The Most Loving Place in Town
A Modern Day Parable for the Church
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: W Publishing Group (Thomas Nelson)
- Published: 2010
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Publisher's Description
A moving story, told in Ken Blanchard's appealing parable style, of how a local church can be either a blessing or a curse to their community. The Most Loving Place in Town is the story of two men, a disillusioned church elder and a gifted young pastor, who recognize that their church has lost sight of its number one priority: loving God and each other. They begin a search, independently at first, to recapture their lost love and then together lead their fellowship in a successful discovery of the secret to becoming a beacon of love in their community. By the end of the story you clearly see and understand why this secret, so simple yet so profound, is vital and how to apply it to your own life and the life of your church.
Endorsements (13)
“This is a great story. Jesus placed all His bets on the mastering of love by His people. Read it—and get to work!”
“Only authors who love a church could have written such a beautiful parable. I was convicted as I identified with the characters. I was tremendously blessed as I saw God’s plan for all churches. My eyes watered a few times, and my heart was filled with joy as I saw the church revived through sharing the love of Christ.”
“In The Most Loving Place in Town, Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges have showed us how love can, and must, transform us and the church. This is a must-read. But more importantly, it is a must do for every Christian and every church if we are truly to be followers of Jesus.”
“With all the busyness and stress in our world today, this simple yet profoundly powerful story is a beacon of hope not only for church life but also for all of our lives. It’s a call to remember that God is love, and we’re called by Him to model that in every way that we live our lives, especially in His church. With leadership founded on Biblical love—not judgment, self-interest, or a plethora of programs—churches can begin to draw people back into the fold. This heartfelt book is the godly how-to handbook to do just that!”
“This is a must-read for everyone who claims to be a Christian. The book furnishes thought-provoking study questions that all church board members should use as a guide to examine themselves and the churches they are leading. Thank you, Ken and Phil, for reminding us of God’s charge for our lives and the power of prayer.”
“We all know a thousand ways that the local church can fail. This book shows one way—the essential way—for the local church to succeed in carrying out its mission: become the most loving place in town. This book does for the local church what Lead Like Jesus does for the individual leader: it shows a way to make Jesus smile!”
“Ken and Phil have done it again! They keep hitting the center cut of the target! You’ll want to pick up this new book and will not be able to put it down. God has truly blessed them with incredible gifts. You’ll be blessed!”
“The Most Loving Place in Town touches the very sorest place in the human heart: our deep longing for a community of true kindness and grace. Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges have written a moving and biblically sure-footed parable that will guide you and your congregation back to ‘your first love.’ Read this book, shed tears of repentance and joy, and make yourself available to the work God wants to do to renew love and caring in your local church.”
“The Most Loving Place reminds us that even though the busyness of Christ-centered communities is necessary, it is not primary. The business of those vibrant, living communities is love. We are reminded that choosing any action or activity over a loving relationship is a bad decision. With great insights and anecdotes, the authors remind us of three important truths: The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. And the best time to love is now.”
“It takes a couple of real servants to write a book about servant leadership and its number one ingredient: love. Ken and Phil do a great job of modeling the leadership style of Jesus. This book is a keeper on how it is done.”
“All of us earnestly desire to be in a loving church. However, many churches are not the most loving places in town. In this parable, Ken and Phil have shown us how to start the journey under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to transform our own church into the most loving place in town.”
“This book takes us back to basics: love God, and love one another. The parable brings to life the simple yet profound truths that Jesus taught through His deeds and words. Churches that embrace the message of this book can become the most loving places in town.”
“In the engaging narrative style that has become a hallmark of Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, The Most Loving Place in Town is the perfect remedy for anyone in any environment—whether church, business, or home—who has developed ‘spiritual cataracts.’ This book should find its way into the hands of every churchgoer in the nation—better yet, in the world!”
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