Move - Review
Move reports the findings of a committed team of researchers who asked the question, “How do we foster the transformation of our people into disciples of Christ?” It all started with an unassuming survey but resulted in the transformation of an evangelical giant: Willow Creek. Greg L. Hawkins and Cally Parkinson begin by describing a model of exploring Christ – growing in Christ – closeness to Christ – and Christ centeredness. Each step is placed on a spiritual continuum where movement is the key. Part two of the book describes this movement and the ways in which people progress through these four phases of spiritual formation. The third, and final, part of the book focuses on spiritual leadership and describes the different ways in which church leaders can engage their congregation in this process.
After reading this book I feel a grater urgency to get people moving. However we describe the process of spiritual growth it is important that we are always providing opportunities to take a next step.[1] Everyone has a different next step so it is also important that we are aware of the different levels of spiritual maturity. I am also left with a sense that more is not better. This is especially true for new church goers.[2] We often feel that we need to create a potpourri of experiences for new church attendees. Hawkins argues that we must have a single clear destination crystal clear and that the first step is non-negotiable. [3]
I would recommend this book for those interested in models of ministry and spiritual growth. This book was not a page turner for me. I understand that the team at Willow Creek did a lot of work and wanted to share all of their findings. However it drug on and I also felt like they were trying to sell me on their Reveal program throughout the book. So there you have it. An up to date take on spiritual growth done well.
