Unstuck: Your Life. God's Design. Real Change. [Paperback]

Arnie Cole (Author), Michael Ross (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2012

Back to the Bible Leaders Show Readers How to Cultivate a Thriving Walk with Christ

When asked about their relationship with God, many believers say the Christian life "isn't working" or that they want "more than an okay walk." After conducting extensive survey research on what it takes to grow spiritually, Back to the Bible leaders Cole and Ross offer solid evidence for the power of Bible engagement. But more than statistics, Unstuck gives readers a practical and proven way to encounter Scripture daily, connect with God, and revitalize an otherwise listless faith. This book is part of a strategic ministry plan developed by Back to the Bible, which has been on the air for more than 70 years. Through multimedia products and services, the ministry is walking alongside individuals and churches, helping Christ-followers tap into and live out God's Word.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A Proven Path to a Thriving Walk with Christ

Does your relationship with God seem broken? Full of silence and distance? Do you ever want more than just an "okay" walk with Christ? After conducting extensive research, including more than 70,000 surveys, Back to the Bible leaders Arnie Cole and Michael Ross found many Christians feel the same way. But they also discovered the secrets that help believers grow and thrive spiritually. And they want to share what they discovered with you.

Filled with honest stories and real-life examples, Unstuck provides you with practical and proven ways to encounter Scripture daily, connect with God, and revitalize your faith. Stop just going through the motions and learn how to tap into God's Word to live out the life He desires for you.

About the Author

Arnie Cole (EdD, Pepperdine) is the CEO of Back to the Bible and Director of Research and Development for the Center for Bible Engagement. He has spent much of his professional life tracking trends of human behavior and developing programs that can help change negative behaviors. He and his wife, Char, are the parents of adult children and operate Still Waters Ranch, an equestrian center that serves as a community outreach. The Coles live near Lincoln, Nebraska.


Michael Ross is an award-winning journalist. He writes, edits, and manages Back to the Bible's book publishing efforts and is a former editor of Breakaway magazine, published by Focus on the Family. He has authored and collaborated on more than 30 books, including What Your Son Isn't Telling You. Michael and his family live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076420954X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209543
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #464,169 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Unstuck: A Surprisingly Honest Take on the Impact of the Bible May 3, 2012

By Kevin Sheen

Format:Paperback

If you're anything like me, you may have grown cold to the idea that reading your Bible every day is important, and bristle whenever you hear someone robotically quote Isaiah 55:11 as the rationale for including Bible verses as a part of everything they do.

And surprisingly in Unstuck, Arnie Cole and Michael Ross seem to be in agreement.

According to them, the reason people who sit in church every Sunday lead lives that look just like everyone else's is because casual exposure to the Bible doesn't really make a difference. We actually have to engage it if we want to see a change.

Which sounds great until you remember that you're not even actually casually reading the Bible right now anyway...and in addressing this, the book really begins to shine.

Through both real stories and documented research, Unstuck demonstrates the impact the Bible can have on our lives when we're willing to spend time with it outside of exhaustive studies or regimented reading programs. Getting unstuck isn't a formula, it's a continual process of being willing to let God's truth impact the way we think about, and ultimately live out, our lives.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars UNSTUCK June 6, 2012

By David Fisher

Format:Paperback

What is your response when asked how your "Christian walk" is progressing? If quizzed on your "devotional life" do you squirm and dig deep for an answer which may not be 100% true but might satisfy the one asking the question and prevent embarrassment to yourself?

Does God's Word speak to you in profound ways when you read it or do you "go through the motions" because it's your obligation as a Christian believer? Do you encounter God when you read?

Every so often you come across a book that challenges you to the core and causes you to realize that you might be a spiritual "loser". UNSTUCK is such a book! Even though I was challenged to the core, I couldn't put the book down and when I did...kept coming back for more.

One of the authors, Dr. Arnie Cole, confesses, "At least I know my topic inside and out. I've lived most of my life spiritually stuck. or, as I like to call myself, a spiritual loser." That confession struck a chord with me.

The beauty of this new book is that the authors, Dr. Cole and Michael Ross, speak in terms that I could relate to. They are transparent, non-judgmental and understanding of the human condition. They know what it's like to feel stuck.

They speak of Bible "engagement", something that many Christians including me struggle with. We read the Bible, often out of guilt, but God's Word doesn't penetrate to our heart, we don't allow it to speak to us and we read much too casually, not remembering that the Bible is "God-breathed" and is profitable for "doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness."

UNSTUCK challenges the reader throughtout, not by making us feel guilty but giving us hope that change is possible and a real realtionship with God through Jesus Christ can be a reality not just an expression we use.

The authors, both on staff at Back to the Bible, don't use formulas to give answers but share over a 45-day period how we can interact with God through His Word and finally get unstuck. Cole and Ross have done their homework having conducted extensive research into the habits and lifestyles of professed Christians. Sad to say, they discovered that many believers have a listless, second-hand faith. They furnish us with positive ways to revitalize our faith, encounter Scripture each day and finally...connect with the God who created us and knows everything about us.

We can get unstuck and begin to enjoy a meaningful relationship with God. Arnie Cole and Michael tell us how.

This book is a "must-read" for everyone who wants more of God and is tired of being a 'spiritual loser."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Be encouraged, be inspired, be changed by ENGAGING the Word of God! October 22, 2012

By M & S Scales

Format:Paperback

What's this white book with a traffic light?...Pick it up...Take a look...Unstuck?...What an interest-grabbing title with a simple subtitle that ends up truly summing up the heart of the book. Now flip it over to read the overview on the back..."Do you ever want more than just an `ok' walk with Christ?" Those peeked my curiosity as a challenge also arouse inside of me: Is this book for real? Are Cole and Ross talking about having a real relationship with a real Saviour or just adding more to my "Christian check list"?

That concern was addressed quickly. And their statement from research was very straightforward... "Christians grow through relationship, not religion. We stall when we focus on impersonal formulas and empty habits." (pg. 49). Ok... I'm liking the book so far...

Unstuck is divided into sections to explain why change is needed in our lives, what the authors and the research found works, and how to apply it to our lives. In their words, Part 1 is Why We Stall Out, Part 2 is The Powered by Four Solution, and Part 3 is Engage, Untangle...Grow! Cole and Ross explain the Powered Four Solution as engaging (rather than just read) the Bible at least four times a week with this mind-set - "God's Word to us is how we hear from and share two-way conversation with our Creator. It's our personal connection...Relationships need consistent connections in order to grow" (pg. 139). They urge us not to approach our devotional times with a primary focus of info-gathering. However, we need to engage and look for connection, relationship and spiritual transformation. The last part is very practical and will be a resource that will need to be updated as you grow in your walk with Christ.

I throughly enjoyed Unstuck and would highly recommend it. It was a challenging, inspiring read that will change lives through the power of God's Word. The personal stories that are included - real and honest, not glossed over - are a perfect addition to the books goal of pointing the reader to an honest relationship with Jesus.

Wow! I am so glad that God placed this book in my path! I have highlighted and dog-eared so many pages, but I still plan to go through it again in about a month.

**Bethany House has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.