Practical. Readable. Encouraging. Gospel-Centered.

These are words that describe the book, You’re Not Crazy by Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry. Ortlund and Allberry write as seasoned pastors with a heart to encourage fellow pastors who feel frustrated by our culture and discouraged in ministry. They want to encourage weary pastors to keep going and to stay focused on the gospel.

The first chapter explains why it is important for churches to cultivate a gospel culture. Good gospel doctrine is crucial but it must be backed up by a culture centered on the grace of Christ. Ortlund and Allberry explain, “We’re longing for the beauty of Christ to shape every aspect of our churches – not only the content of our teaching but also the quality and flavor of our relationships… the truth of Christ must shape our creeds and sermons so that the beauty of Christ also adorns our life together as churches. Then we will be a prophetic presence in the world today.”

The rest of the book roughly follows the movements of a church service and applies the idea of gospel culture to each movement – 1) being welcoming, 2) having honesty, 3) honoring one another, 4) preaching, 5) leadership, and 6) mission.

Chapter 1: What Is Gospel Culture, and Why Does It Matter?
Chapter 2: Open the Doors, Open Your Heart: A Culture of Gospel Welcome
Chapter 3: Come into the Light: A Culture of Gospel Honesty
Chapter 4: See the Glory!: A Culture of Gospel Honor
Chapter 5: Let Christ Preach: A Culture of Gospel Invitation
Chapter 6: Leave Behind Lord-It-Over Leadership: A Culture Guided by Gentle Shepherds
Chapter 7: Make Your Church’s Love Obvious: A Culture Fueled by Renewal and Mission

This book also had a corresponding podcast with the same name (in its third season) as Allberry and Ortlund discuss many of the topics found in the book.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/youre-not-crazy/

One tidbit I liked, the book ends with an illusion to the Lord of the Rings, which I think is fantastic as I am a big fan. And the book concludes with a succinct final sentence about their vision, “When gospel doctrine really enters our hearts, that gospel culture springs to life!”

Here are a few of my favorite quotes.

In talking about gospel culture, “The doctrine of grace also creates a culture of grace.” (p. 7).

“The gospel is more than a place to stand. It is a path to follow.” (p. 15)

“Your sin does not intimidate Jesus. What is right in him far outweighs what is wrong in you. There is more grace in him than guilt in you. He is better at saving than you are sinning… this is Christ’s welcome.” (p. 36, 37).

In commenting about hospitality, “You don’t need a big home. You just need a big heart, like the heart of Christ toward you.” (p. 39).

I received a copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.