Book Review : Radical Together by David Platt

Radical Together by David Platt

David Platt's book "Radical" is pretty widely known and has been read by many.  "Radical Together" is a follow up book that may be less known, but I actually preferred this book over the original title. This is probably because it resonates with my desire to see church's, and the member's of the church's, come together more fully for the purpose of the gospel and to live it out in community and around the world.  Though some of the content overlaps with the original title, the topics in this book are more geared to a vision for the church body and its members.

Throughout the book David shares times when he and his church, and he and his wife, have asked hard questions with each other about the decisions they had to make.  Questions such as, "Does this plan best align with the plan of God?" are posed when discussing financial decisions for the church budget, location of evangelism, preaching content and more.  Ultimately, are we willing to take the risks and make changes as necessary to follow the plan believed to be best aligned with God's. Let's ask the hard questions and see what God says and be ready to respond to God's response.

I applaud David for discussing the need to understand a gospel driven motivation behind "works" of various kind.  For example, when sharing a vision for adoption and fostering withing the church, he was clear that he would not use emotional manipulation but a gospel driven approach.  I've seen emotional manipulation used often and it does not promote healthy decision making. He shares that decisions for radical life changes, such as downsizing homes should be gospel oriented as well. David poses hard questions that may lead to dramatic life changes and sacrifices - for the sake of the gospel - while reminding the reader of  God focused motivation.

Kudos to David for pointing out that the Word of God is essential and remains effective in preaching, evangelizing and discipling. Many pastors are stating, directly or indirectly, that God's Word does not relate to issues of today and that the church needs all kinds of programs and great people to draw "seekers" in.  David reminds us that it is God who does the seeking and that a church's plan to reach others for Him must be centered on God. Even if just the Word of God was preached, God's work could be accomplished.

I'm also thankful to hear David share a heart to consider how God can use so-called "wrong" people for His purposes in the church.  David pleas for church leaders to draw out people who may not seem like the prototype for a successful leader in some area, but in God's eyes they are the right person for the task. I was excited to read this as I have often desired to see church members trained in such a way that they could develop God given (but perhaps not easily recognized) gifts and purposes within the church and in evangelism and discipleship.  God used all kinds of imperfect people throughout the Bible and still uses them today.  Let us encourage, train and equip others to rise to the challenge of being a part of God's vision for His world.

The questions David poses, and the perception challenges that are laid out, resonate deeply with my husband and I and the ways we have sought to minister and serve and disciple over the years.  Thank you Mr. Platt for your honesty, forthrightness and yet amicable approach to ask and to pose the hard questions that ultimately seek to serve, teach and evangelize for the glory of the Lord.