Book Review: The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns

I've got to be honest. When I saw this book was available through Booksneeze, I hurried up to finish my last review so that I could request and review this one. If you've read my blog at all, you know that global poverty and all of its sinister companions (unclean water, HIV, etc.) are very important issues to me. And, while I happen to be involved with another certain program, child sponsorship is also a very big deal to our family. So this book by the president of World Vision seemed to be right up my alley.

And it was. Stearns shares honestly about his journey from determined skeptic to devout Christian to corporate-ladder-climber and finally, to his present day position. He points out what he feels (and I happen to agree with him) is missing in the gospel believed and shared by most Christians today: the passion for bringing about the Kingdom of God on earth here and now with one act of love, service and obedience at a time. Specifically, he refers to Isaiah 58, which Jesus quoted when sharing the reason for His coming: to proclaim good news and hope to the poor, imprisoned, widowed, etc. He cautions against a simple "fire insurance" faith and makes a case for one that can change the world.

Stearns makes a passionate plea for a paradigm shift among individual Christians and entire churches. He brings to light specific problems facing much of the impoverished world and shares stories of tragedy and triumph that he has seen firsthand during his work, so that we can feel personal connection, passion, and responsibility to love our neighbors all over the world. There is even a section at the end of this book called "What are you going to do about it?" that offers suggestions for readers who feel moved to do something but aren't sure where to start.

You don't have to look far to find books about missions or serving the poor. But what makes this book unique is the experience and authority Stearns has as a man who gave up the "American dream" to seek God's kingdom and serve the poorest of the poor. Not only would I recommend this book to anyone who asks, but I also am thinking of ordering a box of them myself to share with ministers and friends, to place in church libraries, and to leave lying around in some strategic locations. It is that important.


Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”