From Bondage To Liberty, Dance, Children, Dance

by Jim Rayburn

This book is a funny, sometimes "tear-jerking" account of the lives of Jim and Maxine Rayburn. Jim is best known as the founder of Young Life, a worldwide work with teenagers. It must be said, however, that Jim was uncomfortable being introduced as the founder of Young Life, as he never knew he was founding anything (his own words). It is a beautiful, tragic story of a man of God with unbounded faith and an unconventional Christianity. It would be impossible to measure the impact of Jim Rayburnas life on countless multitudes of people throughout the world.

It was Jim Rayburn who said, "If you want people to come to Sunday school, don't have it on Sunday and don't call it school." Such thinking broke with traditional concepts and antagonized many, yet it carried Rayburn into new, uncharted territory. Before long Jim was packing them in - over 400 high school kids filled the local mortuary each Tuesday night to hear Jim talk about Jesus Christ and His love for them. Even the high school football coaches were helpless in the face of Jim's charisma, asking him to schedule his meetings with their need to practice in mind. The world may have never seen a "minister" like this; it certainly hasn't seen many.

Suffering severe migraines, battling dependence on prescription drugs, struggling with his marriage, and facing opposition from a board of directors that wanted more stability within the organization, Jim Rayburn seldom looked down and never looked back. He had the habit of thinking big, and sometimes his ideas caromed off the walls of Christianity.

Written by his son, Jim Rayburn III, this is a story that will grab you, one way or the other. Be careful before you order it; use caution. This story might cause you to miss a night or two of sleep; it is not an easy book to put down. It might also be a stepping stone to a deeper, richer, freer, more exciting and more intimate relationship with God.

Genres: Christian

226 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great book that gave me insight to the heart of Jim Rayburn, and a tremendous outline of his life (which was far from glamorous). Anyone who has interest in Youth Ministry or Young Life should read this book.

[Gabrielle Prose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by the story of Jim Rayburn’s life! I was amazed by his faith & boldness in evangelism. I was saddened for his family & all they suffered. I couldn’t believe that Young Life kicked him out & never offered a proper apology for their behavior! (According to story in the book). I know this behavior happens, because I’m a pastor’s kid. I’ve seen it happen.

An incredible read about a servant of God. May we all take encouragement from his life’s suffering as well as ‘success’.

[Sam Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely raw and well-written biography of Jim Rayburn, the founder of YoungLife. Rayburn's candid writing style and content give all the more glory to God as we are reminded that Jim Rayburn, a good man, was a good man at best and not the true hero of this story.

[Trey Tomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Rayburn's life provides an awesome example for how I would like to live as a Christian, especially in regards to prayer. His is also a cautionary tale though.

[Bob Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering this biography was written by Jim and Maxine's son, it was a surprisingly honest and raw account of their lives and their spiritual journeys, especially as they relate to Young Life. As a former YL staff, I had always wondered about the falling out that Jim had with the organization. This tells the story fairly well, if not a little one-sided. Also, it paints a fantastic picture of the heart and charisma of a man with a vision, who followed it whole-heartedly. Having been to most of the places mentioned in the book, it is fascinating to hear the stories of how Young Life came to own them and know that without Jim, my life would probably look very different.

I would highly recommend this for every YL staff person and volunteer. It gives a great picture of what the early days looked like and the heart of the mission of Young Life.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

The son of the founder of Young Life, Jim Rayburn III, recalls the joys and difficulties of his father starting and leading the first 25+ years of a Christian world wide youth reaching movement. The author gives us an inspiring and troubling perspective inside the Rayburn family through the elation of seeing many young lives set in right directions as well as some of the organizational inner workings and decisions that resulted in much hurt before the end of his fathers life. Wonderfully transparent and engaging book.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite recent reads. It is a great story about a man who understood how blessed he was by God. I would recommend anyone this book who has big dreams and aspirations for life and what that will look like. It is so cool to see how over a lifetime the things that can be done if one is obedient. But also, the hardship that is true in all people's lives. that no one is perfect and you should never perceive anyone to be or almost to the point where you deify them.

[Rebecca Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really sealed the way I feel about working with young people. I love it. The story about the high school quarterback who accepted Christ as his Savior and was killed in a car accident the following weekend just kills me. I need to read this book again, come to think of it.

[Christy Rivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to learn more about Younglife. While I am not wiser about the organization right now, it had the most beautiful beginnings.