About the Author:
RICK LAWRENCE is an author, ministry leader, and the longtime executive editor of Group Magazine, the world’s leading youth ministry resource. He leads the Simply Youth Ministry Conference, and is the author, co-author or editor of 37 books, including Jesus-Centered Youth Ministry, 99 Thoughts on Jesus-Centered Living, and the adult small-group curriculum In Pursuit of Jesus. Rick also wrote or edited all of the featured additional material in the Jesus-Centered Bible.
Review:
“It didn’t matter what time of day I picked up The Jesus-Centered Life. Reading it in the morning was a devotional bonus. Ingesting a short chapter as a midday coffee substitute proved a better energy boost than my typical caffeine reload. Turning through a few pages right before bed soothed my mind, reminding me why I could enjoy a genuinely restful sleep. Each time I read from this book I noticed a reassuring arousal in my spirit. Deep truth called to the deepest longing of my heart: to know Jesus and experience his life-giving presence constantly. I can’t wait to engage in a richer conversational journey with friends, family and ministry colleagues about Jesus as a result of reading – and sharing – this soul-stirring book.”
—Dave Rahn, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor
Youth For Christ USA
“There are a lot of books that you can buy. However, there are not a lot of books that do what this book does: point you towards a Jesus-centered life. This book is practical, powerful, and profound.”
—Derwin L. Gray
Lead Pastor of Transformation Church and author of The High Definition Leader: Building Multiethnic Churches in a Multiethnic World.
“The Jesus-Centered Life uncovers the adventure that awaits when we understand who Jesus truly is and what it means to follow him. Rick Lawrence has done an excellent job of pointing us towards a life and identity that is shaped by Jesus of Nazareth. He invites us to trade in the boredom and predictability of following who we think Jesus is, for the adventure of knowing the real thing.”
—Bruxy Cavey, teaching pastor for the multi-site church The Meeting House in Toronto, Canada, and author of The End of Religion.
I made the mistake of picking this book up at midnight. By 1 a.m. I knew three things: 1) This is risky, transformative reading; 2) Rick Lawrence has been reading my grocery list—he knows what I hunger for; 3) I would sprain my wrist finishing the book the next day. God has used The Jesus-Centered Life to capture my heart, to liberate me, to move me from knowing about Jesus to knowing Him more intimately.”
—Phil Callaway, speaker, radio host, and award-winning author of Tricks My Dog Taught Me (About Life, Love, and God).
“For many of us, the Christian life has been mainly centered on learning about Jesus and working hard to become a 'better Christian' over time. The result is often a domesticated faith that looks far different from the radical one Jesus called us to, individually and also as the wider Body of Christ. In The Jesus-Centered Life Rick Lawrence challenges us to reframe our faith by putting Jesus at the center of everything. Through that lens and experience, a wild, passionate, transforming faith is not only formed in us, but draws others toward Jesus as well. It’s sure to move readers out of their comfort zone, which is exactly what Jesus was always intent on doing. Filled with real stories, practical examples from the life of Jesus, and tangible practices that everyone can try, The Jesus Centered Life is an excellent mix of challenge and inspiration for all ages and experiences.”
—Kathy Escobar, co-pastor of The Refuge and author of Faith Shift: Finding Your Way Forward When Everything You Believe is Coming Apart and Down We Go: Living into the Wild Ways of Jesus.
“I’ve had the privilege of being part of a group of leaders Rick Lawrence led at a conference. Rather than deliver a monologue about the latest models of ministry, Rick creatively guided us into fresh encounters with Jesus. I was delighted to discover that his new book essentially does the same. Rick’s writing cuts against the grain of received wisdom, yet always has that ring of ancient truth. The Jesus-Centered Life will be a welcome guide for any leader who, like Rick, is “bored by everything but Jesus.”
—Drew Dyck, managing editor of Leadership Journal and author of Yawning at Tigers.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.