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A Radical Idea

Radical. Do you remember when that used to be the word to use? I was so chest deep in this word that I can remember slowing it down and emphasizing each syllable. Rad-i-cal.

Cool wasn't cool enough and tubular was for wanna-be surfers. So if you wanted to express an idea as being worthy, radical was your word.

Now I don't know enough about David Platt to know if he feels the same way about radical, but he has used this idea in a series of books now. This one, A Radical Idea, is available as a 10-pack, for you and your 9 best friends. The subtitle explains more of Platt's focus; Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God.

At just over 50 pages, Platt doesn't waste anytime getting to the point. Writing from a pastor's perspective he wants to know one thing. "How can we in the church best unleash the people of God in the Spirit of God with the Word of God for the glory of God in the world?"

That's a great question.

Platt weaves in personal stories of tough decisions that his church made in order to ensure that they were making the most of all their opportunities in the community. He talks about not leaving ministry in the hands of the pastoral staff, but intentionally spreading the calling and the task of making disciples to all the people.

While Solomon's reminder that there is nothing new under the sun could be said about every book, I will say that this idea of pastors training others to do the discipling work is nothing new. Clearly, this was Jesus' plan when He started the Dozen on their tasks.

What makes this book appealing is its size. At 52 pages it can be read in one afternoon and still leave time for a nap. This would be a good read for church leaders as they talk and review purpose.

I received this 10-pack from from my good friends at Waterbrook Multnomah. They don't tell me what to say, but ask that I say something. In case you're wondering about those 9 other copies, I've got at least that many leaders at my church that I plan to share these with.
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