"Pastor of a successful megachurch in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Surratt has written an accessible, engaging, and down-to-earth memoir that shows him to be an adept writer of a plain-spoken, colloquial variety. Divided into chapters titled "calling," "doubt," "mistakes," "sex," and "power," each conveys a teachable moment in which an unexpected turn of events becomes an opportunity to learn what Surratt believes is a lesson from God. Typically, these involve insights about humility, discipline, or forgiveness. The book's title notwithstanding, Surratt is far from an irreverent reverend. A Pentecostal preacher's son, he has chosen a well-trod path within the evangelical non-denominational subculture, one that precludes premarital sex and sees hell as a tangible terminus for many. Perhaps what's most distinctive about Surratt is his level-headedness, his ability to own up to his emotions, and his knack for not prejudging others. Fans of his Seacoast Church, known for its 14 locations across the larger Charleston region, will appreciate his straight-talking approach." (
Publishers Weekly, 2011 )
"I can tell you this: Greg Surratt is one of the good guys. He communicates by telling stories--natural, unpretentious, useful parables of real faith." (
Founder and Chairman, Leadership Network and author of Halftime Bob Buford 2011)
"IR-REV-REND is a refreshing read. Greg Surratt's ability to tell a story is uncanny. His life-changing wisdom and sidesplitting humor will keep you captivated." (
Life Church TV Craig Groeschel 2011)
"In a world where most people think they gain credibility by hiding their imperfections, Greg Surratt turns that myth on its head with IR-REV-REND
. Hang on for the ride because there are bumps, but they are really great bumps." (
Media consultant, filmmaker, and author of Jolt Phil Cooke 2011)
"To those tired of the plastic, shallow spirituality, IR-REV-REND is for you. Read it and you will be impacted in profound ways." (
Pastor of Journey Church in St. Louis and Author of Church Planter Darrin Patrick 2011)
"Greg Surratt is really qualified to write this book. He is sincere, humble and without pretense." (
New Life Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Author of Fear No Evil Brady Boyd 2011)
"The laughing brain engages more than the bored brain. Prepare to laugh, learn, and grow by reading Greg Surratt's true life tales of family, marriage, church and leadership in IR-REV-REND. I couldn't put it down." (
Managing Director of Leadership Network and co-author of Beyond Megachurch Myths Dave Travis 2011)
"Greg Surratt's stories of faith and ministry will leave you wanting more, and not just more of Greg's stories, but also more of the God behind the stories." (
Author and pastor, North Coast Church, Vista, CA Larry Osborne 2011)
" IR-REV-REND is a delightful adventure shown through a prism of honesty and conviction through which the joys of serving the Lord are made so much clearer." (
Co-founder of the Dream Center Matthew Barnett 2011)
"Greg Surratt is one of the most life-giving and wise leaders I know. He brings that insight and wisdom to this terrific book." (
senior pastor at Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, NV, and author of Throw It Down Jud Wilhite 2011)
"There are books and there are books that matter and make a difference. This is absolutely one that matters and makes a difference." (
producer, musician, composer Brent Rowan 2011)
"Oh my gosh! Put down everything else and read this book. You will laugh through it, cry through it, fly through it--you won't be able to put it down. It's delightful--vintage Surratt!" (
senior pastor, Manna Church, Fayetteville, NC Michael Fletcher 2011)
"This compelling book will inspire you to live your own brand of ir-rev-rence." (
pastor at Celebration Church, and author of Rocked Joe Champion 2011)
"This book is a lot like him: honest, funny, and entertaining, and at the same time, powerful, poignant and thought provoking." (
Lead Pastor, The Life Church of Memphis John Siebeling 2011)
"Greg Surratt is one of the great pastors in the modern day church. This book is a must read. Thanks Greg for sharing it with us all." (
Pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA Jonathan Falwell 2011)
"This is a book with long legs that people will be talking about for years." (
author of Same Kind of Different as Me Ron Hall 2011)
"Blatantly honest, refreshingly authentic, and continually comedic." (
founding senior pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN Pete Wilson 2011)
"With a knack for storytelling and penetrating insights, this book will make you laugh, think and reflect. It doesn't hurt that it's a lot of fun to read!" (
3DM Global Team Leader Mike Breen 2011)
"IR-REV-REND was very entertaining and yet challenging at the same time. It draws you in and it is hard to put down." (
minister of creative arts, C3 Church Martha K. Fry 2011)
"IR-REV-REND will challenge the way you live out your faith--all while putting a grin on your face." (
vice president of research and ministry development for LifeWay Christian Resources Ed Stetzer 2011)
"I get the chance to hang with a lot of Pastors and there are very few that I know who are as 'real' as Greg Surratt. You will find this book refreshingly honest and encouraging. Everyone needs an 'Ir-Rev-Rend' in their life." (
pastor at National Community Church, and author of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day Mark Batterson 2011)
"IR-REV-REND will push you to a place of real, raw life-changing faith." (
pastor at Elevation Church, and author of Sun Stand Still Steven Furtick 2011)
"Greg Surratt is one of the most effective pastors I've met building a church and then sending it out to minister in the community. A great model. He shares a lot of his common sense, down to earth wisdom in this book. Good advice for the church, and a good read." (
founder of Prison Fellowship Chuck Colson 2011)
WHY I WROTE THE BOOK One of my early preaching mentors told me that a good sermon will "make em laugh, make em cry and give em Jesus". That's essentially what I've tried to do with this book. It's a collection of real life stories (including mine) that will hopefully make the readers laugh, cry and push them toward Jesus. The stories deal with faith, hope, doubt, love, sex, money, politics and a bunch of other real life issues that we all wrestle with. I've written it to believers, hoping that the writing will be engaging enough that, after reading it, they will want to give it to their friends who may be struggling with their faith.
I tried to keep it real.
One of my kids saw a preview copy and thought it might be a little too real.
"Dad, some thoughts are probably best kept in your head".
He's probably right, but I left them on the pages anyway. What do kids know?
