friend gave me this book and suggested that I read it. I looked at the cover and had a hard time seeing what the title was. The cover design is not one that would draw my attention, but I read the subtitle in small print: “How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It. Now I was intrigued – what in the world is it?
 
“IT” (Zondervan, 2008) is a very well-written book by Craig Groeschel, founding and senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv. It’s full of humor – but combined with thought-provoking honesty. “IT” contains excellent advice for bringing new life to your church and also how to keep that life. His challenge to have it is not only to church leaders but also to those in the pews. “IT” also profiles seven different pastors and their churches that have it.

Groeschel chose to explain his premise by using three different sections: (1) what is it? (2) what contributes to it? and (3) what it means to get it back and guard it.

Now you probably want to know what it is, so let’s dig into Part One. After I read the first two chapters (“Where did it come from?” and “Some have it, some lack it”), chapter three brought it into focus. In this third chapter, I found the author’s explanation of what it is: “It is what God does through a rare combination of these qualities found in his people; a passion for his presence; a deep craving to reach the lost; sincere integrity; spirit-filled faith; down-to-earth humility and brokenness.” I can’t work for it – I can’t wish it, because it is the work of God in a fully surrendered Christian.

In Part Two – “What contributes to it?” – Groeschel gives great help and real examples of how it works and can be a part of your church. Most often it will start in your church’s leadership and continue down into the rest of the congregation. When it is present, your church will be on the move to reach out to the unsaved and those in need.

So if I have it, can I lose it? That’s the focus of Part Three. It is very possible to lose it if we do not stay close to the Lord and his direction for our lives as well as our church life. Insights in his final two chapters (“Do you have it? Does it have you?” and “Guarding it: How to keep it once you have it”) are very important to the success of it.

I recommend this book be read by every Christian – and especially pastors and all church leaders if your church is in a state of doldrums. If your church is on fire, it is a good read to be sure it stays on fire. Don’t let the cover scare you off – there is fire inside.