Damage Control

How to Stop Making Jesus Look Bad

by: Dean Merrill

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781441236630

  Pub. Date

  Mar 2006

  SRP

  $12.99

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About

People don't like Christians. It's a sad fact, but it's true. Instead of being seen as representatives of a loving God, Christians are often seen as narrow-minded, exclusionary, or pushy.

In Damage Control, Dean Merrill examines what Christians can do to stop making Jesus look bad. "Let's shine a light on what we're doing wrong--and what we, as 'field reps,' could do better," he says. In three parts, Merrill looks at God's "shaky plan"--why God left his reputation in the hands of fallible humans--the ways we hurt God's cause without realizing it, and the ways we can help God's cause. This insightful and energizing book will show Christians how to engage in spiritual disciplines, peaceful practices, and evangelism to represent Christ for who he really is.

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Endorsements

"A welcome book, full of wise counsel."--Harold Myra, executive chair, Christianity Today International

"Damage Control is nothing less than a thoughtful, well-reasoned presentation that the Church in the United States urgently needs to ponder. Through powerful stories and convincing application of Scripture, Dean Merrill perfectly portrays the Christian's role as "God's ambassador" to the world. What's more, he helps us understand the "tools of the ambassador's trade"--embracing everything from carefully chosen words to the evidence of God's power. Damage Control can make a real difference in how the Church impacts a skeptical but needy world."--Wess Stafford, president and CEO, Compassion International

"Dean Merrill has given us a 'high definition' version of the biblical theme of ambassador. Every person who describes themselves as Christian ought to have to sit silently and listen to Merrill's book read to them. This is a classic lesson in why America is clueless about who Jesus really is. The answer to this dilemma is costly, but not expensive. Merrill reminds us this journey starts with acting like the One we say we represent."--Byron D. Klaus, president, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri

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Reviews

"This honest and provocative book points out how Christians often fail to make their faith attractive, and how unintended hindrances bury the message of God's love. Readers can't help being challenged by Merrill's message of change and love. He'll offend a few, encourage many others and cause some Christians to make huge changes in how they relate to the people around them. This is a necessary and timely book."--Publishers Weekly, December 2005

"If CCM Magazine gave a 'Best Title of the Year' award, this book's title would take it! And the actual book? Author Dean Merrill encourages fellow believers to step outside of the Christian 'bubble' and portray a more accurate picture of who Christ really is. In this witty, truth-filled book, Merrill focuses on the ways in which Christ is often misconstrued to a watching world."--CCM Magazine

"This energizing book shows Christians how to engage in spiritual disciplines, peaceful practices, and evangelism to represent Christ for who He really is. It's a must read!"--Family Ministries, Inc.