I’m writing this review mostly for myself, but figured I would publish it.

Review Material: They Like Jesus But Not the Church

Type: Small Group DVD Video material

Author: Dan Kimball

Format: DVD

Leader Guide: Yes (Sort of - seems like a copy of his book was included, not a true leader’s guide)

Participants Guide: Yes

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/They-Like-Jesus-but-Church/dp/0310277884/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Target: churches that aren’t reaching their community or culture

Problems: The speaker is stilted in his speech. He never sounds like he is comfortable being on camera. He uses hand gestures so much that is is forced and looks odd.

The content is good, but it may not be received well by some in the church. This is not because of the content, but presentation. While he has some good concepts, the applications seem to be a bit narrow and focus on the flavor(s) of people he is dealing with in Southern California.

Kimball tries too hard to make connecting with the world about never offending. While I agree with the core of his premise, even Jesus offended. Most of his offense was directed at the self-righteous and religious, but there were many who left him because of what he was saying to them. It was too hard for them to hear. The idea of Paul’s teaching of “All things to all” would have been a good discussion to have here, and it didn’t happen.

His presentation makes it difficult to hear the parts of the message that matters the most: Preach the Gospel. If the Gospel offends, that’s life, but you should not offend unnecessarily in your actions, attitudes or speech.

Useful for church at large: Not ours

Useful for some small groups: maybe for some