With a title that grabs attention like this one, I was intrigued from the start and hoping the content within would not let me down.

Chris Sonksen delivers a well written walk through on the importance of giving things up when they hold us back from achieving a life lived to its fullest (my synopsis). The truth of this book can be summed up in one sentence: We need to stop playing fast and loose with out faith. And each chapter delivers on this valid point.

Topics like tithing (Quit giving your money away), evangelism (Quit hoping people will come) are handled with deliberate words and an incredible measure of grace for a community who may walk too far from the real calling of their faith. Chris directs Christians to follow the biblical directives and lays a great foundation from scripture and life for each point he addresses. I especially liked the chapter “Quit expecting you will wake up in heaven” – as a pastor there is great pressure to help people enjoy the worship experience, but the church is not perfect and this chapter outlines the truth that we are all apart of the worship experience and until we come to the Kingdom, we will not have perfect atmosphere, but we can get a taste.

Chris has made the statement on Twitter that pastors need to turn this book into a series for their church. I could not agree more. There is some incredible content here and I believe the church could benefit greatly when presented in grace and truth.

Grab this book when you can, you will not regret the read!

*I received this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review. These are my personal thoughts.

I thought the title of this book a bit misleading. One that better represented the book would have been, Quit (taking your involvement in) Church (casually). This book is about your responsibility as a member of God's family and a local church. There is a definite emphasis on doing rather than being. For example, Sonksen says he believes what “...God wants from those who attend a local church: find a need and fill it.” (Loc 761/1694)

Sonksen wants Christians to experience victory in every area of life. Along with that is an emphasis on winning. For example, on giving, he writes, “God will bless those who obey him in their acts of generosity. That's how we win.” (Loc 540/1694) And writing about not leaving a church, “The Bible promises that you will receive honor when you show loyalty. It's simple: you win, the people around you win, and God wins when you show loyalty.” (Loc 393/1694)

I felt the chapter titles were misleading too. The chapter titled “Quit Giving Your Money Away” is really a reminder that it's not our money anyway. God owns everything. We are encouraged to be generous and are reminded that our tithe must go to the church we attend. The chapter titled “Quit Helping Out” is actually an admonition to do our part in the church, such as we do in our own family.

Suppose you have been hurt by the church, perhaps even the church you presently attend. You will find no help to heal in this book. Sonksen writes that he is sorry that happened and says, “You need to seek help to walk through the emotions of this pain. You need to get to the other side of it. I am not saying it will be easy, but you need to do it.” (Loc 1315/1694)

I was an individual who was very active in church, teaching twice a week while also serving on the church board, much to the detriment of my own spiritual life. So I have difficulty liking this book. I feel there is much more to an intimate relationship with the Father than being busy in your local church and laughing at your pastor's jokes even when they're not funny. (Loc 1231/1694)

If you want a book that encourages you to be committed to your local church and very active in it, this book is for you. If you are looking for a book to help you with your own spiritual life and an intimate relationship with the Father, you will need to look elsewhere.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.