Confessions of a Reformission Rev.: Hard Lessons from an Emerging Missional Church : Book Review

"Confessions of a Reformission Rev" by Mark Driscoll is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the triumphs and challenges of establishing a thriving church. Driscoll offers readers a personal glimpse into his journey as a pastor, starting from the humble beginnings of his church plant to its eventual growth, while sharing valuable lessons learned along the way. Through a blend of honesty, humor, and vulnerability, he tackles crucial topics such as leadership, evangelism, and navigating controversies.

One of the book's standout qualities is Driscoll's remarkable ability to candidly address his own shortcomings and past mistakes. Instead of hiding his failures, he openly discusses the difficulties he encountered within his church community, making him relatable and lending credibility to his message.

Driscoll's writing style is engaging, creating a conversational tone that makes the book a delightful read. By utilizing personal anecdotes and real-life examples, he effectively illustrates his points, bringing his insights to life. Moreover, his sense of humor adds a lighthearted touch to potentially heavy subjects, striking a balance between informative and entertaining.

The book also tackles significant issues within the church, including the necessity of cultural relevance and the tension between maintaining biblical values while adapting to contemporary contexts. Driscoll challenges readers to critically evaluate their own approach to ministry, providing practical advice for navigating the complexities of church leadership.

Overall, "Confessions of a Reformission Rev" is a compelling and enlightening book that provides an intimate glimpse into the life of a pastor and the struggles of building a church community. Driscoll's willingness to share his personal journey, combined with his honest guidance and humor, makes this book an invaluable resource for pastors, church leaders, and anyone interested in the intricacies of ministry.

What are readers saying?

The book "Confessions of a Reformission Rev" written by Mark Driscoll has garnered a mix of opinions from its readers. Some find Driscoll's writing style to be candid and humorous, which draws them in and makes them feel connected. They appreciate his willingness to open up about his personal experiences and mistakes, as well as his valuable insights into church planting and leadership. Many readers perceive the book as insightful and inspiring, offering valuable lessons for those involved in ministry.

However, there are also critics of the book who believe that Driscoll comes across as arrogant and dismissive of other denominations, which can be a turn-off. They feel that his strong opinions and outspoken nature can create divisions and alienate readers. Additionally, a few readers find certain sections of the book repetitive, with content that feels recycled or excessively focused on Driscoll's own church.

Notwithstanding the criticisms, many readers value the practical advice and guidance provided by Driscoll in his book. They find his insights on engaging with culture and reaching out to non-believers to be relevant and useful. They appreciate his emphasis on authenticity and the mission-oriented approach to ministry, as well as his emphasis on theology and biblical principles.

Ultimately, "Confessions of a Reformission Rev" seems to evoke diverse reactions from readers. Some appreciate Driscoll's honesty and practicality, finding his book both entertaining and informative. Others, however, critique his writing style and worldview, perceiving him as exclusionary and divisive. It is important for readers to approach this book with an open mind, considering both the positive and negative feedback, before forming their own opinion.