Andy Stanley - Not in It to Win It: Why Choosing Sides Sidelines The Church

T o the fabulous, mission centered, Jesus following people who serve, support, and attend our network of churches in the greater Atlanta area, thank you! The past two and half years have been challenging for pastors everywhereespecially for those who, because of their commitment to making disciples of people in all parties, refused to politicize their churches. While I navigated my fair share of pressure to chose a side and take a stand, that sentiment paled in comparison to the avalanche of encouragement I received from you to stay the courseyour calls, letters, voicemails, DMs, emails, and notes left in our mailbox at home. Youll never know how much your support in this season meant to Sandra and me. Ive said it before, but I dont say it enough: Im convinced you are the most mature, forward leaning, Jesus focused congregation in America, which means Im the most blessed pastor anywhere. These past two and a half years have confirmed that conviction.

When I committed to writing Not in It to Win It, one of the first people I called was Ruth Malhotra. Ive known Ruth and her family for many years. Ruths response was, Oh my! Are you sure you want to do this? I assured her I did, but not without her help. She agreed and poured countless hours into research, chapter drafts, the development of illustrations, and dozens of Are you sure you want to say that? As grateful as I am for Ruths editorial partnership, I am grateful to Ruth for another reason as well. She agreed to take on this project during what she considers the most stressful season of her life. On several occasions I gave her an off-ramp to allow her to focus on personal and professional issues that would have more than consumed the average person. But anyone who knows Ruth knows theres nothing average about her. Thank you, Ruth!

This project would never have gotten to the finish line without the focus, attention to detail, and energy of Suzy Gray. But Suzy brought more than her professionalism to this project. Her passion for the topic of this book was inspiring and instructive. And at times, irritating. Who would have the nerve to tell a seasoned author, not to mention ones employer, I think you should cut that entire chapter. It causes the book to lose momentum. Suzy Gray, thats who. And she was right. And so I did. Suzy, thank you for consistently telling me what I need to hear even when you know I wont want to hear it. Everybody who knows you knows you make everything better.

On the publishing side, Im so grateful once again to my friends at Zondervan. Ryan Pazdur, John Raymond, and Jesse Hillman in particular. Ryan, a special shout-out to you is in order. Your editorial and content advice on this project was extremely helpful in light of the subject matter. Beyond that, I sensed genuine passion regarding the messaging and overall impact of this project. Thank you!

Last but first. Sandra. When I told you I felt compelled to weigh in on this topic, you smiled and said, Okay, if youre sure. Which I took to mean, If youre going there, Im going with you.

Other than me, only you know the crazy that gravitates in our direction when I step out to address concerns we both agree need to be addressed. No one feels the weight of the criticism that comes my way like you do. You carry it well, with dignity and grace. How many times have you taken my hand and said, If they knew you, they wouldnt say things like that about you. The best decision of my life was asking you to marry me. Everyone who knows you agrees.