Having read quite a bit of Alan Hirsch’s work but being new to Dave Ferguson, I found this book to be another great chapter in the greater story that is unfolding in the Western church. As a friend of mine Doug Paul says, “It’s official. Missional is the new buzzword.” As true as this is, the reality is that most pastors and leaders of churches, big and small, have no clue what the implications of this word actually mean. At the same time, there seems to be a heavy dose of “missional” guys who use this buzzword merely as an excuse to throw the “attractional” guys under the bus. Alan and Dave happily live in the tension of this debate throughout the book. Throughout this book, the language used is more of “both/and” rather than “either/or” in regards to the missional/attractional debate.
The layout of this book allows you to feel like you are in the middle of a discussion between a practioner (Dave) and a missionalist (Alan). Alan Hirsch is the author for chapters 2-6 and Dave Ferguson finishes up with chapters 7-10. After each chapter, the other author writes a little blurb on their thoughts in regards to what the other had just said. In my opinion, it enhances the readability of the book.
In general this book does not introduce any new thoughts from Alan Hirsch. The language he uses, or creates rather, when writing can be polarizing for some readers. If you are not into people creating words to fit their thoughts and you like a good MLA handbook under your pillow at night, this book is not for you. Ultimately, I feel as though the language piece is important and that new language needs to be created when we are talking about totally new principles.
Overall this book is a must read if you fall into one of these categories:
- A pastor looking to start shifting his/her mindset towards being missional and leading a church that is missional.
- A pastor who feels drawn to the attractional church but feels like their faith community is lacking some expressions outward into the community.
- A practitioner who is looking to sharpen the tools in their tool belt with some great diagrams, shapes, and helpful visuals when thinking through the apostolic movement unfolding before us.
- A church planting team/couple to read together and invoke dialogue about the implications this material has on you and your context.
- Skeptics who feel discouraged that the missional and apostolic movement is trending and not for them.
That’s a very helpful comment on the book. Please could you tell me what MLA stands for. I would appreciate that.
Posted by John Dowling | July 6, 2011, 8:46 amIn English writing often times the more formal writing style due in university settings and in some work environments is MLA. There is an official handbook published and everything. It was merely an attempt to be sarcastic in regards to the fact that Alan and Dave use a lot of words they made up and write in styles that are more casual. This book will not appeal to those who are interested the formal side. Maybe it was a bad joke since I have to explain it.
Posted by Philip Watkins | July 6, 2011, 11:07 amThanks again for the review, Philip. If your readers have any questions about On The Verge I would be happy to interact with them here. Dave
Posted by Dave Ferguson | July 11, 2011, 11:02 pmThanks Dave. Great book really. I have already inspired several friends to get copies. I believe in what we can accomplish together in this missional movement.
Posted by Philip Watkins | July 12, 2011, 8:18 am