An irresistible church to God? In the introduction to his book, Cordeiro writes, “This is actually a book about becoming a church that is irresistible to heaven . . . a church that God can’t help but bless and use for His eternal purposes. It’s a church that makes the angels shout Encore!” (11).
What does this church look like? Cordeiro describes this church with members who grow spiritually, witness fruit from mission, desire to attend church functions, commit to the mission, tell others about it, grow but know they are not perfect, are challenged and equipped to take one more step toward growth in the Christian life next week. Is it really a book about being a church that is irresistible to God, not people? Yes. Cordeiro affirms, “When we find out who we are, and are fully settled on doing what God has asked us to do and be, then we don’t have to move far to find Christ and live for Him. Our days aren’t wasted doing the wrong things. Our lives are well stewarded” (22).
Cordeiro develops 12 traits of how a church could please God and thereby receive His blessing. To this end he quotes Augustine, “A man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
Cordeiro’s writing style is direct, hopeful, and easy to read. After his introduction, he invests a chapter on each of the 12 traits through which he has seen God bless his church in Oahu. They are
1. Hungers for the Presence of God
2. Remembers Who She Is
3. Lives Heart First
4. Practices Gratefulness
5. Promotes Healthy Relationships
6. Is Always Learning
7. Promotes Spiritual Self-Feeding
8. Connects Everything to a Soul
9. Chooses to Love
10. Takes Risks
11. Humbles Itself
12. Has a Plan
Following the last chapter is a study guide for personal or group study from which Cordeiro reiterates, “When we find out who we are, and are fully settled on doing what God has asked us to do and be, then our days won’t be wasted doing the wrong things. Our lives will be well stewarded” (151).
I left a great deal of ink and yellow highlighter throughout each chapter, encouraged in the discovery that there is only One I need to please, and He has everything I need to serve His church faithfully. My task now includes teaching my people what this means.
–Reviewed by Michael R. Cauley, DMin, pastor, GracePoint Seventh-day Adventist Church, Brentwood, Tennessee, United States.
