Review: The Gutter by Craig Gross

Craig Gross has created a "must read" for youth pastors and anyone who's looking to be more like Christ. The Gutter is about the life and ministry experiences of this twenty something pastor and co- founder of xxxchurch.com. His convicting veiw of the modern day church not only reveals one of its biggest problems, it also casts light on the actual ministry of Jesus. I never realized the gutters that I abandon on a daily basis. Whether it be the affluent upper class, the homeless in the literal gutter, the pornography industry or the actual church, gutters are everywhere. Jesus found them everywhere He went, and spent most of His time there. So what keeps us out of the gutter? Craig says FEAR. We've been saved from the gutter and don't want to go back. We teach our kids to stay away because it may reclaim them. As the church, we have created our own little "safe" world and have become critical of anyone who threatens it with the call to go back. It's the call of the Great Commission. Craig explores Christian Crossover Artists, seeds planted in the porn industry and even the Hooters Bible Study Group. He exposes the fear of the religious media and the openness of a world hungry fora real Savior. This book is going to all my student leaders and will be a favorite to lend out.