Radical Together

Be ready to be challenged. It is not an easy book to read because in the end we have a choice to make.  Are we ready to give up our comfort to become selfless followers of Christ? Or are we still holding tightly our plan and possession because God’s agenda is too risky?  While Platt is intentional in his challenge to us, he is honest with his own struggle.  It is not easy to be a selfless follower of Christ because our ego is often in the way.  The realization comes after his encounter with Tozer’s book, "The Knowledge of the Holy."  There, he understood that God does not need us to bring him glory.  However, God’s love invites us to work together to proclaim his glory so that all nations come to know him.

For pastors or church leaders familiar with church growth methodology, they would find the book unappealing because Platt has no concern for how many crowds a church can attract.  In fact, Platt politely criticizes “seeker sensitive” methodology.  He has no concerns over relevant programs or preaching.  For Platt, one element always missing in church growth methodology is the maturity of the people of God. Therefore, he exhorts church leaders to focus on growing disciples than managing relevant programs to attract seekers.  The function of the church is to teach the Word so that the people are transformed and inspired to live for Christ.  Let the Word of God move people to follow Christ’s agenda: make disciples of all nations.

I gave the book five stars because of its simple yet profound message.  That is to live intentionally as the people of God for the glory of Christ.  We are called to always examine our life whether our agenda, our plan, and our possession are in alignment with God’s purpose to proclaim his gospel to all nations?