Book Review: "INsourcing" by Randy Pope

Randy Pope states the focus of his book is to share lessons learned that changed the ministry of his church (Introduction, page 16). Pope spends the twelve chapters and four appendices (with notes) introducing and developing a hybrid-model of church that addresses the individual, providing context and elements for necessary equipping and maturity to express and apply the gospel globally. 

Pope communicates a person-centered approach to being and doing church with no discussion or explanation of what constitutes the foundation of the church (for example 1 Corinthians 3:10 is offered with no explanation or teaching) nor does he point to the head of the church, who is Christ. The purpose of the church is mentioned only in passing in preference for assuming a different purpose, which becomes an elusive target to be discovered the developed by experience. Once identified, business and marketing strategy integrated with theology becomes the modus operandi.

While it is clear this book is for a Christian audience, one can easily misunderstand and subsequently misapply the minimized doctrine, which leads to misdirection and misrepresentation.