Recently, Philip Nation (my former co-pastor) and I completed the manuscript for a new book. It will be published in English and Spanish next April.
The name of the book is Compelled by Love: The Most Excellent Way to Missional Living. (One of the covers has the wrong subtitle, so please ignore that.)
As you can tell by the title, the theme of the book is discovering love as the biblical ethic for mission and is taken from 2 Corinthians 5.
This will be my first foray into writing for the “Christian Living” section of the bookstores and Philip’s first credited title. I think we have put together a book that will help the people get a hold of why it is so important to live a missional lifestyle. Plus, this book will make “missional” an accessible and do-able pursuit in the lives of all believers.
The book is divided into three major sections: the heart of God, the church, and the individual believer. Each chapter will have a discussion guide for small groups.
Here is a small sampling from the book:
You can have those debates all day long about how God did this, but Ephesians 1:4-6, tells us the why: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Preoccupied with debates, we miss those three beautiful words: “In love, he.” Because of his nature, God does an adopting work that surpasses all of humanity’s compassion combined. Adoption is an amazing thing. A loving set of parents choose a child who has no merit above other children. There is no dowry that will reward the parents for their compassion; in fact, sometimes the opposite is true. The child can offer nothing but his presence. Adoption happens as the grace-filled work of loving parents. In the same way, our spiritual adoption wasn’t by chance or fortune, but in love. “In love, he” is a phrase that should ring through the Church every week as we consider the work of Christ on our behalf.
Or here is another quote:
It’s interesting that Jesus was most harsh with the religious people who isolated themselves from the world. Luke 7 tells us about Jesus eating in the home of Simon the Pharisee. A sinful woman comes in to wash the feet of the Master with an expensive perfume. Simon is appalled at her presence but even more at Jesus’ reaction to her. In verse 39, Simon thinks to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus confronted Simon with a lesson on forgiveness and love. He pointed out how little Simon had been forgiven and how great was the forgiveness that sinful woman had received. I look forward to meeting her some day in heaven; I hope that Simon will be there as well. The church must stop worrying about who is touching us. Certainly, we don’t surrender to the moral quandary in which the world operates. But it’s time for us to see people through the same lens God uses. We need the exaggerated passion Paul displays in Romans 9:3-4 – “For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel.” We will address more of this subject in another chapter.
But before we can go any further in the publication process, we would like your input. So, would you take a look at three proposed covers for the book and give me your thoughts (and your suggestions).
Thanks for your help!
Comments (54)
my vote is for #3
Posted by tony sheng | October 16, 2007 6:25 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 18:25
Thanks, Tony, any particular reason?
Posted by Ed Stetzer | October 16, 2007 6:30 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 18:30
I like the picture on #3 (#1 makes me think it is going to be about the atonement as that is such a hot topic). But I like the title up top and the authors on the bottom.
Posted by Tony | October 16, 2007 6:34 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 18:34
I like the layout of the second one with the photo from the first one (of the crosses) and I prefer the subtitle of the first "The Most Excellent Way" to "Principles..." hopefully you can make sense of that.
Posted by Pete Williamson | October 16, 2007 6:37 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 18:37
My vote is also for #3...I like the emphasis on both 1.)nature/creation and 2.) relationships (aren't there two people deep in conversation back there?)
Posted by shannon lewis | October 16, 2007 6:37 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 18:37
I like the first one. The photo for sure, and I think I like the layout better than the others. 'Can't wait to read it Ed!
Posted by Joe Thorn | October 16, 2007 6:52 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 18:52
I like #1.
The picture goes well with the title, "Compelled by Love," and references our source and motivation for missional living.
The font of the title in #'s 1 and 2 seems to fit better with the rest of the cover.
Posted by Jim U. | October 16, 2007 7:14 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 19:14
My vote is for #3 also. The title seems to be emphasized the most. I like the picture from #1. To me that is the ultimate picture of being compelled by love
Posted by Phil Dorsey | October 16, 2007 7:36 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 19:36
Ed - thanks for getting this up for others to see and give insight!
Do you think the cover conveys the theme?
Posted by Philip Nation | October 16, 2007 7:54 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 19:54
My vote is for #3 picture with #2 layout and #3 subtitle. Graphically speaking, the green in the picture of #3 really grabs your attention and the contrasting colors work well together. Also I LOVE the font used in the title of #2. Very nice!
I can't wait to read the book! Congrats Philip!
Posted by Michelle Griffin | October 16, 2007 8:12 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 20:12
I think I like the 2nd one the best, only using the font for the title that #3 uses. The green in the picture of #3 doesn't seem to go; I like a more monochrome look. I also like having the title of the book right at the very top. (Also, I would make Philip's name much bigger and put it on top.)
Posted by Shane | October 16, 2007 8:13 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 20:13
they're pretty similar... but i'd choose #3 and probably change the font for 'compelled by love' to the font from the other two
Posted by Patrick Gillen | October 16, 2007 8:57 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 20:57
I'm going to go against the grain a bit and agree with the minority and say #1 picture/subtitle, title at top, fonts of #3.
I feel like the cross IS the impetus for the love we have for others. The full-orbed gospel propels us to love people the way God loved us.
Of the two quotes you shared, I think it is interesting that one of them deals with the love shown on the cross...
The nature pics seem like the types of filler we put on worship lyrics when we aren't creative enough to find something artistic that 'echoes' the heart of the song.
It would be cool to make the cross pic a bit more 'abstract.' It is a bit too clean cut...
Posted by brad andrews | October 16, 2007 9:02 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 21:02
#2 with the subtitle of #3.
I look forward to reading the book.
Posted by Kerri Hamilton | October 16, 2007 9:25 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 21:25
"Compelled by Love" calls for the three crosses! What greater picture of love could you find?
I like the title placed prominently at the top and prefer the subtitle from #1. While I like principles and live by them, the term sounds a little pedantic for a book with a such a moving title.
But stay with the crosses! They powerfully portray the message of the title!
Posted by Reva | October 16, 2007 9:30 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 21:30
I agree with Brad Andrews. Almost word for word. I do like the little fancy divider in #2 more than the flower-type thing.
Posted by Rick Boyne | October 16, 2007 9:36 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 21:36
I think cover #2 is my favorite. I like that the first thing my eyes focus on is the title and not the authors (no offense, guys:) I also like the title in the handwritten-looking font; it seems softer, evocative of the heart more than the mind, if that makes any sense!! All the best!
Posted by Staci Frenes | October 16, 2007 9:50 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 21:50
I too like number one and for the reasons that have already been articulated.
Posted by Debbie Kaufman | October 16, 2007 9:51 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 21:51
Brad - maybe we should have asked you to write a chapter on worship! I'll remember that for the next book.
I like your idea of a more abstract photo - any particular idea?
Posted by Philip Nation | October 16, 2007 9:52 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 21:52
First off, LOVE the title and am excited to check it out.
Layout #2
Picture #1
But I agree with Brad Andrews for a more abstract/artsy cross
Fonts from #1/#2
Although the "Compelled by Love" font/verbiage combo does make it look a little like a Francine Rivers cover ;) Going with the crosses (vs. a lazy river or the roadway) does help minimize the Rivers look.
Subtitle #1/#3
Although I don't love either of them, they are both very wooden compared to the beauty evoked from the title "Compelled by Love". But you may have been going for an intentional shift in speaking to the head and heart people.
Looking forward to reading it.
Posted by Jacob Vanhorn | October 16, 2007 11:46 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 23:46
The font for “Compelled by Love” in #3 is better. The phrase in the other font makes it feel too romantic or something (especially with the daisy logo). If you end up going with the romantic font, should the word “By” be capitalized?
The picture in #1 has more power and significance to it than the other two. It illustrates “Compelled by Love” more effectively.
Posted by Matt | October 17, 2007 12:02 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 00:02
Congratulations to Ed & Philip
I really like the picture of the crosses (greatest love) on #1. #3 for font and # 2 (title at top)# 3 subtitle.
Looking forward to reading the book!
Posted by Cathy Johnson | October 17, 2007 7:47 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 07:47
Picture #1
Number 3 on the rest
#3 wording is much clearer, to me. In communicating we need to imply the 3 C's : Clear , Concise, Compelling .
Posted by Ken | October 17, 2007 7:50 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 07:50
The composition of cover number two is easy to read and flows. The image of the power of the cross from number one would be my choice for the image on cover number two. The yellow asterisk symbol on one and two draws your eye to the bottom of the cover and then off the page as you are attempting to figure out what it is? It does not seem to flow with the cover design. If the names will be at the top you might consider a smaller font.
Posted by Michael | October 17, 2007 8:30 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 08:30
The layout from #2, the pic from #1 or #3, and definitely the subtitle: The Most Excellent...
What is that little "called to love" icon?
Posted by Cole | October 17, 2007 8:33 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 08:33
Cole -
The small icon on the bottom of covers #1 & #3 will be replaced later with a different icon. It relates to some other study material that is forthcoming.
Posted by Philip Nation | October 17, 2007 8:44 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 08:44
First of all, I am thrilled the new title will be appearing in Spanish as well as English. As a missionary, we are always looking for materials that will help us locally. So much is being written for an English speaking audience who are great about reading, but short on doing. The people we work with are great about doing, but due to little availablity of reading material are not as informed.
As for the book cover, my vote is #1.
Posted by Guy Muse | October 17, 2007 8:58 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 08:58
Let me start by saying I love the colors. They're very rich. I like the layout of #2 best. Title up top, authors on bottom. I think the authors' names could be reduced a point size or two, no offense. You don't have to take up every inch of space on the cover.
I like the picture of the crosses best. It's the most compelling of the three.
Does the daisy emblem mean that it's part of a series of books New Hope is publishing? I don't really like it on the cover. It doesn't match the style treatment.
I'm not a huge fan of either subtitle. "The most excellent way..." makes me think of something from "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." Which may be fitting for you guys because you're such righteous dudes. Grin. And principles for successful missiology is rather boring, and I know your book won't be boring. Let's not label it as such. But if I had to choose one of these, I'd go with subtitle #1.
I like the script font for the title. It's nice that it has a separate treatment from the rest of the cover copy. I'd lowercase the word "by."
Congrats to both of you. Can't wait to read the book.
Posted by Carol | October 17, 2007 9:12 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 09:12
I think your picture should be on the cover
Posted by Thom Rainer | October 17, 2007 9:41 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 09:41
I agree that the low point of the cover is the subtitle. I didn't say it before because I didn't want to be rude, but you asked.
I consider both subtitles to be dull. Sorry. The title along with picture #1 is engaging and yes, compelling, but not the subtitle. Maybe people will be so struck by the rest of the cover that they won't even notice the subtitle.
Posted by Reva | October 17, 2007 9:49 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 09:49
Ed,
this looks like a great project! I can't wait to get my hands on it!
my vote is for #3...
Posted by irreverend fox | October 17, 2007 9:55 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 09:55
First blush -- go with the first cover. Since I've read that everyone is cutting and pasting -- I'd move the title to the top with authors' names at the bottom of the cover. I also like the intricate design of the divider on #2 as well. Definitely go with the cross pictures and the title font of #1, though.
Posted by Benjamin Potter | October 17, 2007 10:30 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 10:30
Phillip:
Thx for the kind words!
I'd be happy to help in any way I can in the future. I am currently the Worship Arts Coordinator at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, MO speaking into young worship leaders the truth of the Gospel and how that propels us to worship him.
My email address is: andrews.bradleyd@gmail.com
Posted by brad andrews | October 17, 2007 11:46 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 11:46
For whatever it's worth-I like # 2. My guess is (I hope this is not offensive) people buy books based on the title-not necessarily the author-until you've acheived a Charles Stanley or John MacARthur staus-maybe you already have that- but not out here in the Northwest!
I am ecnouraged to see you writing in this direction. I have read several of your books, and this just may help me get some of my folks to read your stuff!
Steve
Posted by Steve Schenewerk | October 17, 2007 11:52 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 11:52
Guy - Thanks for giving us a perspective from the mission field. Is there anything regarding cover art that could further aid with communicating the book's theme in the Spanish-speaking culture?
Dr. Rainer - since we actually want people to buy the book - we should avoid anything that will scare off the readers. grin.
Posted by Philip Nation | October 17, 2007 11:52 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 11:52
Philip and Ed,
I love the title and the color scheme. I like the cross picture best; it is in perfect syn with the title, "Compelled by Love". As for the layout of the pic, title, authors, etc., I prefer option # 2 (with the cross pic, of course). I really like "Missional Living" in the subtitle. Hopefully it will put this concept into circulation among your average believer in Jesus--especially those of us not on the 'cutting edge'. I did feel a little disconnect with "The Most Excellent Way", especially after I discovered the Scripture text on which the book is based is 2 Corinthians 5. Call me weird, but those words cause me to expected a book based on 1 Corinthians 13. Paul writes, "Now I will show you the most excellent way." I know it all ties together with LOVE; so, in that sense it's great. Just an observation I felt compelled to share!
Philip has described the thesis to me; and, the subject matter is compelling (pun intended). I'll be excited to purchase my own copy; and, recommend it to others.
Blessings!
Mark Harrison
Posted by Mark Harrison | October 17, 2007 2:08 PM
Posted on October 17, 2007 14:08
#1 -
Many of us have thought of the cross in transactional terms only. The cross as the way of love is also central in scripture - I Peter 2:21, etc. We'll use this book in our church.
Posted by Matt Snowden | October 17, 2007 4:15 PM
Posted on October 17, 2007 16:15
Ed,
I was at our local Christian book store today and thought I saw your book. I took a double take.
Chuck Swindoll has a new book out called, "A Life Well Lived"...and...
the cover looks a ton like these three...
don't know if you knew or care...lol...I'm sure the content of yours is like WAY better...
Posted by irreverend fox | October 17, 2007 4:16 PM
Posted on October 17, 2007 16:16
Ed, I think you should use the same plan as your last book and mike Phillip's name really, really small. :)
Seriously, I like the title on top in the script font with authors at the bottom. I also like the cross imagery and while I don't think it needs to be more abstract as mentioned earlier, I think maybe a way to blend the crosses with a path image of some sort would be helpful. "Compelled" and "way" seem to call visually for some use of a path or road (which is my attraction to #3 pic), but obviously there is no more powerful image than the cross.
Posted by Todd | October 17, 2007 4:27 PM
Posted on October 17, 2007 16:27
Book cover #2 with picture from #1 and font from #3. Why> I prefer seeing the title before the author and the picture of the crosses certainly shows the Father's compelling love for us.
Posted by Jonathan Harrison | October 17, 2007 8:26 PM
Posted on October 17, 2007 20:26
Sharon likes:
Layout 2
Font 2
Picture 1
The most excellent way...
Called to love icon
Larry Likes:
Layout 2
Font 3
Picture 3
The most excellent way...
Called to love icon
Posted by Larry | October 17, 2007 8:47 PM
Posted on October 17, 2007 20:47
I am not sure any of the layouts should be the final. The topic is about a lifestyle, a journey. The book image seems to be old and worn and yet the text and pictures are new and modern typeface. I think the book should remain old and worn like something I have been reading over and over again to understand better but the words and pictures on the front should reflect that. One of the responses reflected an abstract drawing, that may be a good idea rather than a photo. This is my two cents hope it helps. I will buy the book no matter the cover and so will most of the responses so we should really be asking those who would only by the book at first glance...
thanks
Posted by Manny | October 18, 2007 7:24 AM
Posted on October 18, 2007 07:24
Can't wait to read it. Any chance we can get some to an IMB team in North Africa?
Posted by Jack Fussell | October 18, 2007 8:18 AM
Posted on October 18, 2007 08:18
Ed,
Definitely the first picture!
Posted by Joel | October 18, 2007 9:13 AM
Posted on October 18, 2007 09:13
Good Doctor, I don't know what voodoo hex you've put on Dr. Rainer that he thinks your picture should be on the cover! Pictures...I like all three...fonts...I like the third one, the first two are too chicky for a book not dealing with romantic love...finally...title at the top and author names at the bottom...my two cents. Heard you were mucho fabulous in Ft. Walton Beach yesterday and all I could think was, "well, of course he was!!" Keep up the good work.
Posted by debbie d. | October 18, 2007 12:43 PM
Posted on October 18, 2007 12:43
The picture from # 1 and the layout of # 2. Keep the picture of the cross and the subtitle from # 1 and use the layout in #2.
Posted by Clif Cummings | October 19, 2007 11:14 AM
Posted on October 19, 2007 11:14
ED
This looks really good (speaking of content).
As to layout: picture from number 1 and the layout of number 2. You want the names on the bottom... And the three crosses--very powerful image.
I so appreciate your blog and all that you are doing for the kingdom.
Grace,
Steve
Col. 1:9-14
Posted by Steve Camp | October 19, 2007 12:00 PM
Posted on October 19, 2007 12:00
Ed,
My vote is for a hybrid made from all three. The font for the first two makes me think it's a relationship book oriented toward women, so I would opt for the bolder font on the third choice. But I also like to see the book name above the picture and the author names at the bottom, rather than vice versa. If I was in a bookstore looking at the books and didn't know you (and hopefully this book will end up in the hands of many who do not), I'd opt for a book with the fonts from #3 and the layout from #2, and probably the photo from #1.
But a hybrid wasn't an option, was it...so I guess I'll go with #3 overall.
--Josh
Posted by worship.com | October 19, 2007 1:15 PM
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:15
Ed and Philip,
The book concept is excellent. It sounds like a paradigm shift back to the simple and essential. We, as the Church, have been effectively distracted from our core identity.
While the picture on the first cover is my personal favorite, the third better communicates the image of "compelled." I also like the subtitle best as well as the font. Just a suggestion, place the title and authors positionally with typeface size appropriate to their importance and/or marketing value. Looking forward to reading the book!
Rick
Posted by Rick Davison | October 20, 2007 9:14 AM
Posted on October 20, 2007 09:14
Well, this has been a GREAT help. Thanks to all. Since Thom Rainer dropped in, I need to be sure to get my picture on the book!
Steve, we need a "compelled by love" song! Grin.
Thanks to all!
Ed
Posted by Ed Stetzer | October 20, 2007 5:46 PM
Posted on October 20, 2007 17:46
Good Thom Rainer may be the boss,
but using your photo would be his loss.
In order for this book to gain really hot sales,
Surely it takes more than your wise and fine tales.
It is of this conviction that I offer this reason,
Number three's greenery is good for all seasons.
Bloginafogpoet
Posted by Chuck Bryce | October 22, 2007 11:44 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 11:44
Ed and Philip:
It sounds like a great read and something believable coming from you gentlemen. I like the first picture because it is the message we share "I will pick up the tab". I would surpress the names and place them at the bottom (cover 2) because it is for the glory of God. We are merely vessels that choose to be faithful. The cursive title appears to be more intimate; implying God's hand was in this writing (cover 1 & 2).
Thanks for your contribution to the Lord's kingdom. Your OC friend in Atl
Posted by Bob Bates | October 22, 2007 8:51 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 20:51
I concur w/ Carol. Crosses from #1, Layout from #2. Glad the New Hope icon is to be replaced. I don't like it on the cover at all.
Posted by Neal | October 23, 2007 8:20 AM
Posted on October 23, 2007 08:20
Picture and fonts of number 3 but with the title at the top.
Posted by Charles Campbell | October 27, 2007 6:41 PM
Posted on October 27, 2007 18:41