Change Agent: Engaging Your Passion to Be the One Who Makes a Difference [Paperback]

Just wanted to pass on what a tremendous impact the book "Change Agent" has made in my life. My Pastor's Secretary gave me a copy because she strongly believes that I am called to be a change agent in the science, engineering, and technology business arena. I admit that I have known this intuitively for many years but never was able to nail down the concept quite as well as Os Hillman does in this wonderful book.

In addition to my duties as Director of the Technology Transfer Center for Louisiana Tech University, I am COO of a small high tech business and am paid staff as the Director of the two year Bible School based in our church. I have struggled in the past with the notion of what kind of man I am called to be since I seem to be called in so many directions. "Change Agent" has helped bring clarity to who and what I am as a change agent of God and has helped confirm in my heart that all my life experiences and training have prepared me for this role. Several years ago, the Lord told me that he was arranging a "marvelous confluence" of skills and abilities to prepare me for what he had called me to do. This book has helped me to see that I am not alone in this type of calling. I highly recommend it for Professionals who have struggled with their ministry identity as I have.

Os Hillman hit a home-run with this book! "Change Agent" helped me to better understand the process of growth that God has taken me through, and I'm confident that any follower of Jesus would benefit from reading it.

Although I have seen Os speak, this is his first book that I've read...but it won't be the last. Unfortunately, so many contemporary Christian books are little more than "spiritual bubblegum," which initially tastes good but then gets stale and loses its effect; they leave no beneficial long-term impact. But not this one! This is not a book that the author quickly pulled together in a year or two; it's immediately evident that the wisdom contained within "Change Agent" was gathered over a lifetime. The book has genuine depth, but it's also broken into extremely manageable pieces and parts that anyone can easily digest and apply to life.

Each chapter will inspire and equip you to break out of the shell that our culture has built around you, so you can be all that God designed you to be. Buy it...read it...allow it to marinate deep within you...and then buy copies for all of your friends. I wish I had a book like this 20 years ago.

I read this book with mixed emotions. Hillman starts off well by sharing about how various individuals have been talking about conquering several spheres of culture. Francis Schaeffer, Billy Graham, and many prominent names were mentioned to raise interest. There are many familiar names, powerful figures, and intriguing stories to keep the reader interested. His concern is genuine, and the message is filled with a conviction that the world can be won, and that there is a good chance for change agents to bring about the kingdom of God through conquering the seven mountains. He also acknowledges that these seven mountains are not the only mountains, sharing about Loren Cunningham who suggests a seventh (science) and eighth mountain (technology). The practical applications are easy to follow. The stages described are appealing. The examples given are indeed very captivating.

My biggest problem with the book is its weak ecclesiology (Theology of the Church). For all its wonderful convictions and knowledge of the culture, the theology of the church is sadly lacking. This runs contrary to Jesus's words to Simon Peter about God using the Church to build his kingdom (Matt 16:18). Granted that the church is a community of believers gathered in Jesus' Name, a called out people (ekklesia), the role of the church is unfortunately relegated to the last chapter, instead of 'undergirding' every attempt to conquer any mountain. Even if I were to give Hillman the benefit of the doubt, that he meant the people of God to be the church, it is not clearly emphasized. It is true that one needs passion to become a change agent to make a difference. It is also true that one needs to be convicted about conquering the mountains in society. However, it needs to be done through the church and in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Another concern is the overwhelming focus on the 'top.' What about the rest? Mind you, God can choose to use anyone, anywhere.

In summary, this book has a noble purpose. It shines in giving examples even though some of the names given are not as credible over time. It also excels in terms of engaging readers through sections of easy to read stages and illustrations. Ultimately, it disappoints because of a weak theology of the church. It is a para-church implementation of the 7-Mountain strategy that is unsettling.

Rating: 3 stars of 5.

conrade

This book is supplied to me, courtesy of Charisma Publishing House without any obligation for a positive review. The comments made are freely mine.
conrade