Blink

I have recently finished reading another fascinating book by Malcolm Gladwell entitled, "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking." Once again, in true Gladwell form, I was taken on a fascinating journey into realms that I have never visited. This time it was the realm of thinking.

Everyday, multiple times a day, in all aspects of life, we all make snap decisions or judgments. Whether we realize it or not, we make a fair amount of those snap decisions based on our prejudices. We make those quick judgments based on things that lie behind a 'locked door' in our mind. The truths that I took away from this book were many, but one bears sharing here.

It is imperative that each one of us intentionally work to train our minds to slow down, if ever so slightly, when it comes to making important decisions. It is important that we work intentionally to slow our thought processes down when we are talking with people so that we can better read the non-verbal cues that they are giving us.

To paraphrase Gladwell at the end of the book; "when we are able to take charge of the first two minutes of a conversation, a decision, an audition, an interview, etc.; we will be able to see people and circumstances for what they truely are."

Thank you Mr. Gladwell for writing another thought provoking book!

Exponential: How you and your friends can start a missional church movement

As part of Zondervan's blog tours, I have had the privilege to review books that are new. This has been a wonderful opportunity that I hope will continue.

The lastest tour has taken reviewers to the book, "Exponential: How you and your friends can start a missional church movement," written by brothers Dave and Jon Ferguson. This book was my first exposure to the Ferguson brothers, and I am sad that it has taken me this long to become acquainted with them.

My heart is that God's Kingdom will be advanced in this world through the ongoing salvation of people who are not currently connected to a life giving relationship in Christ. I believe that I have found kindred hearts in the Ferguson brothers. Through this book, they are challenging the rest of us to think about ways to build God's Kingdom on this earth. They are challenging us to think about ways that may be foreign to us, but ways that are essential for us to consider if we are going to be serious about reaching those who are outside of a relationship with Christ.

The entirety of the book was summed up in the early pages with this quote; "reproducing isn't about our kingdom; it's about God's Kingdom."

This is a must read for any church leader. As a matter of fact, go here; "Exponential: How you and your friends can start a missional church movment," and buy a copy now!