Not in It to Win It: Why Choosing Sides Sidelines The Church

Written by Andy Stanley

Narrated by Andy Stanley

Read by the author.

Is it possible to disagree politically and love unconditionally? The reaction of evangelicals to political and cultural shifts in recent years revealed what they value most. Lurking beneath our Bible-laced rhetoric, faith claims, books, and sermons is a relentless drive to WIN!

But the church is not here to win. By every human measure, our Savior lost. On purpose. With a purpose. And we are his body. We are not in it to win anything. We are in it for something else entirely. That something else is what this book is about.

You'll discover:

• How to take a stand the right way. You'll learn how to make your case with a posture of humility and understanding, rather than being fueled by the fear of losing something.
• How to view politics through the lens of faith. Learn curiously, listen intentionally, and love unconditionally.
• How the life of Jesus and his teaching applies to modern-day challenges in a fresh way. The "biblical" stand may not be what we've been taught.

Jesus never asked his followers to agree on everything. But he did call his followers to obey a new command: to love others in the same way he has loved us. Instead of asserting our rights or fighting for power, we need to begin asking ourselves: what does love require of me?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: May 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9780310138945

Andy Stanley

Communicator, author, and pastor Andy Stanley founded Atlanta-based North Point Ministries (NPM) in 1995. Today, NPM consists of eight churches in the Atlanta area and a network of 180 churches around the globe that collectively serve over 200,000 people weekly. As host of Your Move with Andy Stanley, which delivers over 10.5 million messages each month through television, digital platforms, and podcasts, and author of more than 20 books, including Irresistible; Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets; and Deep & Wide, Andy is considered one of the most influential pastors in America.

Reviews for Not in It to Win It

[Javier Castillo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I highly encourage this for our churches, especially right before the elections. Let’s not lose sight of our calling. Instead of bickering and fighting those with those people we’re trying to reach for Jesus, let’s take this as an opportunity to let our light shine before men. Let’s bring glory to God. Btw- the foot washing chapter was so good. Way to go, pastor Andy.

[Kimberly Martin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW. Just WOW. Revolutionary. Should be considered required reading for all who called themselves followers of Christ.

[Lwazi Diamond · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book has allowed me to walk in more freedom!

[Susan Cosgrove Bishop · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read the book. I fully agree that we need to change our churches to show the love of Jesus and not the divisiveness that pervades our communities because of so many personal preferences or “rights”. Jesus built the church on us but it’s our responsibility to shine His light with unity. Andy Stanley’s passion and love for our savior will hopefully ignite you to do something about it.

[Anna Russell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a very timely book. It makes you stop to look at your perspective of the Christian life. What focuses are driving your decisions? Are you showing love to people no matter what? Are you loving like Jesus showed love to others? While listening to this book I said wow in my head on many occasions because the path we are headed is disturbing and it is our job to start looking people as people not the other labels that are attached to people. I would highly recommend this book.

[Marilyn Neufeld · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Opened my eyes and heart to end division and behave and do as Jesus did. The teaching I have needed and searched for as a result of the unprecedented past 2 years of church polarization. Thank you!
PS. Want to listen to chapter 9 again. So gripping! Want to write down the gymnast’s court statement of forgiveness.

[Lance Livermore · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Platitudes and slogans about what historically has been military images lacks the big picture from my perspective.

[Daniela Morales · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book! Just what we need as a Church and as followers of Jesus ??

[Chris Gardiner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow oh wow, what a world we would live in when I (pointing to myself) and we love others like Jesus did!

[KMGee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book lays out the Biblical standard of how a Christian should live in a politically-driven world. We need to focus on uplifting Christ's name, instead of just scrambling to be "on top." No one likes to be a loser -- but in a sinful world, winners often look like losers, at least in the short term (Jesus did). As Stanley points out, we compromise Jesus's name when we spend our time bickering and fighting over things that have no eternal importance.

This book is to-the-point, and doesn't give us a lot of room to squirm out of our responsibility to be Jesus's hands and feet on earth instead of just fighting for political points. Well done.

[Michael Gordon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing truth. Andy is just awesome! I just love it.