Bring 'Em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church [Paperback]

Dave Burchett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 2004

It was a story Jesus liked to tell. If a man owned a hundred sheep and one of them wandered away, he would, without hesitation, leave the ninety-nine and search for the one. And when he found that lost sheep he would celebrate with great joy. In the same way, Jesus concluded, our Father in heaven–like the shepherd–is unwilling for any of his sheep to be lost.

Yet all too often God’s sheep do wander from the flock. Sometimes, for reasons that are hard to discern, they stray on their own. Other times they’re driven away, perhaps wounded by an unkind word or thoughtless deed. In Bring ’Em Back Alive author Dave Burchett shows us the importance of bringing these lost and wounded lambs back to the fold–or, when we’re the ones who wandered, becoming willing to return. He explains, step-by-step, how to replenish the spiritual strength of Christ’s body. And he reminds us that we, like the shepherd, can know the joy that comes when a lost sheep returns home.

Every believer is a precious part of Christ’s body. When even one is missing, the church lacks power and is less than whole. Whether we’re victims, perpetrators, or innocent bystanders we’re called by God to seek restoration. And when one of God’s sheep goes missing we have no choice: We must Bring ’Em Back Alive.

Includes questions at the end of each chapter for discussion and reflection.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dave Burchett has tactfully tackled a tricky and serious issue in contemporary church life. Using plenty of appropriate humor and examples from scripture to make his points, his message is both practical and powerful. If you care about the family of God you should read this, whether you think you need to or not.”
–John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association

“There are few people I would trust to handle the sticky subject of bringing healing to church-wounded Christians, but Dave Burchett is most definitely one of them. With compassion, insight, firmness, and his own unique brand of humor, Dave pushes us past fruitless quibbling about who’s to blame into God-honoring dialogue about what’s to be done. I think I can already hear some applause from Heaven”
–Andrew McQuitty, senior pastor of Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas

“Witty and warm, pithy and profound. If you’re MIA because of church-inflicted wounds–or if you love someone who is–Bring ’Em Back Alive is for you. Dave Burchett has written a compelling reminder that, as one of Christ’s sheep you are loved, you are wanted, and you are not alone!”
–Sandra Glahn, best-selling author and instructor at Dallas Theological Seminary

“Bring ’Em Back Alive challenges the reader to get involved with those who have left the church for one reason or another. As I read the book, I found myself arguing with Dave, ‘It’s too hard. They won’t listen. I don’t have the time.’ But with solid biblical analysis, a healthy dose of edgy humor, and with genuine compassion born of his own experience, he convinced me that my excuses don’t matter. Christ’s wandering sheep need our help. Who will reach out to them if we don’t? I’m glad I read this book because I needed it. Pastor, buy two copies of this book–one for yourself and one to give away. It’s that good.”
–Dr. Ray Pritchard, author of An Anchor for the Soul and senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois

“I have heard it said that ‘the church is the only institution that shoots its wounded.’ I needed this book many times when I and my family were in the crosshairs, but there was none like it. It’s my hope that when circumstances find you as the wounded, you will not run from the church, but run to its leader, Jesus Christ. He understands what being wounded is all about. In His arms you will be brought back alive!”
–Ron DiCianni, artist and author

“Dave Burchett has provided Christians with a wise and practical challenge that will bring joy and life to the church of the twenty-first century. With downright funny metaphors and down-to-earth honesty, he gently challenges readers to become agents of God’s grace, so that all may experience His healing and wholeness.”
–Dr. Steve Moore, senior vice president of Asbury Theological Seminary

“This book is salve to wounded hearts and those with a heart for the spiritually wounded. Dave Burchett gently and compassionately provides insight and direction for the journey toward healing. His humor (he is genuinely one of the funniest people I know!) provides delightful moments of respite in the midst of a difficult subject. The body of Christ needs this book!”
–Sue Bohlin, speaker, writer, and Webservant for Probe Ministries

“In writing this book, author Dave Burchett…uses his own life experiences and clever wit to communicate the importance of restoring people of faith to fellowship.”
–John Frost, noted broadcast strategist

About the Author

Dave Burchett is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People. He is also an Emmy—award winning television director, a devoted husband to his wife, Joni, and the proud father of three grown sons

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (August 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157856798X
• ISBN-13: 978-1578567980
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #506,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dave Burchett is an Emmy Award-winning television sports director for Fox Sports Network. Dave has also directed Texas Ranger's major league baseball telecasts for over twenty-five years and had the thrill of televising one of Nolan Ryan's no-hit games and Ryan's 300th win. He and his wife, Joni, are former staff members of Campus Crusade's Athletes in Action. They currently reside in Garland, Texas where Joni is a Special Education Coordinator specializing in elementary students. Dave and Joni are the parents of three sons.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A BOOK YOU HAVE TO READ!, February 2, 2005

By 

hazeleeye corinne "corinne w." (ny) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bring 'Em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church (Paperback)

I was wounded by my church and I was devaststed. After reading Mr. Burchetts book, Bring em Back Alive, I realized that this book is a must read for all. I bought a few more copies and sent them out to others who were also hurt by their church. Mr.Burchett thank you! Your book had the answers that I needed answered in my mind and it was based on the scriptures. If any one reading this has questions about what may be going on in their church or with another, from the church this is THE BOOK TO READ.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read., November 30, 2004

By 

Reader (IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bring 'Em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church (Paperback)

The author presents the "model of the Good Shepherd (Jesus) to show how health can be restored to the wounded and how the church can be restored to wholeness." Though most of us are not "paid" shepherds, we all have been charged with rescue, restoration, and responsibility. Both church leaders and attendees have the responsibility to look out for the other through the pastures of life. In a realistic six-step plan, individuals and flocks can mobilize a search-and-rescue team to restore the lost sheep as well as prevent others from wandering. Our churches, our hearts, and our priorities can be transformed if we echo the author's prayer, "Although I am not a pastor, I pray that God will give me a shepherd's heart. I pray that He will teach me to care about every lamb He has placed in my little flock of influence." In a clear style, sprinkled with humor, each chapter in Burchett's book includes questions for reflection and discussion for use in committees, support groups, or one-on-one discipleship. Dave Burchett's first book, When Bad Christians Happen to Good People, had a dramatic effect on churches across America and is the foundation for his new book. The first book exposed the reader's priorities, preferences, methods, and attitudes, leaving in it's wake two simple, foundational questions: Who is Jesus Christ, and what should your life look like as a result of that relationship? Bring `Em Back Alive is the answer.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellant book for wounded souls, January 11, 2007

By 

4fabfelines "Lesa" (Shelbyville , TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Bring 'Em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church (Paperback)

this is a highly recommended book for wounded soul in the church.

This and his first one aught to be required reading in the church.