Driscoll's Confessions reviewed
15 May 2007
The Good... (and awesome)
I finished this book in about 2 weeks.
I really enjoyed it mightly. I wholeheartedly recommend reading it and buying it. The book looks at the growth of Driscoll's church Mars Hill from nothing to a church of 4000.
Driscoll's candid and humorous accounts are laugh out loud funny. Chapters with headings like "Jesus could you please rapture the charismatic lady who brings her tambourine to church." and "Jesus if anyone else calls my house I may be seeing you real soon." and stories of pooing his pants while preaching... then finishing the preach (that's dedication).
When I finished the book I was left seeing a person who wasn't afraid to admit thier failing and short comings in growing and maturing as a Christian. Throughout the book I was impressed that each time Driscoll was presented with a crisis it drove him back to prayer and the word of God. This is a great example in a society where we rush in the changes at the first sign of problems.
A side note for the anti-emerging church people. It would be a shame for people to write off Driscoll as "part of that dodgy emerging church bunch". In fact Driscoll is heavily critical of many liberal elements of the emergent church including Brian McLaren. Note that all this is done with respect and love.
Cautions I have...
Call me old school but I'm not totally convinced of the mega church model that he's keen on.
I also still need to do some thinking about Driscoll's Missiology which I'm still not sure about. His style could be off putting for some (perhaps older) readers which is a shame because what he says is definately worthwhile. Ironically however it's his slightly irreverent tone that really kept my attention through the book and will appeal to many.
Two thumbs up for Driscoll's Confession of a Reformission Rev.
Posts
I just finished reading the same book.
It's really very unputdownable.
I really like his style, but he comes across as very arrogant in what he is doing - not sure if it's just the style, but it can be a bit off-putting.
I think some churches really need to 'fire' some of the people that go there, but the way it comes across is really harsh - I hope that it was done in a way that doesn't leave wounded people lying all over the place.
Thanks for the interesting analysis of Driscoll's book. I've been hearing a lot of talk about it for a while and have wanted to pick up a copy; reading your post was the impetus I needed to finally take that step. I appreciate your candor with regard to the book's strengths and weaknesses!
Thanks also for stopping by my blog the other day; I've heard a lot about you (obviously), and wish I were able to meet you in person at your wedding next month. Alas, plane tickets to Germany are not in this seminary student's budget at the moment. I wish you the best, though, and pray that you and Christine will enjoy a long, Christ-centered, loving marriage! :)
PS--Please don't make her eat Vegemite.
My boss just finished it and liked it a lot.
One has to keep in mind while reading the book that his methods work for SEATTLE... not necessarily anywhere else in the world... and he knows that because his heart is for Seattle worshiping Christ as Lord.
He's an interesting character.
Funnily enough, I just had a conversation with Mikey about Driscoll about half an hour ago.
I'm quite interested in reading that one, I might come around and hassle you to borrow it...
You've inspired me to read it as well.
It's so freaking funny!! My favorite part has to be the 3 a.m. phone call from the guy in his church... "Jesus, thank you for not killing him for being a pervert. Amen."
Classic.