Reviews

Confessions of a Reformission Rev.: Hard Lessons from an Emerging Missional Church by Mark Driscoll

lakesidegirl's review against another edition

1.0

At the time I read this, I liked this book more than I do now. However, I've changed since then, and thus find some of Driscoll's opinions to be less appealing or valid than I did in March. It is a fascinating story of the beginning of a church that started out small and grew very large. VERY large. One of his main points (that I actually remember months later) was that the "Church" should be large and that small churches just aren't as good. Meh. Statements such as that one and others like it don't resonate well for long after reading.

paterson's review against another edition

2.0

Brutally honest at some points that it makes you, and Driscoll, cringe. An honest biographical account of the history of Mars Hill and Driscoll as a pastor. While some parts were crude, it was encouraging. Driscoll has come a long way, and I think Seattle and other cities are reaping the benefits of this ministry to postmoderns.

thesimplepastor's review

3.0

Confessions of a Reformission Rev is an interesting book, didn't take me too long to read (less than a week) of yet another mega-church in an American city, this time Seattle. Ok Seattle is the most unchurched in America with only 8% evangelical but I dream of 8% of any kind of Christian. For the UK to get up to 8% in any place would be an achievement. In my area if we get up to 8% most people would think revival has broken out. In my area if the church growth is spread out evenly among all the churches my church would have to double in size three times.

So I started off thinking 8% is pretty good what's he complaining about? So having got my complaint out of the way if you want thedown to earth warts and all story of how a church grew from nothing to 4000+ in America then read this, otherwise don't bother. Driscoll shoots from the hip. A lot. If you're looking for thoughtful considered balanced language, if you're looking for dialogue and conversation this isn't the book for you. This young (ish) pastor with a young (ish) church into all the technology and music, is a straight down the line unapologetic Calvinist, Biblical literalist. If you don't like it, don't read it or lump it.

However Driscoll is well read, he is down to earth, he has given thought (lots of it) to how to lead and build his church, there are good insights and the man has earned his stripes. He's taken the hits and punches of building the church and kept plugging away. There is much to learn and the honesty and humour keep you turning the pages.

At the end of the day though, that's the US and the UK is a different place and only some of the lessons I believe will cross the sea. Still I enjoyed it, glad I read it and would read more of his stuff. I learnt, was given food for thought and it probably helped me as a leader who is at the beginning of the journey.