Mark Batterson is the lead Pastor of the National Community Church in Washington, DC. Although I have not heard of his church before, others claim that it is “one of America’s most innovative churches.” Batterson planted this church. If the church is innovative, one would expect his book would reflect that style of leadership and life. He does not disappoint his readers.
Batterson named his book Wild Goose Chase taking inspiration from the ancient Celtic Christians who called the Holy Spirit “An Geadh-Glas” or “the Wild Goose”. Batterson says, “The name hints at the mysterious nature of the Holy Spirit. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger and an air of unpredictability surround Him.” He goes on to say “I cannot think of a better description of what its like to pursue the Spirit’s leading through life than Wild Goose chase.”
As you might guess, he feels that we Christians have settled for a far tamer life than what God might want us to lead. Batterson’s book is a challenge to break out of our boredom with church as we are used to, and allow the Wild Goose to lead us into adventure and creative service for Him.
His book then goes through six cages that he feels we might find ourselves in throughout our lives. They are: the cage of responsibility; the cage of routine; the cage of assumptions; the cage of guilt; the cage of failure; and the cage of fear. In the following chapters he describes these cages, and encourages readers to face the cages we might be in, and give God – The Wild Goose – permission to break us out and embark on a life of risk, faith and adventure.
I enjoyed Batterson’s book, and felt that he spoke clearly and persuasively to coax comfortable Christians out of their comfort zones. He used many illustrations from history, scriptures and his own personal life that kept me glued to the pages of the book.
I think this book would be especially effective as a small group resource. It’s value would increase greatly as a small group reads it together and then processes it together. I believe many pastors will also love to preach through the book, using his chapters as jump off points for an outstanding sermon series.
This is definitely a message the Christian church needs to hear. Batterson has done an exemplary job at communicating it. Well done.
Reviewed by Joan Tyvoll
