Mike Burnette - Parable Church: How the Teachings of Jesus Shape the Culture of Our Faith

Mike Burnette is a great friend and leader who inspires me with his gift of stepping outside of the collective comfort zone. He will do whatever it takes to encounter the heart of Jesus and reflect his compassion to humanity. Thats why Parable Church is a must-read! If youre looking for a fresh perspective to strip away the clutter and to learn the culture of Gods kingdom in fresh ways, this book is it.

PASTOR DINO RIZZO, executive director, ARC (Association of Related Churches)

Pastor Mike distills foundational principles on the purpose, methods, and value of the church as the means of growing Gods kingdom in only the way a pastor of one of the fastest-growing churches in America could. His words are detailed enough for the wisest scholar, yet simple enough for a beginner to enjoy. Church leaders need to read this book and then lead their flock to become a parable church.

DR. MARK GREEN, US congressman and former special operator, US Army

My dear friend Mike Burnette is an inspiring and gifted communicator. In this powerful book, he unpacks the parables of Jesus to help us understand the difference between doing church and actually being Christs church. Pastor Mike exposes the spirit of religious people rules and reveals the true culture of the kingdom of God and the heart of the Father.

NANCY ALCORN, founder and president of Mercy Multiplied

In a time when many people are being forced to rethink church, Parable Church brings a fresh opportunity to reimagine the way Jesus wants his church to gather.

GABE LYONS, president of Q Ideas and author of Good Faith

Ive often said that if Jesus walked the earth today, hed be a filmmaker. The best filmmakers are the storytellers, and Jesus told stories. When his adversaries asked gotcha questions, Jesus always had an answer in the form of a story. In parables. I honor my friend Mike Burnette for unpacking the truth within these amazing stories for all generations. This book is a must-read!

ISRAEL HOUGHTON, Grammy Awardwinning songwriter and worship leader

This book is one of the most significant books Ive read as a church leader. My friend Mike Burnette has masterfully revealed the intent of Jesus parables and how to live them out in the life of the local church. Its only when we transcend the religiosity of doing and embrace the relationship of being that we will truly manifest Gods will here on earth. Parable Church is a must-read for anyone who is serious about aligning with the mission and message of Jesus Christ.

DR. JOSEPH W. WALKER, III, Mount Zion Baptist Church, presiding bishop of Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship

In Parable Church, Mike Burnette doesnt give generic leadership platitudes as a substitute way to build a church; instead, he insightfully pulls leadership gems from the soil of Jesus use of parablesstories that were valuable not only to the original listening audience but also to those of us eager to build churches that reflect Gods kingdom. Youll enjoy the treasures he excavates. Act quickly to embed them in the soil of your leadership.

WAYNE FRANCIS, lead pastor of The Life Church, New York, and coauthor of Black Fist, White Knuckles

Stinking brilliant! Out of a hundred books on how to create healthy church culture, this is the one that stands out. Mike Burnette gives a ridiculously simple filter through which to rethink churchthe parables of Jesus. Mike finds a way to bypass all of the silly church debates in the most lifegiving way, and then he shares the values through which vision can thrive. This book is the ultimate skeleton key to unlock the door and bring resolution to almost any church dispute.

PETER HAAS, pastor of Substance Church and performer, DJ, and producer for SubstanceVariant.com

Before I read a book, I ask two basic questions: Does the author have credibility? And do they have something meaningful to say? Mike Burnette scores on both counts. Parable Church offers a fresh approach to a timely topic. This book will inspire you to see your place in the world differently. On a scale of 1 to 10, this book is a 10.

HAL DONALDSON, CEO, Convoy of Hope

The church is the primary instrument that God uses to expand his kingdom here on earth. Being the church and leading in the church are sacred and privileged opportunities. My friend Mike Burnette has brilliantly combined his life experiences and the parables of Jesus to help the reader do both. His insights on Jesus parables will deepen your faith and strengthen your leadership. Enjoy your journey through Parable Church.

DOUG CLAY, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God

Mike Burnette is an emerging leader on whom Gods hand obviously rests. He has been given rich insights into dynamic keys for Christian living. Mike unpacks the parables of Jesus in a fresh way, offering pragmatic thoughts based on biblical truths and translating them into everyday life and leadership. Parable Church is a must-read!

GERALD BROOKS, pastor of Grace Outreach Center, Gerald Brooks Ministries

Mike Burnette helps all of us as leaders understand the power of building a church on the foundation of being the church and not just doing church. This is a deep dive into the countercultural building of Gods kingdom through the power of parables and storytelling.

BRAD LOMENICK, founder, BLINC, and author of H3 Leadership and The Catalyst Leader

ZONDERVAN REFLECTIVE

Parable Church

Copyright 2021 by Mike Burnette

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ePub Edition February 2021: ISBN 978-0-310-11302-7

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