Book Review: unChristian

I just finished 'unChristian', a book by David Kinnaman, who does research for the Barna Group. In this book, Kinnaman presents how young insiders and outsiders view Christianity today, especially from 6 distressing viewpoints. Many young people, both Christians and non0Christians, find the Christian church to be hypocritical, focused on getting people to become members, anti-homosexual, sheltered, too political, and judgmental. The Barna Group's research show that many, both inside and outside of Christianity, have experienced these in their relationships with Christians.

While the Christian Church is not primarily focused on how others perceive it, there is a problem when the perception others have of us presents obstacles to sharing the Gospel with them. This book presents an opportunity to look at what we, as individuals and as the corporate body of Christ, are doing that turns people off to Jesus and His Church.

This book presents a tension. The Christian Church is not in the market to make itself presentable, especially since some of Christ's teachings are difficult to hear and live by. However, when the Church doesn't care what others think, then we begin to put obstacles of our own creating in the way of the message of the Good News. Thus, it behooves us to look at what we are doing that presents such obstacles.

I recommend this book, especially for those Christians and churches looking to be more effective in outreach. It will show some of the ugliness that is found in people who were born and conceived in sin. Yet, it also shows that it is possible to take a look at ourselves and to face those things which present stumbling blocks to others knowing of God's love and Christ's forgiveness.

Book Review: Deep Change

I recently finished reading "Deep Change: Discovering the Leader Within" by Robert E. Quinn. This book was the topic for a learning community that I participate in, and was required reading.

Quinn addresses the lack of deep change that happens in organizations when faced with the need for change. Often, most organizations attempt surface level change, which only addresses surface level issues. Deep change transforms an organization, and finds its starting point in the person/people of the leader(s).

Deep change occurs when a person takes an in-depth look at oneself, recognizes that which is within them which obstructs needed changes, and then involves addressing such issues. While possible to do this alone, the need for accountability and the flow of ideas from others greatly enhance the ability of the leader to achieve this kind of deep change.

Quinn presents a compelling argument for the need of leaders to engage in deep change. He also demonstrates that the need is far more frequent than may be anticipated, and involves a great deal of personal reflection. Any leader or participant in an organization would benefit from Quinn's thoughts, and an application of them in their context.

I recommend this book for anyone who is involved in a place, business, or organization where change is needed, and highly recommend it for leaders of any sort of organization.