A Passionate Life Workbook

I attend Community Church of Joy, and was excited and anxious to read the book written by two of the leaders of my church. The book is thoughtfully written, and easy to understand and follow for new believers, but not too simplistic as to leave veteran Christians bored. The concept behind each Life Shape makes it so easy to learn how to apply biblical principles to your everyday life. I am a very visual person, so having the shapes to refer to made it easy to get what the scriptures are saying.

I have to say that Rev. Breen is the best Bible teacher I have ever encountered. He has a wonderful visual gift that brings scriptures alive in a way I have not experienced before. He also is brilliant in finding easy and non-threatening ways to share what you learn with other people. Unlike so many of the books I have read that claim to teach discipleship in a simple way: this book is filled with solid Biblical and theological teaching grounded in good scholarship and deep prayer. I am thankful for both the authors in bringing this gift. I have already purchased 40 copies of this book that I have given to friends and family. I have read this book together with a small group of men. Now I am leading a group of 14 retired men through the book. To say I highly recommend this book is an obvious understatement.

In May 2004 I visited Sheffield, England with a handful of church leaders led by Dr. Kent Hunter and organized through the Church Growth Center, based on Walt Kallestad's recommendation. Over dinner in an English pub, Mike Breen and his wife explained the Lifeshapes concept and a bit of the local church history. I was preparing to launch a new mission congregation and I was sure that I wanted to incorporate much of the model that Mike had developed. I came home with passion and a folder full of notes, but I lacked some key pieces for explaining Lifeshapes to others. This book will change your life, if you apply the lessons learned. Together with the Passionate Church companion book, ministry leaders will have the requisite tools to make this model accessible to the innumerable churches in desperate need of a new way to function healthily. Plus, you save the cost of transatlantic airfare! Thank you Mike and Walt (and Kent)!