Missing in America: Making an Eternal Difference in the World Next Door

In the reading of Missing in America the reader will find that more than a few people are missing, and missing out. The author does a good job of presenting to us the people that are needing to be found, and a reasonable way for others to find them. If you are looking for a way to make your church work more effectively, and reach a broader person base, then this is the book for you. After reading it, you will keep it handy so you can share it with others.

With sincere apologies to the Lord for using a secular song to state the obvious of Tom Clegg's book...What's love got to do with it? EVERYTHING! Missing in America brings the reader back to the truly Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and provides practical ways in which to show and share that Good News. You've heard people say, "I couldn't put it down." Well, I couldn't put this book down! While the text's an easy read, it's also a very thought provoking expose on how we "religious folk" can continue to drive away those who are seeking a real "relationship" with Jesus. Missing in American illuminates everyday life happenings as opportunities to show the love of Jesus for the lost and dying of this world. Ask yourself this question: While in the marketplace of everyday life, how many people do I encounter who need a timely word of encouragement, a snippet of truth, a genuine smile, a listening nonjudgmental ear, a hand up, a statement of hope? You fill in the blank. God is love, we are in Him, He is in us. Love. No programs, no formulas, no tracts, just sincere love for people embodies the message of this work. The awareness this book creates is one which clearly demonstrates the message of another well known song...They Will Know We Are Christians by our Love.

Be prepared for a completely realistic--and riveting--way of impacting the world for Christ. The authors toss away the aggressive and usually annoying method of 'bringing people to the Lord'. There's no door-knocking, tract throwing or memorized scripts for sealing the deal with the Holy Spirit. Instead, readers will find a refreshing approach to carrying out the Lord's command to go into all the world with the Good News. Through honest and personal examples that will connect with most readers, the authors peel away the plastic coating that has been applied to the Gospel. In its place is a message that can be touched with human hands, as the love and mercy of Christ are shown in real relationships. In these pages, the mission field moves to individual neighborhoods, workplaces and even the next soccer game. There are practical steps offered to engage your family, friends and casual acquaintances in meaningful conversations that can have eternal significance. The book offers a strong motivational force to embrace the people around you with genuine love. It's through these sincere encounters that the Holy Spirit builds bridges that connect to God. Each chapter ends with several insightful questions that are perfect for personal or group study. The authors also make movie recommendations that can further explain the chapter's theme in contemporary situations. Most noteworthy is the authors' ability to open the reader's eyes to the field white for harvest and right in their own sphere of influence. Joyce Handzo (Courtesy In the Library Reviews)

Clegg and Bird provide an excellent resource for Christians to practically connect others to Jesus. They emphasize "being genuine and authentic about yourself" and living out the gospel by "being Jesus." This is not another programmatic approach to evangelism, rather through personal illustrations and simple ideas, believers are challenged to love beyond words. Clegg confesses, "I'd become too comfortable with the notion that what Jesus Christ wanted was for people to make decisions, not become disciples." After hearing him share his own journey, it's easy to discover ways that I've done the same thing--and to be motivated to really care for people in my life who don't yet know Jesus. I've read many books and attended training classes and programs focused on sharing my faith in Jesus. "Missing in America" offers a fresh approach that helps people see how to be on mission with Jesus in your own neighborhood. Each chapter includes a devotional, practical insights to help others connect with Jesus, questions for personal reflection or group study, and a suggested movie to watch which illustrates the key themes and issues of the chapter. I highly recommend "Missing in America" to anyone who wants to be used by God. Instead of trying to win arguments, you'll find yourself praying for others and caring for others and serving others around you--and hopefully leading them to trust in Jesus.

Missing in America challenges the reader to make decisions about making disciples. It goes beyond offering statistics and identifying roadblocks to reaching out to people in our communities in a postmodern society to providing practical "how to's." When you finish reading this book, be prepared to look at the people around you and your responsibilities with them and throughout your community through a new lens. I recommend pastors using this book as a resource for sermon series, small groups using it as a study, and entire congregations using it to challenge all individuals in churches across America to stand up and make a difference right where they live.