Publishers Weekly: “Testament to the powers of generosity”
In 2014, LaSalle Street Church on the near north side of Chicago received money from the sale of investment property and, at the time, many asked “What did the church do with the $1.6 million?” Truax and Campbell answer that question as a jumping-off point, but also address much more in this well-wrought book….Along with the modern stories of LaSalle, the authors effectively interlace stories from the Bible and advice from outside resources, financial and religious…Part story of LaSalle’s decision of how to handle their investment, part testament to the powers of generosity, this book will be of interest to anyone interested in community building or philanthropy. <more>
Soong-Chan Rah: “The possibility of a movement”
More and more churches understand that in order to effectively preach the gospel, we must also live the gospel. In contrast to the societal value of gaining and collecting power, privilege, and wealth, this book documents the story of a church that opted to give away their possessions. Their example reminds us that the New Testament church is alive and well and that there could be the possibility of a movement of generous churches.
Brian D. McLaren: “This message could literally change the world”
Our culture brainwashes us to think that greed is the motivation that drives us, but this book offers a powerful alternative message--the transformative power of generosity. This message could literally change the world, beginning with your life and mine.
Byron Borger: “One of the best books of the year”
This is a counter-cultural story that needs to be known, but it is also a rich study of the psychology of giving, the nature of living abundant lives within a culture that promotes scarcity, and the plausibility of being Christ-like in a world like ours. One of the best books of the year, I'm sure.
CBA Market: “…the potential to become a modern-era In His Steps”
The board members of Chicago's LaSalle Street Church faced an interesting question after receiving a $160,000 gift. It ultimately became a decision that would revolutionize their thinking, their church body, and their faith in God. Love Let Go shares the true and transformational story of how God used the church to turn the idea of tithing on its head and mentor in its body a God-centric lesson that illustrates a point for which all children of God should take heed. Sumner Truax and Campbell discuss how the concept of radical generosity can change the dynamics of giving as well as the way we think about the topic. The story of the LaSalle Street Church holds the potential to become a modern-era In His Steps.
MB Herald: “Love Let Go brings generosity back to earth”
When we talk about money and financial generosity in our churches, it is easy for the conversation to become theoretical. Love Let Go brings generosity back to earth, to the streets of downtown Chicago to be exact, reminding us that generosity is not only possible in the real world, but an essential part of who God has created us to be. As Sumner and Campbell explain how various LaSalle members used their $500 cheques, and how the church handled the process of discerning how to use the rest of the money, we are encouraged to use what has been given to us today to practice the radical generosity of God’s kingdom.<more>
Chicago Tribune: “a no-holds-barred call for grace-filled giving”
Call it the iconoclast's manifesto. "Love Let Go: Radical Generosity for the Real World" inserts itself into our culture of consumption as a no-holds-barred call for grace-filled giving. It's radical, all right. At once a meditation on generosity and a spur to action, it stands a mighty chance of shaking loose your acquisitive grip and beckoning your most generous self. <more>
Oregon-Idaho Conference: “Love Let Go will push you to think about where your church has been and where it should be going as it practices the fine art of generosity.”
Let’s say you receive a surprise windfall of $1.6 million dollars. After you are picked up off the floor, what will you do? Well I know what I’d do. I’d put most of it in the bank. Yep. That’s what my mom and dad told me to do, because you know, you can never have too much money. OK, maybe I’d go buy myself something new at Goodwill – excuse me, I mean GW Designers – but for the most part, I’d be banking it. That is, until I read this book. <more>