Absolutely. I think that Velvet Elvis is a very important book for all Christians to read. There may be more like it too as it is apparently part of a kind of revival that’s going on in the US right now. It’s very similar in very many ways to my little non-denominational Church, but before reading this book I really didn’t know Rob Bell and other like minded teachers existed and were gaining a strong following in the US, so this book is opening my eyes up to a whole new greatly expanded community for me, and I’m excited about that. The book itself is an easy read, but it's very thought provoking. It's a progressive book that challenges you to think and grow, which is a very important difference between it and a lot other material that's out there now. And I'm not only learning but I'm becoming more aware in the process, and that for me is the mark of a truly gifted/inspired writer.
Man, that whole progressive church movement is very interesting. If you liked Velvet Elvis you would love Blue Like Jazz...I swear, this book caught fire on many college campuses over the past couple years and hasn't looked back. Don Miller came and spoke at Baylor last year and, although many people didn't like him (because he told everyone he's a democrat... ), his message definitely got through and many people were introduced to that line of thinking.
Here are books that I have found extremely helpful: Desiring God by John Piper Pleasures of God by John Piper Spiritual Disciplines by Don Whitney Living the Cross-Centered Life by CJ Mahaney 9 Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul Tripp A Call to Spiritual Reformation by DA Carson The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes
A Tale of three Kings: A Study in Brokenness by Gene Edwards. Great look at attitudes in church leadership and the three main types of people there are... very good read, very helpful... should be required reading for any adult attending a church faithfully enough to be a part of such a group (that studies extra-biblical texts with practical help in them).
one of the key figures in the emerging church movement is Chris Seay...who went to Baylor. University Baptist was one of the earliest churches I know of that had that approach, and Ecclesia here in Houston was born out of that. Seay and David Crowder (also a Baylor guy) founded that church together. it's funny to me that it comes from Baylor..where established "religion" is so prevalent. Chris' little brother Robbie (of the Robbie Seay Band) was at Baylor with us as well. Seay is less political than Miller, though. He doesn't wear his politics on his sleeve...doesn't feel the need to tell everyone how he votes. Seay is my friend, so I'm biased...but I think that's a great approach. You need to go to Mars Hill's website and listen to Rob Bell's sermon from a month or so back called, "Calling all Peacemakers -- Part 2" Fan-freaking-tastic.
Rob Bell also did a bunch of short very powerful videos. They can be purchased at www.nooma.com Online there are free study guides. My small group is working through them -- and loving them.
