book review: it by craig groeschel

Written by Dan King

Christ-follower. husband. father. author of the unlikely missionary: from pew-warmer to poverty-fighter. co-author of activist faith: from him and for him. director of family ministry at st. edward's episcopal church. president of fistbump media, llc.

March 19, 2009

by Michele Borntreger

Have you ever visited a church and when you walked in, you just felt something? You could feel the electricity, the aliveness…and you just knew that whatever those people had, you wanted it too!

itI recently had the opportunity to read the book titled It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep Itby Craig Groeschel. In his book, Groeschel describes just what this feeling is and it has nothing to do with what the building looks like, what format is used, what people are wearing, what technology they have or any other thing you may have thought was important to “do” church correctly.

So, what is this it? According to Groeschel, “it is what God does through a rare combination of these qualities found in his people; Passion for his presence; A deep craving to reach the lost; Sincere integrity; Spirit-filled faith; Down-to-earth humility; Brokenness.” He does not tell the reader exactly what it is, because there is no all encompassing definition. I am sure you have been to a church and felt it. You know when they have it and you know when they don’t.

Groeschel writes just like he talks…he is relevant, honest and gets the point across in a way that anyone reading can understand. And as founding and senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, he has seen churches with it and without it. His church has many satellite locations and he shares stories of when some of his own churches had it and some did not. It can only come from God. You cannot create it with anything that you possess.

Upon first glance of the title, the reader might think that it will only benefit those that are already in some sort of leadership role within their church. I am not in leadership with my church. This book opened my eyes and helped me discover new things that God is trying to accomplish through anyone who reads this book. You see, this Itthat Groeschel talks about, starts with you. You have to have it if you ever hope to be a part of a church that has it. When you have it, you want to share it. Other people want it. You become kingdom-minded and that is exactly where God wants you to be. Your life becomes about God and his people and not about you. You don’t care what others think, but only what God thinks and you do everything to glorify Him. You rely completely on Him and you are forever “ruined”.

After reading this book, I have changed my perspective on some things. For one, when I am in a church, I need to be thinking about what I can do to reach the lost and how I can serve. I need to figure out how I can get it and keep it. Being a part of a church is not about what they are doing for me, but I about what I am doing for the kingdom. Can you imagine what your church would look like if everyone had it? I don’t think you would be able to keep people away and you would be seeing more people come to Christ. And really, that is what it is all about. It is not about you, the leadership team, the building, the ministries, or the pastor. It is about God. And when we all put our focus on Him and kingdom, we will see things happen that we never even imagined.

11 Comments

  1. chris

    great review dude! a fun site to check out is http://www.whatsmyitness.com – you can take an it-ness test and learn more about the book and DVD curriculum

    Reply
  2. BibleDude

    Thanks for stopping by Chris, and thanks for the website reference! I just too the it-ness test, and while I did okay, it looks like I still have some work to do! This is a great book, and as Michele pointed out, you don't have to be a church leader to benefit from Groeschel's teaching in IT.

    Reply
  3. chris

    great review dude! a fun site to check out is http://www.whatsmyitness.com – you can take an it-ness test and learn more about the book and DVD curriculum

    Reply
  4. BibleDude

    Thanks for stopping by Chris, and thanks for the website reference! I just too the it-ness test, and while I did okay, it looks like I still have some work to do! This is a great book, and as Michele pointed out, you don't have to be a church leader to benefit from Groeschel's teaching in IT.

    Reply
  5. chris

    great review dude! a fun site to check out is http://www.whatsmyitness.com – you can take an it-ness test and learn more about the book and DVD curriculum

    Reply
  6. BibleDude

    Thanks for stopping by Chris, and thanks for the website reference! I just too the it-ness test, and while I did okay, it looks like I still have some work to do! This is a great book, and as Michele pointed out, you don't have to be a church leader to benefit from Groeschel's teaching in IT.

    Reply
  7. kristabelieves

    These are some great points. It is easy to become “self-minded” when looking for a church and what it has for you. Very thought provoking.

    Reply
  8. kristabelieves

    These are some great points. It is easy to become “self-minded” when looking for a church and what it has for you. Very thought provoking.

    Reply
  9. kristabelieves

    These are some great points. It is easy to become “self-minded” when looking for a church and what it has for you. Very thought provoking.

    Reply
  10. kristabelieves

    These are some great points. It is easy to become “self-minded” when looking for a church and what it has for you. Very thought provoking.

    Reply
  11. Chuck Balsamo

    Very nice blog you have Dan. Love this review. Loved this book!! Also, I am praying for your continued success in life and ministry. God bless you friend!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to kristabelieves Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

book review: it by craig groeschel

by Dan King time to read: 3 min
11