Andy Stanley
Zondervan, 2012, 352 pp., $24.99
One might say that Andy Stanley’s latest book Deep & Wide is a novel approach to church growth. However, this book is most compelling because it reads as a novel. Unlike Stanley’s previous titles ,which lay out the principles he used to lead and grow Northpoint in Atlanta, Deep & Wide reads as a history of the Stanley family. From his parents’ high-profile divorce to Andy’s own jealousies toward his father to God’s grace and healing—and in abundant detail. In this deeply personal expose, we are allowed to see how God’s work is accomplished not because of us, but in spite of us.
The expose, however, is not without teaching points, especially as these relate to creating a church for the unchurched. Stanley also provides ample evidence demonstrating the importance of a strong and vital ministry to teenagers. Regardless of one’s setting, youth leaders can glean much here concerning the impact of relationships, integrity and ministry to those who don’t know the heart of Christ. In essence, this is a narrative that can carry a youth ministry forward and inspire through honesty.
This is one of those books people will read quickly but discover by the end they have learned a lot. Not all of Stanley’s insights and applications can be applied to every situation or setting, but the book forces the questions one needs to ask if the church is to reach out with the gospel. Youth leaders will find a compelling story about a young man’s search for meaning and the crucible in which a mature faith is born.
