Reformission Rev. Review

I recently read Mark Driscoll's new book Confessions of a Reformission Rev. It is the story of how Mars Hill Church grew from a dozen people meeting in Mark's house to a gathering of thousands in Seattle--one of the least-churched cities in the nation.

It is an easy, engaging, page-turning read that is hard to set down. Mark is very honest about the challenges and pitfalls his church has faced at each stage of growth. His passion for reaching the lost is evident. You may not agree with all that he has to say, but you will be challenged. More than anything else, this story strikes a blow against the complacent attitude toward soul-winning that is so easy to slide into.

In essence, what Mark wants to see is churches becoming more missional. In times past, the term "missions" brought to mind going to foreign lands to reach people from non-Western, non-churched cultures. Yet there is a growing realization that the majority of Americans have had little or no exposure to the gospel and we need to start looking at our own neighborhoods like a missionary would. This means taking the message of the gospel and presenting it in terms understood by those who have never heard it before.

Mark has a "Martin Luther" type of candor that has brought both friends and critics. Regardless, he is an enthusiastic character who loves Jesus and wants to see others come to know Him. If you are interested, check out Driscoll's Resurgence website for articles and resources from such assorted folks as John Piper, Ed Stetzer, Josh Harris, and Charles Spurgeon.