Hi All,

I just finished reading "When God Builds A Church" by Bob Russell. In fact, I read it in one sitting, as I literally could not put it down! If you haven't read it, read it! If you have preconceived notions about Bob Russell and Southeast, you really need to read it!

I have read most popular church growth books on the market. Many are very good, but this is the most practical, vision-filled, biblical one I think I have read. The principles are applicable to any sized church in any location.

If you have read it, let me know if you share my opinion or not.

Barry

-- Anonymous, April 01, 2002

Answers

Barry --

I read the book last year, and enjoyed it. I passed it on to a non- instrumental precher here in Indiana, PA. They were thinking of working through another book with the leadership.

The preacher said it was okay, but didn't like the parts where Russell shared that we are to do our best ... give 100% ... or 110%. I seem to recall him mentioning that the Bible doesn't COMMAND (that might be the key word) for us to do our best, etc., etc.

I do recall in a Sunday School class (when we were attending there) that I brought up the members doing their best at whatever they do ... Kingdom work, work for pay ... home life ... etc. I got some very strange looks, and some of the folks didn't understand this ... people who have been with Christ for some time.

Don't know if this is a "non-instrumental" thing or not ... but it was kinda scary.

Anyway -- some great things in Russells book. I had heard some number of preachers belittle Russell for his attitude, big head, etc. After reading the book, and talking with him at the NACC a couple of years ago, nothing could be further from the truth. He's got his head on straight, and God has blessed what the leadership and members at Southeast have done, and are doing.

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2002

Darrell....for the record....

The problems some of us have with "Pastor" Russell....has nothing to do with his attitude....big head....etc....and I think you know that.

I'm pretty sure, at least you know, what mine, and other conservatives, problems with him are...and have been since the mid 80's....so it's nothing new. I'm sure you probably sat in on a few FCC classes where those issues were discussed.

An no....I don't care to discuss them "on line"....so don't anyone even ask.

To someone's credit at Southeast.....teaching at Louisville Bible College I get quite a few of Southeast's students in my classes....and I find them to be "a cut above" the rest of the students in drive, enthusiasm, character, and yes....even scholarship.

Whether that's attributable to Bob or someone on down the line on the staff is debateable....but the fact remains....Southeast does many things right.

So....don't claim "Russell Bashing" here. I just think, Darrell, it's too convenient to brush criticism of him off as simply "matters of style" etc.

Just wanted the "whole picture" showing.

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2002

One more thing that would be interesting.

How many of you read his earlier book, "Making Things Happen"???

Quite a contrast in titles.....one is "Making Things Happen"....and now the new title is....."When God Builds a Church."

Hmmmmmmm.....change of attitude on Bob's part maybe??

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2002

Danny -- to my knowledge, the preachers I were refering to have never been on any of the web discussion groups you and I have been on ... they were from South Carolina and Kentucky, and were against the large congregation idea. And they did refer to Bob as having a big ego and what they considered the wrong attitude.

Not belittling other, maybe older problems though.

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2002

Darrell and Danny,

I honestly have not heard what problems people have with Bob Russell other than some not liking the idea of a church growing that big. I'm not looking for a debate, but if you'd like to fill me in....

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2002

Come to think of it ... that was the book my last pastor was telling me about, I think ... the one that gave him visions of how our church could be. Unfortunately, the congregation didn't want God to grow the church. *sigh*

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2002

I think that Russell's book is the bomb! I mean that in the most appreciative way. I learned a bunch and was excited and encouraged in my own ministry here.

I too have met Bob Russell in person (he wouldn't remember though) and I think he is a great guy and a great leader. He believes things I don't and he does things I would (probably more correctly - could) never do. But that is quite alright.

Even my own uncle is in that same category. My philosophy is learn where you can, implement what you can, and do all things in a humble spirit of love.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2002

I have a question about another book by another author...They Smell Like Sheep by Lynn Anderson. Any of you read that? I think it is by far one of the best books on eldership available. He just published another one as well that I have just dived into...The Jesus Touch: Learning the Art of Relationship from the Master.

Lynn Anderson is a great author, IMHO.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2002