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The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World |  | Author: Richard Stearns
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Category: Book
List Price: $22.99
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Rating:  reviews
Sales Rank: 8395
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1ST
Pages: 320
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 9 x 6.1 x 1.5
ISBN: 0785229183
Dewey Decimal Number: 248.4
EAN: 9780785229186
ASIN: 0785229183
Publication Date: March 10, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
"Preach the Gospel always. Use words if necessary." - St. Francis of Assisi
It's 1998 and Richard Stearns' heart is breaking as he sits in a mud hut and listens to the story of an orphaned child in Rakai, Uganda. His journey to this place took more than a long flight from the United States to Africa. It took answering God's call on his life, a call that hurtled him out of his presidential corner office at Lenox-America's finest tableware company-to this humble corner of Uganda. This is a story of how a corporate CEO faced his own struggle to obey God whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith. Using his own journey as an example, Stearns explores the hole that exists in our understanding of the Gospel. Two thousand years ago, twelve people changed the world. Stearns believes it can happen again. "Read this compelling story and urgent call for change-Richard Stearns is a contemporary Amos crying 'let justice roll down like waters….' Justice is a serious gospel-prophetic mandate. Far too many American Christians for too long a time have left the cause to 'others.' Read it as an altar call." --Eugene H. Peterson, translator of The Message, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, BC "Rich Stearns calls us to exhilarating obedience to God's life-altering, world-changing command to reflect his love to our neighbors at home and globally. The Hole in Our Gospel is imbued with the hope of what is possible when God's people are transformed to live radically in light of his great love." --Gary Haugen, President & CEO, International Justice Mission "Richard Stearns is quite simply one of the finest leaders I have ever known.... When he became president of World Vision I had a front row seat to witness the way God used his mind and heart to inspire thousands.... His new book, The Hole In Our Gospel will call you to a higher level of discipleship.... Now is the time...Richard Stearns has the strategy...your move!" --Bill Hybels, Founding and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL "Rich Stearns has given us a book that makes absolutely clear what God hopes for and expects from each of us.... He reminded me of my personal responsibilities and the priority I must give them and also where life's true rewards and fulfillment are to be found." --Jim Morris, former executive director, United Nations World Food Program "World Vision plays a strategic role on our globe. As the largest relief organization in the history of the world, they initiate care and respond to crisis. Rich Stearns navigates this mercy mission with great skill. His book urges us to think again about the opportunity to love our neighbor and comfort the afflicted. His message is timely and needed. May God bless him, the mission of World Vision and all who embrace it." --Max Lucado, author of 3:16-The Numbers of Hope, Minister of Writing and Preaching, Oak Hills Church, San Antonio, TX "Rich Stearns has penned a passionate and persuasive book aimed at Christians who find themselves absorbed with their own existence, pursuing the American dream of health, wealth and happiness. Rich traces his own spiritual journey from having it all, to sacrificial living on behalf of those who have nothing. Not only is Rich eloquent, he's right." --Kay Warren, Executive Director HIV/AIDS Initiative at Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA "An urgent, powerful summons to live like Jesus. Stearns weaves solid theology, moving stories, and his own journey of faith into a compelling call to live the whole Gospel. Highly recommended!" --Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action, Author of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger "With passionate urging and earnestness, Rich Stearns challenges Christians to embrace the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ by embracing the neediest and most vulnerable among us. After reading the moving stories, the compelling facts and figures, and Stearns' excellent application of scripture and his own experiences at World Vision, you will no doubt be asking yourself: What should I do?" --Chuck Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship "This book is a clarion call for the church to arise and answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?"... If you read this book, you will be inspired, but if you do what this book is asking, you will be forever changed. Rich Stearns' book is like a safari for hurting souls that cannot be written in the safety of an office suite.... If you have been feeling something missing or an aching emptiness inside, read The Hole in our Gospel. It will show you how to fill that void!" --T.D. Jakes Sr., The Potter's House of Dallas, Inc. "Rich Stearns' book is showing us through stories and examples how it is better to see a sermon rather than hear one. This is an important book for all of us!" --Tony Hall, US Ambassador and former US Congressman "This is much more than "just another book" from a Christian leader. It's a message to Christendom that we all need." --Dr. Tony Campolo, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University, author of Red Letter Christians "This book represents a powerful personal story; face to face experiences with the poor which changed the author's life, plus, an insightful scriptural commentary. As happened with Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision; Richard Stearns' heart has been broken with the things that break the heart of God. Now, Stearns is using his considerable CEO skills to serve the poor and oppressed. I highly recommend this book." --John M. Perkins, President, John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation & Development, Inc.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Touching, Powerful Look at Extreme Poverty and at What Christians Can Do July 29, 2010
DWD (Indianapolis, IN)
Richard Stearns has been the president of World Vision U.S., perhaps the leading Christian relief organization in the world, since 1998. In "The Hole In Our Gospel" Stearns lays out powerful, persuasive arguments for the need for Christians to act out their faith, especially when helping "the least of these." (Matthew 25:40)
The book's title comes from the visual image of literally cutting out the parts of the Bible that are uncomfortable for you. Stearns asserts that we have cut out the parts that demand the church act because of a desire to avoid the concept of doing good works to get into heaven. Clearly, the Bible states that faith alone is all that is required. The church has stopped with that and is ignoring the opportunities to do good works in the name of Christ.
Stearns is quick to affirm that good works without faith is pointless for salvation. But, he is fond of quoting Matthew 25 and the Book of James which note that works should proceed from faith - they are a sign of a healthy faith. As James notes: "Faith without works is dead."
Once Stearns establishes his religious foundation and his personal story, he describes the great need across the planet with several heartbreaking stories and statistics. Children forced into slavery, women mutilated by child soldiers, starving families (including a woman in Haiti who was trying to give her children to anyone who could just feed them) and on and on.
Stearns reminds his Christian readers that Christ wanted his church to remember the poor, have compassion on them as he did so often. Stearns is not advocating handouts (although there are clearly times for that, such as with the woman I wrote about in the previous paragraph). Rather, he tells several stories based around the idea of "microlending" - building up capital in a neighborhood or region so that they can be self-sustaining. I found that to be the part that was the most exciting - getting some economic momentum going in those areas while advancing the Gospel.
That being said, Stearns does veer off course a couple of times and wander into hyperbole (I hope - otherwise he has no real sense of economics and his microlending stories make me doubt that). For example, on page 141 he writes, "The wealthiest countries...spend 90 percent of the world's health care dollars, allowing the remaining four-fifths of the planet to spend only 10 percent of the money." Allow? I was unaware that the industrialized world was actually keeping the undeveloped world on a budget and we only allow them to spend a certain amount. It would be more accurate to say that most of the world gets the same medical treatment (or, more accurately, lack thereof) that has been available throughout human history and the developed world has developed the wealth to spend more (tons and tons more).
But, 99% of the book is dead on correct in my eye. There is an awful need out there and the church seems to be ignoring it. "The Hole In Our Gospel" is a powerful call to action.
The Hole In Our Gospel July 28, 2010
R. Rhodes (Ohio)
Richard Stearns was living what a lot of people consider the American Dream. A big House, big salary, a jag for a company car. Then he started getting calls to join World Harvest. He tried to run from it, but everywhere he turned something new would happen to make him think he had to take the job. Finally he gave up everything he'd worked for, and flew his family across the country for a 75% cut in salary to become CEO of World Vision U.S.
This is a must read book, whether you are Christian or not, but particularly if you are Christian. It was at times disturbing, and made me realize that despite what I think, I don't do enough to help others. That is the premise for this book.
The Bible commands that we help out the least among us. His whole point throughout this, is that people have failed in this assignment. He packs the book with statistics, and heartbreaking stories of his visits to other countries, some overran with AIDs suffering.
He begins by usin the illustration that if you out every sentence in the bible that dealt with how we were to treat the poor, the hungry, the needy, that the bible would be nothing but shreds. There would be so many holes you wouldn't recognize it, yet that's what a lot of people do all the time. He admits that he has a tendency to really get excited and help when he first returns from a mission, but then things die off, and he falls back into a rut.
One scenario he imagines is that of two churches. One is a church in Africa that has nothing, but is happy. The other is a church here, that has everything it needs, but the people are too busy with their own lives. The man from the African church is transported here, and sees the church, and is astonished, he thinks he will be able to tell them all the stuff he needs help with but as soon as the service is over, they flock out without ever listening to him.
A Shock TV/Radio jock has recently said The Bible had nothing to say about Social Justice, and others have spoken out about community service, yet this whole book is about Social Justice and serving your community, and how it's commanded by God. I think regardless of your views, and no matter how much you think you are contributing, you should pick it up and read it. I think you'll find it very eye opening.
The Challenge to Live Like We Believe July 26, 2010
Melissa J. Teakell (KENAI, AK, US)
The Hole in Our Gospel: The answer that changed my life and might just change the world by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision International, U.S. explores the concept that there is something missing in our "Americanized" Gospel. He suggests that as a whole, the American Christians have, perhaps in their zeal, left out the social revolution part of the Good News that Jesus brought. Throughout the book, Richard brings out the statistical references that should make all who proclaim to be followers of Christ fall on our faces in shame. Fortunately, he also shares in his own struggles to live out what he knows to be the "Whole Gospel" and in doing, encourages us all to to take a second look at what it is we profess and how we live out our faith. Do we embrace the whole gospel that Jesus proclaimed, and if we would, how radically would it change our world? Instead of letting others outside the church lead in social revolutions, we ought to be like Jesus and be the leaders!
This book was extremely wonderful and terrible to read. My passions are ignited, and to that I am excited! I am also heart-broken and horrified to not just read statistics, but to hear stories of how "we" are dropping the ball on so many of our brethren. I never felt that Richard was trying to "guilt-trip" anyone into doing more or giving more; instead he had an encouraging style where you felt caught up in his passion and excitement to become involved. Because his story includes so much of the World Vision organization, there is a lot of reference to them, but again, no pressure to choose them exclusively with which to invest. I felt as though he was trying to open the eyes of those who simply do not realize the extent of what is going on in our world and to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24)
I would recommend this book to anyone who claimed to be a Christian, and even those who do not. It is an eye-opening book to the struggles of the poor and the effects of non-action, both real and perceived. In a culture who's greatest goals seem to be to take care of our "own," and to simply walk by, Mr. Stearns reminds us of who our neighbors really are, and what we do or don't do reveals who we are as well.
*This book was provided to me at no cost by Thomas Nelson Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. All thoughts are solely my own and I receive no benefits for positive reviews.
 Great read for discerning readers July 26, 2010
B. Dempsey
I have rarely read a book that evoked such conflicting emotions as Stearns' work. In 279 pages, the CEO of World Vision brings before the church the needs of the poverty stricken portions of the world in graphic form. He drives home the point that as believers, we have a responsibility, not just an opportunity, to help these people.
The author spends a lot of time sharing his own personal story of how he went from apathetic Christian (and CEO of a high end tableware company) to being torn apart by the needs found around the globe. Stearns makes some very good points in his criticisms of present day Christianity, and argues that from our faith should flow a host of good works towards those less fortunate than ourselves. With this sentiment, I could not agree more. For too long the church has made do with "benevolence offerings" and gifts for missionaries, while failing to address more pressing needs around the world. However, while Stearns makes a very valid point, his book raises a lot of red flags.
Stearns calls the voices of today's leaders in the anti-poverty movement "prophetic." Within this group he includes Bono, a rock star, Mother Theresa, and a bishop in the Catholic Church. These alliances raise questions that cannot be addressed here. Stearns also has a very strong Post-Millennial theology, and uses "kingdom building" and "kingdom ushering" language quite frequently. This leads to such an emphasis on social reform that he flirts at times with a works salvation (something that he vehemently denies). He also seems to talk out of both sides of his mouth with his definition of the Gospel. He equates the salvation aspect with the social aspect as two sides of the same coin, while in other places listing the social aspect as that which flows out of salvation.
Overall, this is a work that is worth reading for those who need to be shaken out of their American apathy. As with all works written by fallen men, it must also be read with discernment and discretion. I would highly recommend it for use with mature believers who know enough to glean the wheat from among the tares.
Hole in Our Gospel July 23, 2010
Prov.16:9 (Canada)
We would expect nothing less from the President of World Vision, Richard Stearns to write a book that makes us even more aware of the plight, poverty and suffering of others around the world. Here is a man who "practices what he preaches", leaving behind an executive life style to oversee the World Vision organization and to successfully impliment its vision and mandate to be a "Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice."
"Wherever we work, our prayer is that our efforts will be used by God to heal and strengthen people's relationships with Him and with one another. We do this by demonstrating God's unconditional love for all people through our service to the poor -- which includes providing for daily needs, working to build peace and promote justice, and partnering with churches and individuals to encourage spiritual transformation." (quoted off of the World Vision Website).
This is exactly the premise of the book, that documents Stearns' personal journey to see and minister in some of the poorest regions of the world. He shares the poignant stories of some of the people he encounters and asks us as Christians to partner with them to help alleviate their suffering and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to them. He does not ask us to be complacent or to just send money, but to actively get involved, only then will be able to fill the "hole in our gospel".
(I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Lynn Dove
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