Bigger Things

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

David Ruis

“Bigger Things is a beautiful, theological road map and an inspiring account of Melt’s journey with Jesus through the nations. All the stories are told with Melt’s wit and wisdom; I enjoyed the read and benefited from his insight. I especially appreciated the connections Melt made between suffering and love. In my life, and in this book, that’s the heart of what it means to live the Jesus way.”

Brian Doerksen

“Bigger Things by Vineyard pastor and leader Melt van der Spuy is a terrific and rollicking read. Absolutely crammed with robust theology, practical orthopraxy, and personal anecdotes, it is a helpful guide for Christian leaders and pastors trying to navigate the way forward with hurricane force winds coming from all directions.”

Larry Levy

“Just when I’d shrunk my kingdom expectations down to something tame, manageable, and small, Melt’s book dropped into my hands and provoked me to consider Bigger Things. Not flaky, trendy, or provincial things—but things that matter, things that are durable, things that deserve my re-kindled attention. I wasn’t expecting this: solid theology wrapped in a riveting story and prayed over me by a guy with a huge heart. Thank you Melt.”

Brady Wilson

“Simple yet profound. Simple because the author’s theology is embedded in the author’s story. Profound in that that same theology is thought-provoking, challenging, and rich. Written predominantly to and for the Vineyard movement, Bigger Things deserves a wider audience. Especially for those in any form of leadership. I look forward to reading it again.”

Michael Arnold

“Like an archer drawing the string back, Melt van der Spuy takes aim at tensions within the charismatic movement. With humility, theological depth, and clarity, he releases a word that flies true. Bigger Things doesn’t shy away from the messiness of renewal, nor does it settle for nostalgic retellings. Instead, Melt invites us into a courageous reframing—holding critique and hope in dynamic tension, tethered to the ancient path and animated by the Spirit’s living work. This book lands its arrow true—calling the church back to her missional core, away from shallow triumphalism, and toward a Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered renewal. With the wisdom of an elder and the heart of a shepherd, Melt helps us reimagine what renewal might look like.”

Todd Rutkowski

“Melt van der Spuy offers timely course correction and an excellent primer in the priorities of the kingdom of God. It is timely, because the church today is continually beset by worldly values that skew theological thinking. The idea of ‘dominionism,’ where ‘power over’ has eclipsed Jesus’ kingdom teaching of ‘powerless power’ and loving others, is one example of how Melt refreshes our kingdom memory. Bigger Things directs the reader to the sometimes unseen or ignored arc of God’s purpose. Melt points to responsible hermeneutics as key to unraveling pop theology and debunking bandwagon trends in the church today, trends which few are willing to challenge for fear of not toeing the party line. Bigger Things is not about big events or ‘bigger is better.’ It is about how we are to live and grow in the character of Jesus, resisting the world’s ways. It is about how to use the gifts or tools the Holy Spirit has given us responsibly. It is about how the Father plays out his ‘long game’ of redemption through us when we listen and submit to the bigger things God is doing.”

Rik Berry