I was surprised when an advanced copy of Andy Stanley's new book showed up at my office. I opened it right away and began reading! Deep & Wide is a refreshingly honest and open explanation of Stanley's (and North Point Community Church's) approach to reaching people who would not identify themselves as Christians and then helping them grow in their faith. It's a thought provoking work that is sure to give any Christian leader ideas to chew on — especially if you're leading a church that is seeing little conversion growth.

If you are trying to build a church that is effective at reaching unchurched people, this is a wonderful vision-casting book.

I found it compelling, inspiring, and easy to read. Any volunteer could understand its message and every pastor will find a gold mine of ideas that could breathe life into their leadership and ministry.

Those who tend to disagree and disapprove of Stanley's approach will, no doubt, pick apart the ideas presented with simple sound bites removed from their context. Perhaps they do this to intimidate those who have yet to read the book in an effort to keep them from reading it and to justify their own lack of effectiveness of leading people into a relationship with Christ. I've found that when I disagree with someone the best thing to do is to take my thumb and first two fingers and then stroke them over my chin while saying "Humm." I've found that I learn more that way than just rejecting what challenges my opinions and approaches.

The ideas and principles Stanley presents have the potential to sharpen your own approach to reaching people far from God ... and deepen people who are already walking with God. Especially helpful was his explanation of their approach to discipleship (pp. 101-149). As someone who was once a "discipleship pastor" in a church with 3,500 attendees, I must say that I wish I had heard this approach years ago. I was always frustrated that we saw little true growth and transformation in the lives of our people. At the end of the day I felt as if we were just communicating information that helped them know more but did little to help change them. Ugh!

The section on cultivating a culture where truth and grace permeate every part of a church was eye-opening, challenging, uncomfortable and ... strangely helpful. It still has me thinking and processing. It is frustrating when I read something that I don't agree with but can't figure out why. When I pinpointed my disagreement I didn't like what I found about myself. I have some work to do.

The section where Stanley describes (in great detail) their approach to creating irresistible environments (and Sunday services) is worth the price of the book. I've watched North Point's services online before and have always enjoyed them. Instinctively I knew they were different than our church's but couldn't put my finger on it. The chapter on "Rules of Engagement" was crystal clear and very compelling! It makes perfect sense. Also, as a pastor myself, the content on his approach to preaching was very helpful. Every week the crowds that gather at our churches have different kinds of people in them. I've always struggled to bridge the gap between the groups (Christian and non-Christian) and make the message helpful and convicting to both crowds. I have some work to do on this one.

The book is filled with helpful and challenging ideas. What may prove to be most helpful was the last section of the book where Andy walks the reader through some thoughts about how the ideas and principles in the book might be adapted/implemented by any church.

If you are a volunteer in your church and you believe in evangelism and want to see your church growing and being filled with new believers and growing believers, get this book and read it. Then get an extra copy and give it to your pastor.

If you are a pastor, elder, or other church staff member you can't afford to miss what Stanley has to say. You may not agree with everything you read, but there is plenty here to help sharpen your focus and increase your effectiveness at every level of your church. And you'll find a wealth of material that will help you cast vision to your church. It may even help your church populate heaven.

I've just finished the latest book by Andy Stanley. It was given to me by Zondervan for free, if I would be willing to write a review. I didn't have to be positive about the book; just honest. I jumped at the chance. Now, let me say that I've not read much by Andy Stanley. Other than one book he co-wrote which I read about 6-7 years ago, this is the first book of his I've read. Sure, I've read articles, heard his leadership podcasts and even his sermons, but I was interested in reading another book.

What grabbed me about this one, and made me want to read it, was the subtitle: "Creating churches unchurched people love to attend." This, to me, should be the call of every church as we join with Jesus searching for the lost sheep. Of course, this book does have a "deep" element to it. We should have churches which those who are following Christ grow in. But too often, that is the only point. We want to make Christians comfortable.

I could write a lot about the book. To be honest, there were a lot of things which challenged me, and I'll be spending some time over the next few weeks/months examining different things around the church I pastor to see what we can improve on.

His own story is how Stanley begins the book, challenging me with statements like "Over 83 percent of our regular attendees marked that they have invited at least one person to church in the past twelve months." That is a staggering statement, and I'm not sure how many churches can boast numbers like that. This is what happens when you have a church people feel comfortable inviting their friends to.

One of the important portions of the books, for me, was the one on preaching. I'm always looking for ways to improve the way I communicate the Word to people on Sunday, and this gave me a lot to chew on.

Whether you're a pastor or a church leader, I recommend the book. Take some time, and don't rush through it. Thanks to Andy Stanley for a great book, as well as his refreshing honesty.

could not let the book go

This book is not about theology, but strategy. Essential theology never changes but strategy always changes over time. This book is about strategies to reach the unchurched. If you care about reaching those who do not know Christ or are not part of a Christian community, then you need to read this book. The first section of the book reviews Andy's familial background, but the rest of the book is what you really want to read.

I honestly feel like this is a must read for certain people in ministry. It isn't going to be for everyone and that's understandable, but if you're a pastor or minister who is unsatisfied with what YOU have been doing, much like I was, then this book may just change your like AND ministry around. I am so joyed that a pastor friend of mine bought me this, one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. Andy does a very good job of explaining why we hide behind so many silly excuses in ministry when we aren't experiencing a "THRIVING" congregation. He exposed quite a few of my own silly hiding places and I'm thrilled that he did. We often get the Adam syndrome, and when we are ashamed of what's going on in our ministry we jump in a bush and hide instead of run and scream trying to get in God's presence. I'm not sure I would take his every thought and idea, seeing how Atlanta isn't a small town like I live in, but through the Holy Spirit of God, this advice will come alive for you and you will see how Jesus would love to have you implement these strategies in the local Church He's planted you in. Read and be blessed.