If youve never read a church renewal book, this is an OK place to start. If you cut to the core though, its like most change management books...identify whats wrong, establish a super-ordinate goal, address problems objectively, then zero base and check everything you do against that goal. If youre looking for a Biblical basis for what a church should be, despite lots of Bible quotes, this isnt it. McManus believes a church should be overwhelmingly engaged in sacrifical service and obedience to Christ, but addresses those concepts without specifics.An Unstoppable Force is a loosely structured, passionate, anecdotal critique of and challenge to institutional churches. It is loaded with stories, accusations, admonitions, unusual metaphors and strong assertions. Some are intuitively appealing and convicting, others might be offensive or inaccurate; nothing is substantiated in any rigorous way. McManus may be the champion modern writer of pithy, quotable one-liner wisdomettes.
McManus makes it clear An Unstoppable Force isnt a handbook or methodology, though the ninth chapter offer conceptual change management advice; its his perspectives on The Church and a story of his experience and Mosaic, an eclectic, independent ministry in Los Angeles where he is Lead Pastor and spiritual environmentalist. Based upon both the book and website, Mosaic apparently has no edifice, holding services in public buildings. It is a congregation that emphasizes diversity and active service for Jesus Christ, while rejecting - for lack of a better thought, stodgy traditions. Oddly though, neither Mosaics nor McManus Christology is revealed in the book, or on the website. Jesus Christ is frequently mentioned, obedience to Christ as Lord is encouraged but despite many Bible verses quoted, the only characteristic of the Jesus Christ of McManus or Mosaic that is unequivocal is inclusiveness.
In his criticism of mainline churches McManus comes across as vigorous, confident and passionate. In describing his own ministry and Mosaic, he is sometimes perplexed, insecure, frustrated. He briefly aludes to two occasions where the congregation grew then divisively split with large factions departing. The dividing issues and events are not revealed.
The last chapter of the book should be a published sermon, reprinted and distributed independent of the rest of the book. McManus does an eloquent job of describing the Ten Commandments as a minimum standard, not an objective, and portrays grace in an inspiring context.
You have to work at this book to extract the substance; its hidden in a lot of rhetoric.
If youre looking for something better suppported and more prescriptive for church growth and renewal consider Lyle Shallers books.
Change Management for the Church
Leads the Way for the Emerging Church in 21C