Church Shouldn't Suck the Life Out of You
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Overview
Using humor and frank honesty, Pastor Jim Minor describes how his own street outreach organization transformed from a vibrant, God-infused ministry into a conventional, “safe” church that almost sucked all the passion for ministry right out of him. Then, Jim explains how he got his passion back again.
Who is this book for?
Let Jim Minor cast a vision for what church can be. Discover that it’s possible to venture beyond the church walls, to interact with the lost and hurting, and to watch God do miracles in people’s lives. And in the process, church might even become fun and fulfilling once again.
Who is this book for?
- Pastors and ministry leaders who have lost their focus and have grown to resent the ministries to which they have been called
- Those in the pews who have lost the spark of their passion for God and find themselves merely going through the motions and “playing church”
- Non-churchgoers who stay away because they don’t want any part of a dry, lifeless religion that doesn’t make any difference in the world
Let Jim Minor cast a vision for what church can be. Discover that it’s possible to venture beyond the church walls, to interact with the lost and hurting, and to watch God do miracles in people’s lives. And in the process, church might even become fun and fulfilling once again.
Jim Minor and his wife, Peggy, are dear friends. Rolland and I love their huge hearts for Jesus and for the poor. Through the years, we have had the privilege of witnessing their extraordinary generosity. They move in the power and the glory of God. In this book, with great humor, wit, and wisdom, Jim shares his many unique experiences as a pastor. Above all else, it is his passionate love for Jesus that shines through these pages. The affection that Jim and his church family have for our Savior enables them to feed the poor, heal the broken, and cherish the hurting. This book will energize you to recall the power of your first encounter with Jesus and fall in love with Him all over again.
—Heidi Baker, Ph.D., Cofounder, Iris Global Ministries, Author, Always Enough, Compelled by Love, and Birthing the Miraculous
—Heidi Baker, Ph.D., Cofounder, Iris Global Ministries, Author, Always Enough, Compelled by Love, and Birthing the Miraculous
This is the most helpful book for pastors that I have read in a long time. I can hardly recommend it enough! It is so well written, so fun, so practical, and so full of sensitivity, love, and joy in the Holy Spirit, that I believe it will help transform churches wherever it is read. No, churches shouldn’t suck! They should be the very epitome of what Paul considered the only thing that counts: “faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6). Leading a church is no longer work for the pastor who is joined to Jesus and is one with Him. It is a family, full of believers overjoyed to bear fruit by actually doing the works of Jesus because they love Him so completely and are so energized by His Spirit. This book shows how a church can truly be good news to the poor, desperate, and lost, wherever they are to be found—whether inside the church, on the city streets, or throughout the world. Be encouraged and excited by this store of wisdom and experience written in complete humility for the sake of those hungry for the kingdom!
—Dr. Rolland Baker, Director and co-founder, Iris Global Ministries
—Dr. Rolland Baker, Director and co-founder, Iris Global Ministries
I have had the honor of ministering at Pastor Minor’s church and have witnessed for myself his contagious love for the broken. It is so refreshing to partner with a church that is so real and honest and that has such a heart to see the captive set free. I’m so excited for Church Shouldn’t Suck…the Life Out of You—it won’t disappoint! This book will refresh you, encourage you, make you laugh, and turn your heart toward loving God’s people more.
—Kim Walker-Smith, Worship leader and recording artist, Director, Jesus Culture Music
—Kim Walker-Smith, Worship leader and recording artist, Director, Jesus Culture Music
While reading Church Shouldn’t Suck…the Life Out of You, I smiled, laughed out loud, and nodded my head in agreement. I recommend this book for three reasons. First, I have been a member of The Harvest Church in Sarasota, Florida, for several years. I have seen the life lessons from this book at work each and every week. The lessons written here are not theory but proven truths that anyone can follow. Second, you will enjoy reading about how God taught Pastor Jim the definition of success in both life and ministry. Third, I have a friendship with every one of Jim’s children, and they all are serving the Lord. When the children are walking with and working for Jesus, it confirms to me that the father knows what he is talking about. I know that the time you spend reading this book will be time well spent.
—Dr. Roberts Liardon, Author of the internationally best-selling God’s Generals series
—Dr. Roberts Liardon, Author of the internationally best-selling God’s Generals series
To know Pastor Jim Minor is to know a friend, a pastor, a teacher, and a builder of bridges within our community. In all of these roles during the many years I have known him, he has remained steadfastly committed to spreading the love of Christ in all that he does. His love of the gospel and his practical application of God’s Word are evident not only in his preaching and teaching but also throughout this book. He has built, and continues to build, bridges in the community that connect people to Christ and to God’s amazing Word! Our community is a better and richer place for everyone because of his contributions.
—Carolyn J. Mason, Sarasota County Commissioner, Former mayor, Sarasota, Florida
—Carolyn J. Mason, Sarasota County Commissioner, Former mayor, Sarasota, Florida
Product Details
- Title : Church Shouldn't Suck the Life Out of You
- Authors:
- Minor, Jim
- Stinson, Joe
- Publisher: Whitaker House
- Publication Date: 2014
- ISBN: 9781629111544
Jim Minor has been preaching and teaching the good news of the kingdom for more than forty years. He is currently the senior pastor of The Harvest Church in Sarasota, Florida, which he planted with his wife, Peggy, in 1984. The church is an integrated congregation that has blessed tens of thousands of people with its outreach. The ministry includes Free Indeed Food Bank and Acts 5th Ave., sources of food and clothing for the needy. The Minors also founded Harvest House Transitional Centers, residential, faith-based, drug and alcohol treatment centers for men and women. These homes have been instrumental in leading thousands to Christ.
Jim and Peggy have five grown children and seven grandchildren, all of whom are serving the Lord with their parents in Sarasota.
Jim and Peggy have five grown children and seven grandchildren, all of whom are serving the Lord with their parents in Sarasota.