Wanna read a book that gives an overview of what happens when churches begin operating by a man-made business model rather than an inspired Word of God? If you answered yes, then read Zondervan’s A Multi-Site Road Trip by Geoff Surratt, Greg Ligon, & Warren Bird. This recollection of a cross-country trip to fifteen different multi-site churches across America, including Hawaii, is so full of the folly of man’s knowledge that there is, as expected, little room for Godly knowledge. Sure, there are Biblical passages planted throughout the book supporting ideas but not their Biblical meaning, but the most discussion of “is this right in the eyes of God?” is within the chapter discussing John Piper’s Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minnesota. Sadly though, Piper and his elder’s insistence that nothing be done outside of the scripture’s authority is almost discussed laughingly by the authors.

While this book is full of business models and discussion of technology, this book would serve no purpose to the Christian leader looking to raise and groom a flock in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. As I read the book all I could think was, “this is nothing more than denominationalism via webcast.” Then at the end of the book the author(s) do decide to admit this fact. As a majority of the congregation discussed in the book are “non-denominational,” this book would have been more properly entitled How to Make Your Own Denomination in the 21st Century For Dummies. If anything, the members of these congregations are allowed to look behind the screen just as Dorthy was in the Wizard of Oz and see how their wizard does what he does.

I would recommend this book to no one. ( )