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Pop Goes the Church

I had the opportunity this week to review Tim Stevens‘ soon-to-be-released, “Pop Goes The Church.” Tim is the executive pastor at Granger Community Church, a church that is consistently viewed as one of the most innovative churches in America.

Granger earned that reputation by working hard to connect with culture, and they’ve taken their fair share of criticism for it. I really enjoy Tim’s writings on leadership and ministry, so I was eager to read the expansion of those thoughts in book form.

I found the book provoking, and repeatedly interrupted Stephanie to read whole sections out loud to her. The best parts? Compelling arguments that this is not a new way of delivering the good news at all, but in fact exactly how Jesus and Paul introduced this radical new faith in their context. Tim offers fascinating evidence that Jesus was much more in touch with popular culture than we might think.

If you think the church needs a new strategy for connecting with culture—that cheezy bumper stickers and gospel t-shirts aren’t enough, you’re ready for this book. If you are concerned that churches can go too far and trade the truth for entertainment, you’re ready for this book.

If you are struggling with the questions of whether it’s okay to play secular music on Sunday morning, or if you’ve ever just wondered why your friends don’t want to come to church with you, you must read this book as soon as it’s released.

It’s an easy read that leaves you feeling uneasy. Am I doing enough to reach my culture? Am I using the tools that are right in front of me? Am I leveraging the culture-experts in my midst? And most importantly, is our community’s culture changing because of the impact our church is having?

Tim, I only have one disappointment: not a single quote in the entire book from Andy Stanley? C’mon, now…