What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness: Serving People Just as They Are
The starting and ending points for all outreach have to be love. The most effective way to reach people for Jesus is through kindness outreach―showing God’s love in practical ways. This type of outreach is what Jesus modeled, is culturally relevant, and values people. The goal should be to invite people to take the next step from where they are. Friendship Community Church, led by Pastor Todd Stevens, has experienced tremendous growth through acts of kindness. The church’s most radical kindness project is Nashville Strip Church, founded by Erin Stevens. Erin’s life changed when God told her to “go feed the strippers.” With home-cooked meals and gift bags, Erin shows dancers that God loves them. How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness includes the story of a dancer who has come to know Christ, left the strip club industry through Erin’s ministry, and is now serving with Erin to reach other strippers. From feeding the homeless, to Easter egg hunts for special needs children, to ministering in a strip club, How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness provides exciting ideas for showing God’s love in practical ways. Features
- GenresChristianNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
10 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 11, 2023
We all like to go where we are comfortable. This is about going and building relationships with people that will make us uncomfortable and call others to question why we are with 'those people' when we should be hanging out with people like us.
This will challenge your thinking about who you have a relationship with and who you are willing and able to share your faith story with.
Prepare to be challenged!
This will challenge your thinking about who you have a relationship with and who you are willing and able to share your faith story with.
Prepare to be challenged!
October 13, 2018
This has become one of my favorite books, as it challenged me to think about ways to love others one step closer to Jesus through extravagant acts of love. I don’t always do this in my every day life, but the challenge is there. Trying to get a group of friends to read this with me, however, has been an unwanted challenge because the title is off-putting for some of them.
March 27, 2021
It was okay. I didn’t like his writing style and it felt like he just talked about his church the whole time. He had some good points, but it probably could have been summed up in a chapter or two.
January 31, 2022
I can’t express how much this book meant to me and changed my life. The way I view others and ministry is forever impacted.
November 6, 2014
Requesting a book with a title like this, How to Pick Up a Stripper, is a bit risky. First, your first-grader will try to read the title out loud and you'll worry that she'll ask what a "stripper" is and you'll have to start an uncomfortable conversation. Second, you won't want to read it in public lest someone get the wrong idea. And third, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find the content is way more practical than the gimmicky title might suggest. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the Booklook Bloggers program in exchange for my review.)
Though Todd Stevens' wife, Erin, did start a ministry to show kindness to women working in a nearby strip club, the book is less about that particular effort and more about how showing kindness can go a long way in reaching people with the good news of Jesus.
Todd Stevens is the pastor of Friendship Community Church, a group of people who are committed to giving more to their community than they take and showing people God's love on a daily basis, without strings attached. Their efforts include hosting an Easter Egg hunt for the city, and a separate one a week earlier for parents of special needs children that is just as fun and amazing as the other one; buying lunch for the person behind them in line; catering a meal for the employees of a strip club; and stopping to help stranded motorists. They've created a church culture that seeks ways to help people outside of the church walls, for no other reason than to show God's love. Often those acts of kindness lead people to the church, but it's not the goal.
It's such a refreshing approach to outreach, and I found myself, while reading the book, becoming more aware of needs around me. Particularly convicting was Stevens' commentary on the parable of the Good Samaritan. These words were so convicting, I had to tweet them, mostly so I'd remember it for myself later.
"Busyness always trumps kindness. Always."
I think that's my biggest takeaway from this book. That if I'm busy and overcommitted and in a hurry to get from one place to the next, I'll miss chances to show people kindness in the name of God. And I'm beginning to believe that unless people see more radical acts of kindness from Christians, they won't listen to any of our words proclaiming good news.
How to Pick Up a Stripper is not a guidebook with steps to follow about how to start a particular outreach. Instead, it's a book full of compelling stories about how kindness has changed people's lives. Add it to your list of must-read books about evangelism. And be ready for questions and strange looks if you take the book out in public.
But maybe that's the first step in doing something out of the ordinary.
Though Todd Stevens' wife, Erin, did start a ministry to show kindness to women working in a nearby strip club, the book is less about that particular effort and more about how showing kindness can go a long way in reaching people with the good news of Jesus.
Todd Stevens is the pastor of Friendship Community Church, a group of people who are committed to giving more to their community than they take and showing people God's love on a daily basis, without strings attached. Their efforts include hosting an Easter Egg hunt for the city, and a separate one a week earlier for parents of special needs children that is just as fun and amazing as the other one; buying lunch for the person behind them in line; catering a meal for the employees of a strip club; and stopping to help stranded motorists. They've created a church culture that seeks ways to help people outside of the church walls, for no other reason than to show God's love. Often those acts of kindness lead people to the church, but it's not the goal.
It's such a refreshing approach to outreach, and I found myself, while reading the book, becoming more aware of needs around me. Particularly convicting was Stevens' commentary on the parable of the Good Samaritan. These words were so convicting, I had to tweet them, mostly so I'd remember it for myself later.
"Busyness always trumps kindness. Always."
I think that's my biggest takeaway from this book. That if I'm busy and overcommitted and in a hurry to get from one place to the next, I'll miss chances to show people kindness in the name of God. And I'm beginning to believe that unless people see more radical acts of kindness from Christians, they won't listen to any of our words proclaiming good news.
How to Pick Up a Stripper is not a guidebook with steps to follow about how to start a particular outreach. Instead, it's a book full of compelling stories about how kindness has changed people's lives. Add it to your list of must-read books about evangelism. And be ready for questions and strange looks if you take the book out in public.
But maybe that's the first step in doing something out of the ordinary.
July 17, 2014
How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness is a book that I would love to see more Christians read. When Jesus told us to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15), many people seem to think that means foreign missions. My passion is more for local missions, and I loved reading the various ideas AND reminders to love others as Jesus loves us. Many of the ideas mentioned in the book are not new ones, but each may be one that a reader has not considered. Or, they may spawn new ideas for your church, family, or for you to consider on your own. They range from simple acts of kindness to major 'step out of your comfort zone' projects. The point is that YOU may be the only example of Jesus Christ that someone encounters and your words and example make an impact.
The book is written in a conversational style that was helpful, inspirational, and, at times, humorous. On one page I would be nearly in tears due to a person who had made a decision to follow Jesus or the actions of the community of believers to reach out to people, and on the next would be laughing out loud at something Todd had written. The title of the book alone was enough to convince me that this was written by someone who shared my sense of humor, and was more like the person I want to be. Great book and one I definitely recommend to others.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CRF, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The book is written in a conversational style that was helpful, inspirational, and, at times, humorous. On one page I would be nearly in tears due to a person who had made a decision to follow Jesus or the actions of the community of believers to reach out to people, and on the next would be laughing out loud at something Todd had written. The title of the book alone was enough to convince me that this was written by someone who shared my sense of humor, and was more like the person I want to be. Great book and one I definitely recommend to others.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CRF, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 15, 2019
This book has been a fun one to talk about over the last few months. The title and the cover unnerve many people, but if you want to get prodded toward being obedient, this book is a wonderful read.
Check your heart: do we really WANT to love people? Do we really WANT to see them come to know Jesus? And what are we willing to give of our time, energy and resources to see that happen? Are we willing to do the same loving thing over and over again, to get out of our comfort zones and follow after our King?
"Full of Grace, seasoned with salt". This book doesn't shy away from the fact that service is not evangelism. And just telling people the gospel isn't service. "Here is the reality: it is hard for people to believe Jesus loves them when they are sure His followers don't." Ouch. "Our love for our enemies becomes our ceiling on our love for God." Ouch.
"If your motivation is to grow your church (which is not a bad goal either), then you'll get frustrated when attendance decreases or people stay home because it rained. But when you are motivated by a heart that beats for people the way God's heart does, then you will be unstoppable as you begin impacting your community for Christ, because God's heart for people will never change, and there will always be people who need to experience His love." (16) Ouch.
Let's talk about evangelism that makes sense because of what we DO. And that DOING that flows out of who are ARE IN CHRIST. Let's talk about loving people without strings, praying first in any evangelistic endeavor, loving our enemies and living nutty, crazy lives that don't make sense unless our King was the one empowering the work and calling the shots.
Check your heart: do we really WANT to love people? Do we really WANT to see them come to know Jesus? And what are we willing to give of our time, energy and resources to see that happen? Are we willing to do the same loving thing over and over again, to get out of our comfort zones and follow after our King?
"Full of Grace, seasoned with salt". This book doesn't shy away from the fact that service is not evangelism. And just telling people the gospel isn't service. "Here is the reality: it is hard for people to believe Jesus loves them when they are sure His followers don't." Ouch. "Our love for our enemies becomes our ceiling on our love for God." Ouch.
"If your motivation is to grow your church (which is not a bad goal either), then you'll get frustrated when attendance decreases or people stay home because it rained. But when you are motivated by a heart that beats for people the way God's heart does, then you will be unstoppable as you begin impacting your community for Christ, because God's heart for people will never change, and there will always be people who need to experience His love." (16) Ouch.
Let's talk about evangelism that makes sense because of what we DO. And that DOING that flows out of who are ARE IN CHRIST. Let's talk about loving people without strings, praying first in any evangelistic endeavor, loving our enemies and living nutty, crazy lives that don't make sense unless our King was the one empowering the work and calling the shots.
August 30, 2014
How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness is mostly a collection of anecdotes from the experiences of Todd and Erin Stevens in Nashville, TN as they relate to evangelism through the Friendship Community Church, Nashville Strip Church, and personal efforts. However, its primary purpose is to demonstrate and encourage the love of God through actions. Regardless of what the reader may think about individual examples, the actions and words used, and the Stevens’ arguments therefore, I’m not sure it’s possible to walk away from this book unaffected in a positive way. How to Pick Up a Stripper is a sucker punch to the face with stinging conviction about how we view and love others through the eyes and heart of Jesus. This is a great book for lighting a fire under someone’s complacency. Nashville is a world of its own, and not all contexts would be very conducive to the strategies described in the book, but every place (everyone!) needs love—the love of God. Use or don’t use the examples provided—I don’t think that’s what Todd and Erin care about; they do want the reader to do something, and there’s plenty of direction to go around for considering a path for one’s own context.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 22, 2014
I initially picked up this book because of the great title. I had no expectations out of it, it literally just looked good. Turns out, it's actually a really awesome book. Normally, I can't stand evangelicals and bible thumpers that try to push their religion down your throat. This book made me realize that there is a proper way to spread the love of God, and that's through kindness. Straight kindness. Pastor Todd Stevens talks about all the things that his Friendship Church accomplishes by thiunking outside of the box. People don't want to be preached at, they react better to actions. Todd and his church make a point to randomly wash car shields, pass out free gas cards, help special needs children, give free food to strippers and soo much more! They hand out little cards that say something like (forgive me, I don't have the book next to me) " Spreading the love of God - No Strings attached." They aren't forcing people to come to church or guilting the community. They are doing good deeds because it's the right thing to do and people will react more positively to it. This is a must read for any Christian or do gooder. There are so many great ideas and positive stories. Seriesouly soo good!
I received this book for free from Book Look Bloggers in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
I received this book for free from Book Look Bloggers in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
August 19, 2014
I first heard about Todd and Erin Stevens two months ago in the local newspaper. There was a profile on Erin's work in starting Nashville Strip Church and I was intrigued. That afternoon I received an email from BookLook that their book How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness would be available for review beginning in July. I marked the date and waited.
This excellent book is part of the Refraction series which is targeted at Millennial Christians (me!) and How to Pick up a Stripper is about evangelism. This is not a book about how we need to go out and shout at people to try and convert them. This is a book about developing a relationship and a reputation with your community so that you can reach them for Christ. There are practical tips for building relationships, for bolstering your reputation (and that of the church as a whole) and for reaching out to those who need to find a relationship with Jesus Christ.
to read the rest of my review check it out on my blog.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This excellent book is part of the Refraction series which is targeted at Millennial Christians (me!) and How to Pick up a Stripper is about evangelism. This is not a book about how we need to go out and shout at people to try and convert them. This is a book about developing a relationship and a reputation with your community so that you can reach them for Christ. There are practical tips for building relationships, for bolstering your reputation (and that of the church as a whole) and for reaching out to those who need to find a relationship with Jesus Christ.
to read the rest of my review check it out on my blog.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2014
How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness: Serving People Just as They Are (Refraction)
The most effective way to reach people for Jesus is through kindness outreach—showing God’s love in practical ways. I have to say I live by this motto. Whenever I see a need I could fulfill I do and it has served me well. Pastor Todd Stevens and his wife Erin reach out to people you would not normally see sitting next to you in church. For instance Erin visits a strip club in Vegas every week bringing food and loving on women who may be in a poor situation. Nothing required in return just to show a loving God verses a hateful and judgmental God. I love the concept and teachings this book has. If you are a faith based person this might be a great book for you. It helps show and suggest some gifts you might not think of using for God works!
The most effective way to reach people for Jesus is through kindness outreach—showing God’s love in practical ways. I have to say I live by this motto. Whenever I see a need I could fulfill I do and it has served me well. Pastor Todd Stevens and his wife Erin reach out to people you would not normally see sitting next to you in church. For instance Erin visits a strip club in Vegas every week bringing food and loving on women who may be in a poor situation. Nothing required in return just to show a loving God verses a hateful and judgmental God. I love the concept and teachings this book has. If you are a faith based person this might be a great book for you. It helps show and suggest some gifts you might not think of using for God works!
July 21, 2014
This book started out with so much potential. After all, the question they pose "How would someone describe you in one word?" makes you stop and think. Would it be "kind"? "Loving"? Or would it be "Grouchy"? "Selfish"? "Liar"?
The premise of this book is excellent. Don't just talk about God's love, SHOW God's love. BE love.
Yet after the first 1/3 of the book I felt as though it became a broken record. Things seemed to be repeated. At some point it seemed to become more about Todd's church. "My church does this, my church does that. This is how we do this, this is how we do that." I only managed to skim through the last third of the book as it no longer interested me.
I think a church leader or fellowship ministry would get a lot of useful information from this book.
The premise of this book is excellent. Don't just talk about God's love, SHOW God's love. BE love.
Yet after the first 1/3 of the book I felt as though it became a broken record. Things seemed to be repeated. At some point it seemed to become more about Todd's church. "My church does this, my church does that. This is how we do this, this is how we do that." I only managed to skim through the last third of the book as it no longer interested me.
I think a church leader or fellowship ministry would get a lot of useful information from this book.
September 1, 2014
A book with many twists of spiritual emotion and stories woven in. The chapters will create a bond with the authors and antics they endure. I felt torn between putting the book down and reflecting or just reading straight through to the end. Needless to say the book was done faster then most and I look forward to reading more from these authors in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from book look bloggers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from book look bloggers.
June 20, 2015
A refreshing read from an ordinary person allowing God to do the extraordinary through them. The main theme is that the best way to tell people about God's love is to actually show them God's love. I was glad the authors included the disclaimer that the love we show must be real and not just for show.
February 23, 2016
Loved this... read large sections of it aloud to my husband as we were traveling this weekend. Very practical, inspirational, conversational in tone and just a fun yet encouraging/challenging read. Highly recommend this one.
And yes... I picked it up because the "provocative" title caught my eye. ;-)
And yes... I picked it up because the "provocative" title caught my eye. ;-)
September 8, 2014
Not impressed.
December 12, 2014
Has a lot of good ideas for being a better person and how to treat people with kindness. I wasn't a fan of the god language, but that's my personal taste and I knew what I was getting into.
March 4, 2015
A thought provoking read about the power of acts of kindness. Be careful reading it in public, though. Speaking from experience here.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews