The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: white jade, greatest humanitarian crisis, crashing jetliners, World Vision, United States, Bob Pierce (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Stearns, the CEO of World Vision, says Christians have a huge hole in their lives, an emptiness that comes from ignoring the plight of the poor. He details his own quest to fill this hole by leaving Lenox Inc., where he was CEO, to run a not-for-profit that helps feed, clothe, and educate children worldwide. Unlike many evangelical Christians, Stearns believes poverty is explained by something more than choices, and lifting cultures from the systemic causes of poverty requires a multi-pronged approach. This accessible book will make it into the hands of evangelical Christians who may not pick up one of the many ABA books on issues of hunger, access to clean water, malaria and AIDS. Readers of Rick Warren, Jim Wallis and N.T. Wright will find Stearns synthesizing thoughts from them as well as from economists and missionaries.This is a passionate and motivating magnum opus from the leader of one of the most recognized aid organizations in the world. The book is a surprisingly no-holds-barred prophetic voice in the wilderness crying out to rich Americans, "Repent and help your world neighbors."(Mar. 10)
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Product Description

"Preach the Gospel always.  Use words if necessary." - St. Francis of Assisi

It's 1998 and Richard Stearns' heart is breaking as he sits in a mud hut and listens to the story of an orphaned child in Rakai, Uganda.  His journey to this place took more than a long flight from the United States to Africa.  It took answering God's call on his life, a call that hurtled him out of his presidential corner office at Lenox-America's finest tableware company-to this humble corner of Uganda. 

This is a story of how a corporate CEO faced his own struggle to obey God whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith.  Using his own journey as an example, Stearns explores the hole that exists in our understanding of the Gospel. 

Two thousand years ago, twelve people changed the world.  Stearns believes it can happen again.

"Read this compelling story and urgent call for change-Richard Stearns is a contemporary Amos crying 'let justice roll down like waters….'  Justice is a serious gospel-prophetic mandate.  Far too many American Christians for too long a time have left the cause to 'others.'  Read it as an altar call."

--Eugene H. Peterson, translator of The Message, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, BC

"Rich Stearns calls us to exhilarating obedience to God's life-altering, world-changing command to reflect his love to our neighbors at home and globally. The Hole in Our Gospel is imbued with the hope of what is possible when God's people are transformed to live radically in light of his great love."

--Gary Haugen, President & CEO, International Justice Mission 

"Richard Stearns is quite simply one of the finest leaders I have ever known.... When he became president of World Vision I had a front row seat to witness the way God used his mind and heart to inspire thousands.... His new book, The Hole In Our Gospel will call you to a higher level of discipleship.... Now is the time...Richard Stearns has the strategy...your move!"

--Bill Hybels, Founding and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL

"Rich Stearns has given us a book that makes absolutely clear what God hopes for and expects from each of us.... He reminded me of my personal responsibilities and the priority I must give them and also where life's true rewards and fulfillment are to be found."

--Jim Morris, former executive director, United Nations World Food Program

"World Vision plays a strategic role on our globe. As the largest relief organization in the history of the world, they initiate care and respond to crisis. Rich Stearns navigates this mercy mission with great skill. His book urges us to think again about the opportunity to love our neighbor and comfort the afflicted. His message is timely and needed. May God bless him, the mission of World Vision and all who embrace it."

--Max Lucado, author of 3:16-The Numbers of Hope, Minister of Writing and Preaching, Oak Hills Church, San Antonio, TX

"Rich Stearns has penned a passionate and persuasive book aimed at Christians who find themselves absorbed with their own existence, pursuing the American dream of health, wealth and happiness.  Rich traces his own spiritual journey from having it all, to sacrificial living on behalf of those who have nothing.  Not only is Rich eloquent, he's right."

--Kay Warren, Executive Director HIV/AIDS Initiative at Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA

"An urgent, powerful summons to live like Jesus. Stearns weaves solid theology, moving stories, and his own journey of faith into a compelling call to live the whole Gospel. Highly recommended!"

--Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action, Author of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger

"With passionate urging and earnestness, Rich Stearns challenges Christians to embrace the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ by embracing the neediest and most vulnerable among us.  After reading the moving stories, the compelling facts and figures, and Stearns' excellent application of scripture and his own experiences at World Vision, you will no doubt be asking yourself: What should I do?"

--Chuck Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship

"This book is a clarion call for the church to arise and answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?"... If you read this book, you will be inspired, but if you do what this book is asking, you will be forever changed. Rich Stearns' book is like a safari for hurting souls that cannot be written in the safety of an office suite.... If you have been feeling something missing or an aching emptiness inside, read The Hole in our Gospel.  It will show you how to fill that void!"

--T.D. Jakes Sr., The Potter's House of Dallas, Inc.

"Rich Stearns' book is showing us through stories and examples how it is better to see a sermon rather than hear one.  This is an important book for all of us!"

--Tony Hall, US Ambassador and former US Congressman

"This is much more than "just another book" from a Christian leader.  It's a message to Christendom that we all need."

--Dr. Tony Campolo, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University, author of Red Letter Christians 

"This book represents a powerful personal story; face to face experiences with the poor which changed the author's life, plus, an insightful scriptural commentary.  As happened with Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision; Richard Stearns' heart has been broken with the things that break the heart of God.   Now, Stearns is using his considerable CEO skills to serve the poor and oppressed.  I highly recommend this book."

--John M. Perkins, President, John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation & Development, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785229183
• ISBN-13: 978-0785229186
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (213 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #961 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do not pass "Go", do not wait to get your $200 - read this book!, March 12, 2009

By	Sylvia Lange "Sylvia Lange" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a person who sponsors several children in the 3rd World and who has a tremendous interest in the world's poor, I expected to read the usual stuff. How bad the problem is... what we need to do about it... and then feel good that my husband and I are doing "so much" to help. But what I didn't expect was to be turned on my ear about how little I'm doing in proportion to the problem AND in proportion to my ability to do SO much more.

Rich Stearns does an excellent job of "getting in our face" about the enormity of the world's poor's brutal plight and what we have to do about it without putting us on a guilt trip. Yet we all need to take a new journey, down the road of really and truly doing something to make a difference. This book lets us know that the contribution of EACH of us is tantamount to truly making a dent in the ravages of poverty and the illnesses that go along with it. And we must.

This is a credible piece, endorsed by some amazing people... not just "known" Christians, but by people who also care about the world's poor, like U2's Bono. No matter what your religion or creed, we should all read this.

Bravo, Mr. Stearns and World Vision. And the glory go to God.

35 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MUST read for Christians and Non-Christians Alike, February 26, 2009

By	Toi Boyd "booksilove" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Every generation has its sins--of commission and omission. The lens of history will be brutally honest in its judgment. How can the American church, with all its resources and influence, fail to respond proportionately to the greatest crises facing the world? In The Hole in our Gospel, Rich Stearns calls on Christians to no longer tolerate the moral scandal of poverty and injustice in our world. This book is a great read for Christians and non-Christians alike. It reminds us that we MUST care for all people whether they be our neighbors next door or thousands of miles away. Stearns offers compelling stories, staggering statistics, and practical ideas of how we can eradicate poverty in our lifetime.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Albuquerque Earl, March 4, 2009

By	Earl R. Godwin (Albuquerque) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Rich Stearns has written a very readable book which documents the immense worldwide problem of poverty, its causes, its potential cures, and an engrossing story of his own life journey from growing up in a dysfunctional and low income home to CEO, to unemployment, to CEO again--and finally to his current position of President of Worldvision US. (none of his sentences are that long) Unlike other books that I have read on the subject of poverty, Stearn's style served to inform and motivate me rather than to induce feelings of guilt and avoidance of the subject.
I highly recommend this book