Pastor Jamin Goggin and theology professor Kyle Strobel invite readers on a journey to uncover Jesus’ seemingly contradictory way to power: weakness.
Why do so many rock-star pastors implode under the spotlight? Why do modern-day churches become so entangled in growing their brand that they lose sight of their true purpose? Because, according to Jamin Goggin and Kyle Strobel, Christians have succumbed to the temptations of power and forgotten Jesus’ seemingly contradictory path to power—first giving it up.
In The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb, Goggin and Strobel paint a richly biblical vision of power through weakness. They invite readers to join them on an adventure around the world, seeking out great sages of the faith with uncommon wisdom to offer those traveling the path of Christian life. As readers eavesdrop on the authors’ conversations with people such as J. I. Packer, Dallas Willard, Marva Dawn, John Perkins, Jean Vanier, James Houston, and Eugene Peterson, they begin to piece together the new-old reality of following Jesus today. In the end, The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb offers a compelling vision of the way of Jesus that will challenge both individual believers and the church as a whole.
“This is a book every Christian leader needs to read and soon. The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb will shape more than your leadership and ministry, it will shape your soul and reorient you to following Jesus. This is a message we need desperately.”
Sarah Bessey, author of Out of Sorts and Jesus Feminist
“What makes the book a must-read for every leader is the revelations that Goggin and Strobel aren’t ultimately trying to heal the church, but themselves.”
Skye Jethani, author of With: Reimaging the Way You Relate to God, and cohost of the Phil Vischer Podcast
“Jamin and Kyle have a finger on the pulse of something significant here. I have often been concerned with the current view of strength and power as it is currently understood and embraced in our culture. The church must see power for what it is and where it’s found. The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb will help us all along the path to pursuing the way of the Lamb.”
Matt Chandler, lead pastor of the Village Church and president of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network
“Insightful, humbling, and worshipful, this book is a necessary call for the church to seek its power in the Spirit, not in the celebrity culture of a lost world. The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb will encourage pastors and church members to look at themselves and their fellowships through the lens of the gospel.”
Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
“The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb is possibly one of the most unique, yet profound books I’ve read in years. The wisdom packed into its pages is so remarkable, I felt like I was standing on holy ground with each page, needing to take off my shoes. What a monumental book.”
Nish Weiseth, author of Speak
“I was both encouraged and humbled by this book. The authors’ openness to the sages in the generation before them is in shining contrast to the ‘generationalism’ that is so common today. But the combined weight of their analysis is a sobering reminder of the seductive coils of power in which we are all so easily entangled.”
Os Guinness, author of Impossible People and Fools Talk
“Goggin and Strobel effectively wrestle with the tension of power versus weakness by leaning on the Scriptures and the wisdom of fellow believers. Power is alluring for some and repulsive for others. Weakness is difficult, but in it the Lord works wonders.This book helps the Christian think correctly on these things.”
Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research and author of
Planting New Churches in a Postmodern Age and coauthor of Transformational Church