The core of John Burke’s Soul Revolution: How Imperfect People Become All God Intended is the “60-60 Experiment.” He challenges readers to “stay in a continuous, honest conversation with God, willing to do his will moment by moment.” How does he want them to do this? By setting their watches to beep every hour (60 minutes) as “a reminder to reorient yourself into a continuous conversation of willingness” and doing this for 60 days.
Sounds a little gimmicky, right? But how many of us have despaired that the Sunday teaching or the mission trip high seems to have a life span that is only slightly longer than that of a fruit fly? And if we were really honest, how many of us frequently lose sight of God as we get caught up in the busy-ness of the day?
The basic concept doesn’t need a whole book to explain, but Burke does a great job in unpacking what this continuous conversation with God can look like. He includes many examples of life transformation from his church in Austin, taking the reader to a deeper spiritual place with each successive chapter. Soul Revolution is very readable for “non-professionals,” but also will inspire pastors.
So is it a gimmick or the real deal? When I was still on chapter 1 of the book, I happened to be in Austin and stopped at a Starbuck’s between appointments. As I placed my order with book in hand, the barista immediately asked, “Do you go to Gateway (Burke’s church)?” When I explained that I was not from Austin, she pointed to her arm and said, “I’m still wearing my watch. If you’re here this weekend, you should come worship with us.” It was enough to convince me.
There are gimmicks and there are legit challenges to people to help them experience the real deal for a period of time. Was it a gimmick for Jesus to send the disciples out 2 by 2 or was it training? I think things like this can be good, but when things go crazy and everyone starts replicating them, that's when they turn gimmicky...
Posted by: Matt Larson | Mar 24, 2009 at 12:24 PM