Ready or Not: Kingdom Innovation for a Brave New World Paperback – September 30, 2020

Ready or Not is an engaging and smooth read, full of interesting/surprising innovation stories. The innovation tools, strategies and real life examples that Doug Paul provides much food for thought for today’s Church climate; especially during the current pandemic where church and leadership are in need of innovation during the present crises.My initial curiosity in reading was Ready or Not was centered around thinking that it would be a historical to present day analysis of shared challenges and innovation within churches and church culture.What I enjoy most about Ready or Not is that it is not simply a book on the history of church and innovation strategies. It engages the reader to encourage and impress that innovation, while not simple and easy, is possible and highly necessary; while its aim is targeted in Kingdom innovation, for me it is dynamically holistic in that it challenges my personal comforts and convictions as a change averse individual.One of my favorite chapters “When Experts Stop Asking” was sobering to read as it uncovers the root cause of change averse challenges within leadership. Doug Paul’s tone in Ready or Not is flavorful in humility, grace and humor with a foundation in strength, hope and optimism for God’s work through empty, broken vessels.

Kingdom Innovation for a Brave New World by Doug PaulI am a terrible Launch Team Member. I received my advance copy of _Kingdom Innovation for a Brave New World_, looked it over, and prepared to dive in. Then two significant life events took place that stopped me cold in my tracks.No, I did not come down with COVID. However, I re-injured my back and am spending all my free time moaning and groaning. Just before that, I took my life in my hands and flew to Southern California to spend a couple of days with my granddaughter. The only reading I got done there was Dr. Seuss.So, here I am weeks after I was supposed to provide a review, slightly embarrassed, and thrilled to tell you about a book I will give away by the case for years to come.I love this book.When I met Doug a few years ago, I was impressed with his laser focus and quick wit. He is brilliant and fun. So is his book. If you have a church leadership role, this book should be mandatory reading.The best aspect of this book from my perspective is the toolkit included in its pages and in supplementary fashion online. A book that does not show more than it tells is destined to stop short of leading readers into true transformation. I have a library full of books telling me I ought to do stuff without bothering to show me what it looks like.This is not a book to read, say you read it, and add to your Book-A-Week bragging list. This is a book to read, re-read, ponder, contemplate, work through, and discuss, discuss, discuss. This book should be read alone once and then again with a group capable of taking what it says and building a better future.Please read the Foreword and Introduction. Stick around for the Epilogue and Afterword. You will be glad you did.The five main sections of the book are1. Identification - We must frame the start of this journey by locating the big idea and framing the problem we are trying to solve.2. Ideation - We must generate whole new practices, concepts, and ways of thinking if we’re going to solve our innovation challenge.3. Experimentation - We launch, test, and relaunch the innovation until the prototype we are testing achieves the measured goals set out.4. Mobilization - Once our prototype has seen breakthrough, we need to know why and how it worked so that we can mobilize many to multiply it.5. Multiplication - Make the innovation scalable, removing as many barriers as possible, for as many people as possible, so we can invite them all into a brand new breakthrough.At the end of each of these five sections are several pages capturing the essence of the content in the preceding chapters. Sifted gold nuggets fill these pages. You will return to them again and again as you work through this process with teams.About those online resources: You will find in the pages of the book directions to web content that includes video training on the five Master Tools, a downloadable Small Group Discussion Guide, downloadable Case Studies, an in-depth video exploring the Scalability Tool from Phase 5, and curated videos and resources referred to in the book.What is kingdom innovation? Doug explains on page xxviii where he says, “It’s simply this: It’s new, it works, and it brings glory to Jesus.” That is a pretty good definition.Notice the last thing in that definition. “It brings glory to Jesus.” How many books have you read which started like that and ended up giving all the glory to the author?In contrast, check out the last two pages of the main part of the book. The section is entitled, “This is a Spiritual Process.” Spoiler alert: It’s all about giving glory to Jesus.I love this book. Buy one. Then buy a case. This brave new world of ours needs us to innovate with Jesus and for his glory.

Years ago I heard someone talk about the difference between between people who write because they could get a book deal and those who write because they have something to say. This has led to a deluge of books that should just be blog posts and a dearth of consequential material in the Christian publishing industry. The evangelical-industrial complex is real. But there are good books out there, it just takes some time to find them.Doug Paul writes because he has something to say and what he has to say is of critical importance to the mission of the Church today. Written in a highly accessible manner and with a strong command of his subject, you will be taken on a journey that will awaken you to the deeply creative and pioneering Spirit that indwells us and empowers the Church. In doing so, you will look at the Church with a renewed sense of hope in the midst of these incredibly challenging times. This will be an excellent book to read with your teams.Well done Doug!

I loved this book, once I opened the cover I couldn’t put it down. Doug masterfully brought together a collection of crystallized examples that gave vision for what stands behind (or in front of) opportunities of growth for God’s glory.

I don't personally know many strategic leaders at the source of mission movements that envelop thousands of people. And I only know slightly more pastors serving quietly in one of the poorest neighborhoods in America. Doug Paul happens to be both."Ready or Not" lays out a credible design pathway for kingdom expressions that God uses to strike the need of the moment with power and precision. It repeatedly challenges our mindset, our practices, and even our hearts. (I personally am most challenged by the inescapable rhythm of plan, try, fail, tweak, over and over again until it catches fire—how badly do I feel I need to get it right the first time!)I'm buying a copy for a colleague, because every leader needs to ponder what it means to practice these principles where God has placed them.

This is challenging many of my paradigms of what normal should be in this season of rampant change. We need to study this as ministry teams.