Reader reviews are in from the Exponential blog tour, and we noticed three trends:
(1) The book is so practical that it leaves nowhere to hide.
(2) But the book is encouraging, too. Is it too encouraging?
(3) Does the book leave God out of the picture?
Read on and let us know where you weigh in.
Learn more about the book. Read sample
1. The book is so practical that it leaves nowhere to hide.
This was put succinctly by Daniel Edwards: “When you finish exponential you have a simple path laid out before you and you’re left with no excuses as to why you can’t get started. That’s challenging.” Read Edwards’ review Several reviewers make similar conclusions: Martin Pitcher, Adam Jackley, Robbie Foreman, and Jeff Leake.
A counter-point was raised by John Collier, who suspects the Fergusons’ methods are too formulaic to be useful in various situations. On the other hand, David Kludt thinks it would be useful to communities of different sizes (read Kludt’s review), and Methodist pastor Justin Halbersma suggests the book would even be helpful for leaders in mainline protestant denominations.
Cool tangent of the day: Paul A. Nierengarten observes how Exponential connects to historic ministries of St. Francis and St. Anthony. Nierengarten also asks some thoughtful questions about leadership. Read Nierengarten’s review
2. The book is encouraging. A little too encouraging?
What do I mean by Too encouraging? Steven Ganz writes, “Can you imagine my feelings when the first words of the first line of the first chapter were ‘You can do it!’ … On one side hope popped up her head and grinned. On the other side past experience frowned and lightly shook his head.” Ganz continues, “As I tried to hear what God might be telling me through this book, I wondered. How did these guys find so many potential leaders? Did they just attract them by their personality? Did God just give them to them? Is it a matter of call alone?” Read Ganz’s full review
Ganz’s questions are excellent, and I certainly can’t answer all of them. My only thought is this: based on the review by Tom Elenbaas, who has met the Fergusons and alludes to “the messy reality of a true movement” in his review, it sounds as if the Fergusons’ journey hasn’t been a cakewalk.
I’d venture to say church growth always includes some difficulties, which may be why so many reviewers emphasize how much the book encouraged them: see the reviews by Anthony Stephens, Adam Kolosik, and Chris Kidd, Jonathan Watson and Bill Mazey.
3. Does the book leave God out of the picture?
This is an intriguing question raised by Elissa at The NY Book Journal and by Craig Falvo. Falvo describes a “seeming lack of God… a lot of ‘we decided’ and ‘we continued’ … very little ‘God led us.’ Read Falvo’s review
Dave Ferguson responds to Falvo’s point, linking the language in his book to Jesus’ command in Acts 1:8. Read more of the discussion in the comments.
Coming from a slightly different angle, reviews by Paul Stohler and Alan Knox raise concerns that the Fergusons’ growth techniques could be disconnected from the Christian milieu. “Without a foundation of making disciples,” says Knox, “the methods presented in the book will simply lead to growth of organizations.” Read Knox’s full review
That’s an interesting point: the book’s techniques work well even outside a church atmosphere. I think that’s why point #1 above is important. Exponential is challenging, and its challenge is two-fold; as Erik Scottberg says, the book “[caused] me to evaluate my current ministry assignment and find ways to improve on how I am leading and what I am passing on to others (apprentices) around me” (Read Scottberg’s review). In other words, Exponential challenges us to grow our churches while growing in Christ.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the blog tour!
