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Not in It to Win It: Why Choosing Sides Sidelines The Church Paperback – May 10, 2022

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,266 ratings

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Is it possible to disagree politically and love unconditionally? The reaction of evangelicals to political and cultural shifts in recent years revealed what they value most. Lurking beneath our Bible-laced rhetoric, faith claims, books, and sermons is a relentless drive to WIN!

But the church is not here to win. By every human measure, our Savior lost. On purpose. With a purpose. And we are his body. We are not in it to win anything. We are in it for something else entirely. That something else is what this book is about.

You'll discover:

  • How to take a stand the right way. You'll learn how to make your case with a posture of humility and understanding, rather than being fueled by the fear of losing something.
  • How to view politics through the lens of faith. Learn curiously, listen intentionally, and love unconditionally.
  • How the life of Jesus and his teaching applies to modern-day challenges in a fresh way. The "biblical" stand may not be what we've been taught.

Jesus never asked his followers to agree on everything. But he did call his followers to obey a new command: to love others in the same way he has loved us. Instead of asserting our rights or fighting for power, we need to begin asking ourselves: what does love require of me?

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'Andy is 'not in it to win it,' and I'm in it with Andy and his passion for reaching people far from Jesus. Too many Christians are fighting the wrong battle and warring against the wrong people--you can't wage war on people and reach them at the same time. Andy points us back to the mission Jesus sent us on--showing the love of Jesus to a broken and hurting world. This book is a prophetic call to a confused church, and I hope it is widely engaged and discussed.' -- Ed Stetzer, dean and professor at Wheaton College

'As someone who studies and serves churches around the world, I can confirm it. Attendance in churches is declining. Fewer people, especially in the younger generations, identify as Christians. Churches are more divided than ever. Our world seems more divided than ever. By any measure, we are not winning. But what if we're not winning primarily because we're trying to win? Once again, Andy Stanley helps us reflect on the words of Jesus and challenges us to consider a better way to live our lives and, more importantly, engage God's mission in a broken world.' --
Tony Morgan, founder and lead strategist of The Unstuck Group, author of The Unstuck Church

'For as long as I've known Andy Stanley, he has championed the primacy of reaching people as the task of the church. As he often says (quoting James, a first-century leader of the church), 'We ought not make it hard for the gentiles who are turning to God.' I believe the issues Andy raises in this book are the most pressing questions facing the church right now, and they get at the heart of the Great Commission itself. I invite you to wrestle with them thoughtfully and prayerfully, as I have. If we are to represent Jesus in this generation, we must be people full of grace and truth, and that is no small challenge. Even in places where you come to different conclusions than Andy, you'll be richer for having wrestled through these issues.' --
J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church

About the Author

Communicator, author, and pastor Andy Stanley founded Atlanta-based North Point Ministries (NPM) in 1995. Today, NPM consists of eight churches in the Atlanta area and a network of 180 churches around the globe that collectively serve over 200,000 people weekly. As host of Your Move with Andy Stanley, which delivers over 10.5 million messages each month through television, digital platforms, and podcasts, and author of more than 20 books, including Irresistible; Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets; and Deep & Wide, Andy is considered one of the most influential pastors in America.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zondervan (May 10, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0310138922
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0310138921
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.13 x 0.75 x 5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,266 ratings

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Andy Stanley
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Communicator, author, and pastor Andy Stanley founded Atlanta-based North Point Ministries (NPM) in 1995. Today, NPM consists of eight churches in the Atlanta area and a network of 180 churches around the globe that collectively serve over 200,000 people weekly.

As host of Your Move with Andy Stanley, which delivers over 10.5 million messages each month through television, digital platforms, and podcasts and author of more than 20 books, including Irresistible; Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets; and Deep & Wide, he is considered one of the most influential pastors in America.

Andy and his wife, Sandra, have three grown children and live near Atlanta.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
1,266 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the insightful and refreshing perspective it provides. The writing style is described as creative and memorable. Readers describe the premise as timely and on-point. The message is clear and challenging, opening up civil conversations rather than hostile arguments. The author's style is described as conversational yet providing great examples.

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82 customers mention "Readability"79 positive3 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-written. They describe it as a great read for Christians, with a well-founded message that resonates. The author writes from a Christian perspective and presents a masterful work.

"...It's a relatively short read...." Read more

"...This short book is 218 pages, in small format, with a large font size and a casual writing style; it makes for a quick and easy read...." Read more

"...It got me thinking about God and what it means to follow [Him]. Props to Andy for starting a conversation that needs to be had." Read more

"A seminal body of work in my opinion that amplifies a profound message of how in a bitterly divided country/world the church needs to stand out as..." Read more

39 customers mention "Insight"39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-written. They appreciate the truthful perspective and positive ideas in it. The book is a great reminder of what Christians are called to live. It's thought-provoking and relevant to our times.

"...it is ought to be, Pastor Stanley's book will be beneficial in guiding individual churches and Christians in moving in the right direction,..." Read more

"...His critiques are devastating and decisive. After nuanced and astute analysis, he advances a genuinely shocking claim. "..." Read more

"...As someone not involved in the church, I still found this critical and thought-provoking, which should say a lot...." Read more

"Andy’s book is a great reminder that as Christians we are called to live beyond the fray of political maneuvering...." Read more

20 customers mention "Writing quality"17 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's writing style creative and memorable. They appreciate the large font size and casual writing style, making it an easy read. The author is described as wonderful and thoughtful, providing a concise and accurate synopsis of the history of the country.

"...Part 2: Our History" provides a concise and accurate synopsis of Church history to show how the Church has responded to crises in the distant and..." Read more

"...Andy's well written book with its creative style of making the reader stop, reflect and be challenged and then continue- really brought the words..." Read more

"Andy Stanley is a very good author and writes from a Christian perspective...." Read more

"...completely comfortable reading this book, but it’s a worthwhile read for our generation. Highly recommend." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive3 negative

Customers find the book timely and on-point. They say the premise is relevant in today's culture.

"...with a large font size and a casual writing style; it makes for a quick and easy read...." Read more

"As usual Andy's Stanley's thoughts are timely and relevant...." Read more

"...(at least to me) The build-up is slower for the first 3 quarters of it...." Read more

"...Andy's argument is hard to argue with, and his premise is timely. He is a bit repetitive (he's a preacher), but this is an excellent read." Read more

6 customers mention "Message clarity"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's message clear and accessible. It opens up civil conversations rather than hostile arguments. The communication style is conversational yet the message is challenging and convicting. They say it helps them understand the issue clearly. The book makes them examine how they interact with others and will change how they do so in the future.

"This is Andy Stanley at his finest. His communication style is conversational, yet his message is challenging and convicting for people who proclaim..." Read more

"...for Andy’s book, It brought clarity and truth, and helped me understand the issue clearly. Their should be no Right or Left in the Church.,..." Read more

"...It certainly made me examine how I interact with others and will change how I do so in the future." Read more

"Great discussion and study on importance of unity in the church of Jesus...." Read more

3 customers mention "Author's style"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the author's writing style engaging and helpful. They appreciate the examples and insights provided in the book. The book helps readers reevaluate their responses to current issues and provides a way forward.

"...Andy gave great examples of how this can be done as we walk in a manner to please HIM! A must read for everyone who wants to be more like Jesus!..." Read more

"Andy is spot on in this book. Made me rethink how I respond to current issues...." Read more

"...With churches becoming divided and our world so divided, Andy provides a path forward." Read more

Any American need to read this
5 out of 5 stars
Any American need to read this
This is fantastic read. The author is knowledgeable and disect with precision the troubling divisions in America, and the hypocrisy of community leaders using religion for political gains. This is a reminder that we are not just Democrats or Republicans. We are humans first. Let this sink in.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2022
    Long before the publication of his book, especially since the last two presidential elections, I have been aware and disappointed at American Christianity at large, even as I would be considered a member myself. You don't need to be a Christian to know that most evangelicals/conservatives/those who claim to be Christians have not, in general, acted out of love as Jesus has (I'm aware of how these are not synonymous to one another, but I'm generalizing because one usually means another), especially as it relates to politics. Regardless of whether our stance is morally right (and you can insert any hot topics of the day you want), we have not approached the issue(s) nor treated people with different/opposing views according to His love. We seek power and control (or as Pastor Stanley put it, winning – the earthly kind). That’s what we do primarily, instead of seeking understanding and meeting the needs of those who see things differently. We aren't humble, and sometimes acted much worse than those who don't claim Jesus as Lord. We are supposed to be a people who are in but not of this world, but what we do looks no different than those who don't follow Jesus, if not worse. We are supposed to be a people who have been forgiven so much by Him that we intrinsically want to relay the same forgiveness in love, but our behaviors look as though we don’t even have concepts of forgiveness. We are supposed to be a people who have invaluable riches waiting for us because of what Jesus has done for us, but our words/deeds seem to show that we are desperate in hanging onto some sort of win/control as if we'll have nothing when we die. If you have noticed how the American Christian church at large hasn't reflected Jesus, then you would understand.

    This is how I became interested in Pastor Stanley's book when I read his recent interview on the book. As someone who doesn't attend his church nor follow him online (though I had listened to some of his messages recommended to me and found them helpful), I was unsure of the book, but wanted to give it a good read. I also read the 1 Star reviews to get a sense of what people didn't like about it. For Roscoe Jenkins', I kept his criticism in mind but mostly dismissed it. Several of his subjective adjective to attack Pastor Stanley made it clear that he doesn't like him personally - more of a criticism of him than his book. His comment about how “Jesus didn't come to win…, … That is absolutely a form of winning” also made it clear to me that he did not read the book, at least not carefully/thoroughly. Ryan Lambert's was more informative - praising yet raising concerns at the same time.

    Two things to note having read the book in its entirety: a) It's a relatively short read. If you buckle down, you can finish in a day or two, b) (at least to me) The build-up is slower for the first 3 quarters of it. In fact, I found myself feeling that “I already got the point, and it reads repetitive at times.” However, the last quarter is "meatier" in a way, and I then saw why he spent more time laying the groundwork earlier, to bring everything together.

    As for the content/gist, I appreciate Ryan Lambert's review because it’s helpful to keep that perspective in mind. As someone who isn't a Jew or has no Jewish background, I did not sense any attacks on Jews (but again, that may be just my non-Jew bias). And even after rethinking Lambert's writing, I would disagree that Pastor Stanley had any attacks on Jews, but he did contrast the differences between the old/new covenants and the purpose of each. Pastor Stanley repeatedly clarified that old covenant was for a specific time period and purpose, which is to foreshadow Christ's coming, and therefore became obsolete with Christ's arrival. I did not sense that he was diminishing or disrespecting the old covenant, but merely noting the differences and each’s purpose. In fact, one of his points is that instead of behaving as Jesus/the apostles taught based on the new covenant, the general American Christian church today have been behaving as if Jesus' first coming hasn't happened. Overall, if you believe the American Christian church at large hasn't been what it is ought to be, Pastor Stanley's book will be beneficial in guiding individual churches and Christians in moving in the right direction, ultimately pointing back to the why - Jesus. He makes a strong case as to why the love of Christ, as He himself has shown us, is the only way moving forward for the church, and ultimately, the country, and I would add the world. He is not really teaching anything that Jesus hasn't already taught or shown us, but he is connecting scriptures in a way that helps those who want to follow Jesus, follow Him.

    At the end of the day, what I wrote here is also my personal interpretation of the book. Regardless of what you think of any of these reviews here, good or bad, my recommendation is that you give it a good read if the topic interests you in any way. And if you are Christian, I hope you will also heed Pastor Stanley’s central message to keep our points to ourselves and start making a difference.
    49 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2022
    Politics, COVID-19, masks, the mission and future of the Church -- making sense of the last two years have been difficult for evangelical Christians. I'm still looking for a new church, as are many others. Shaken loose from once secure moorings, not just church members but pastors and staff are afloat. After the craziness, I'm not sure I even want to know my fellow believers or pastors right now. Andy Stanley offers some answers to make sense of the chaos. "Not in It to Win It" is a book that has needed writing for a while now. Thank you, Andy Stanley. You get an award for courage; however, your prize may be a big target painted on your chest.

    This short book is 218 pages, in small format, with a large font size and a casual writing style; it makes for a quick and easy read. But don't let the approachable size fool you; it is thoughtful and nuanced. Andy attempts to make sense of some of the most contentious issues in evangelical Christianity. Issues need discussing, but most people don't want to bring them up. When politics, nationalism, COVID-19, and masks are discussed in church, claims are often asserted with fevered emotional rhetoric and no reference to Jesus or his commandments.

    The book is divided into three sections, "Part 1: My 2020" gives some fascinating stories from the front lines of ministry that unfolded over the last two years. "Part 2: Our History" provides a concise and accurate synopsis of Church history to show how the Church has responded to crises in the distant and recent past. "Part 3: The Way Forward" lays out a biblical and practical path for progress.

    Andy dissects recent events, putting them in the historical and biblical context. His critiques are devastating and decisive. After nuanced and astute analysis, he advances a genuinely shocking claim. "I'm convinced that a significant percentage of evangelicals would, in fact, disapprove of Jesus." That's a strong claim; however, the book justifies it with empirical solid, historical, and biblical evidence. After the flood of popular books demanding that believers go to war with their enemies, this little book is a refreshing change. You won't find the typical tired pop-cheerleader-for-tribalism allegations, but a step back into scripture. "Not in It to Win It" is grounded in biblical truth and mature, godly wisdom. Wow, we need this to help heal the deep wounds within the Church.

    I'll contend that Andy gets it; his critiques succeed, and I wish a lot of other Christian leaders would get it as well. The Church is hurting and shaky and needs help, and I maintain Andy is bringing the balm we need for the hurting Church. Even if you disagree with his claims, they are worth prayerful and focused consideration. The sign of a mature Christian, as Augustine said, is not just to believe but to understand what we believe. If you approach this book with an open mind, seeking truth as your primary objective, you'll be richly rewarded. Five stars.
    68 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Marcos Eduardo Gomes de Lima
    5.0 out of 5 stars Today’s Essential Reminder
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 9, 2022
    This book is a must-read for every Christian that get his/her emotions provoked by the political environment. It is also a must for those who are in anyway possible believing that his is doing good politics in a Christian fashion. Read it please!
  • Wout Brouwer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional
    Reviewed in Canada on July 5, 2022
    With brilliant accessibility Andy Stanley brings the Christian reader back not just to what matters most, but to the essence of the life-transforming gospel. It has an interesting, yet frighteningly familiar feel to it—as Bonhoeffer appealed to the German church in the 1930s, so Stanley is appealing to the American church today. In these fractured, suspicious, conspiracy-oriented times, Stanley begs the church to be the people of God, not simply by believing right, but by doing right—simply and profoundly by following Jesus the Christ. It’s not just the best I’ve read to address these troublesome times; it’s what I needed for my own soul. Thank you, Pastor Stanley!
  • Tracey Read
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love anything by Andy Stanley
    Reviewed in Australia on February 7, 2023
    This guy is a real thinker and has nailed the divisiveness in the churches today over the vaccine mandates. Great read.
  • Wes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for troubled times
    Reviewed in Canada on June 5, 2022
    Andy Stanley powerfully and practically reminds us what the mission of the Church is and perhaps more importantly what it IS NOT. Vital message for our times - highly recommend it!!
  • Mich Music
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book much needed
    Reviewed in Australia on May 31, 2022
    I am so thankful that I read this book. It has caused my hope to rise and confirmed to me what has been on my heart for a long time. Our eyes , ears and heart need to be turned to Jesus. B Loving others as Jesus did the command. I highly recommend this book. One for all nations.