Over the last several years, I have noticed a new genre of leadership books arise in which leadership principles unfold through the narrative of a story creating a mixture of fiction and non-fiction in the same writing.  I find this type of writing helpful because the reader immediately sees explanation, illustration, and application of the principles, making them easier to understand.

Dr. Steve Parr has brought this type of writing to the Church in his newest book The Coffee Shop that Changed a Church.  Dr. Parr’s work is both inspirational and information.  The compelling narrative of a fictional Rev. Mitch Walker of the Stanton Community Church engages all of the elements of a good story, leaving the reader in anticipation of what happens next.

Through Walker’s experiences, the reader learns the value and process of mentoring as Rev. Walker is mentor by older, more experienced, and seemingly “successful” Marc Benton, pastor of a prominent church in the county.  Walker in turn mentors members of his congregation, which results in a surprising twist in the last chapter of the book.

The book also shows the difficulties and blessings of pastoral ministry.  Walker deals with the usual struggles of vision, time, and expectations.  Mean-spirited members challenge him, well-meaning members place unreasonable expectations on him, a lost community burdens him, and his family encourages him. Most pastors I know will identify with most of his experiences.

Finally, fulfilling the purpose of the story, the book presents a method of saturating a community with the Gospel of Jesus through six principles collectively called The Net Effect.  The story relates Walker’s efforts to engage Stanton Community Church in each of the six principles.  Dr. Parr has always been his best when training leaders to share their faith.  The Net Effect is simple enough for any church to engage, and practical enough to adapt to any community or context.

I commend the book to pastors of every church – large, small, or in between.  I also believe every lay leader would benefit from the book in two ways.  First, the leader will gain an insight into the struggles of a pastor in a typical church.  Then the leader can see better ways to encourage pastors.  Second, the leader will learn principles that he or she can use along side of the pastor to help the church engage the Great Commission in their community.

Thank you, Dr. Parr.  You have given a great gift to the Church.