A Call to Resurgence by Mark Driscoll

“For those Christians concerned that culture is trending more hostile to the faith, I assure you after two decades on the front line that this is not a time of retreat but rather resurgence. This is not a time of retreat but rather resurgence. This is not a time for compromise, but rather courage. The fields are ripe”

So writes Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church Seattle, in his latest book A Call to Resurgence: Will Christianity Have a Funeral or a Future? Driscoll rightly proclaims that Christendom in the United States is over, pointing out that the days of social benefits existing for those claiming to be a Christian are gone. According to statistics, only about 8% of Americans claim faith in Christ and have lives that demonstrate that faith. These alarming numbers cause one to wonder about the future of the church in America.

In Chapter 2 of his book, Driscoll details the things that have “rung our bell.” This list includes New Paganism, homosexuality, pornography, intolerant tolerance, bad dads, and cheap Christians. In all of these areas where Christianity has lost its voice, Driscoll calls for Spirit-Filled Christians to stand up and move forward in battle, regardless of the costs. And there will be costs.

Driscoll points to the “tribes” of Christianity, those groupings of believers that have specific theological emphases that determine tribal membership and leaders that are known to all tribe members. One of the problems, Driscoll contends, is that the leaders of the differing tribes do not know each other so end up being on separate missions when the Bible calls believers to one united mission – to make disciples. Driscoll calls primary borders (national borders)--those that separate Christians and non-Christians. All other borders should not be ones that separate us from our mission. They are distinctives of the tribes but not hills worth dying on.

In chapters 5-7, Driscoll writes about The Holy Spirit, Repentance, and Mission. These three chapters alone make the book worth your time.  I couldn't help but read these chapters and want more out of myself and the church. His words will give hope for the church and encourage action toward the mission of the church.

Though Driscoll shows how the church has lost ground in America, he is optimistic about what the church will accomplish if resurgence takes place. For more information go to http://theresurgence.com/

I recommend this book for those wanting to explore further what has happened to Christianity in American and how to take back what the enemy has stolen.

This book was provided at no cost from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.