from Amazon.

I am not a pastor nor do I work for/with a church, so I’m not the book’s intended audience. Having said that, I appreciated the book for the many tidbits that would be helpful to those starting any new endeavor, whether church related or secular. The book is a short, easy read. But here’s the thing: Michael does it with his heart bared and weaknesses exposed, which is refreshing to see voluntarily in a church leader.

But there’s more: As good as this is, I think the true value of this book is Michael’s success in conveying his enthusiasm, his dedication, and his heart for his community, all of which I found contagious and inspiring.

I particularly love the insight that being there for people is the key (whether they choose to join his church or not). For all this, Michael, thank you for the gift of this book.

[Steven Daughtry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine from work goes to the church pastored by Cheshire and gave me a copy of this book. I enjoyed the encouraging and laughable stories of a growing church and what it means to lead others in steps of growth in faith and to live in true community with other believers. If I lived in Conifer, I would totally visit the Journey Church!

[Caleb Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really neat book that I got for free off of amazon! Definitely filled with great ideas! The guy who wrote it seems like a really cool guy. The only down side of it is that he cussed in this book, and I understand saying a cuss word then backtracking and apologizing, but writing one in a book? lol (Loc 1345). Overall I really enjoyed reading it; the author has a great writing style!

[Ashlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick and easy read. It isn't really a step by step kind of book, but rather insight into some of the unconventional ways that God provided Cheshire in the starting of his church. A very encouraging book, however, not to be confused as a standard manual for ministry training or church planting.

[Kellie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has a lot of creative ideas on how to reach people. It also shows that what works now in one environment might not keep working - that you have to keep coming up with creative ideas based around the needs of the community.

[Warren Benton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple straight forward book explaining how they started up their church and how they made planned encounters with their community. They did not wait for the community to start coming to their church, they went to them.

[Frank E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only informative but entertaining.

Not only informative but entertaining.

I appreciate the way Michael Cheshire weaves his personal history and the growth of their church together with relevant anecdotes and illustrations.

[Robert L Hutcherson Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both helpful and enjoyable

Excellent mix of humor, innovative solutions, and spiritual truths. Whether you are just considering, actively doing, or recharging ministry, this is a good read.

[Shawna Rippy tietsort · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book! Funny, inspiring, and real! Great example of how we should stay the course, look not to the right or to the left and love!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very frank look at church planting & church leadership... Some will find his attitude & irreverence towards traditional church life beguiling, while others will be turned off by the same.

[Esther Bergling · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book-life lessons with a good dose of humor. worthy read whether you're in ministry or not. ..read it, I dare ya!

[Mfaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very insightful. It encouraged me to step forward and become actively involved in the small, growing church that I attend.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of humor, real stories, creative ideas, all with a central focus on mission. An excellent book!

[Justin Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://justinfarley.blogspot.com/2014...

[Christopher Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, another kind of "how we do church" book. Light reading, funny, quick read, I thought