This week I’m giving away THREE copies of Mark Batterson‘s book, All In. Mark serves as the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Recognized as “one of America’s 25 most innovative churches,” NCC is one church with seven locations. Mark’s blog and webcast also reach a virtual congregation around the world. Mark is the author of several bestselling books, including New York Times Bestseller – The Circle Maker and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. Mark holds a doctorate degree from Regent University and lives on Capitol Hill with this wife, Lora, and their three children.
I recently had the chance to ask Mark a few questions about his book:
Margaret: What sparked the idea for All In?
Mark: We did a sermon series at National Community Church a few years ago titled All In. I think it ranks as one of the most impactful series we’ve ever done! So many people made the decision to go all in with God. So the title comes from that series, and some of the content as well. I’ve described this book as my “sucker-punch” because it’s a pretty hard-hitting theme.
It’s certainly written in a motivation tone, but I don’t pull any punches.
Either Jesus is Lord of all or He isn’t Lord at all. I really believe that our greatest regret at the end of our lives will be whatever we didn’t give back to God. So the book is a call to full surrender. The good news is this : if you don’t hold out on God, God won’t hold out on you.
What do you hope will happen in the reader’s heart and mind after they finish with the book?
I think most people in most churches think they are following Jesus, but the reality is that they’ve invited Jesus to follow them. I call it the inverted gospel. And I hope reader’s make the decision to go all in with Jesus because that’s when the true adventure begins. Each chapter highlights an “all in” moment in Scripture, and I share lots of personal stories as well. I just don’t think destiny is a mystery. It comes down to our decisions–defining decisions and daily decisions. I don’t think All In is a book to be read. It’s a decision to be made. And the good news is: you are only one decision away from a totally different life.
What were the biggest challenges or struggles during the writing process?
Writing is a labor of love, with an emphasis on labor! Every authentic writer grapples with the subject matter they are writing about. And this book is no exception. In 2012, the word “consecration” is something God started to speak to me about. I certainly have a lot more to learn on the subject, but this book is what the Lord has taught me. Joshua 3:5 says, “Consecrate yourselves to the Lord, for tomorrow He will do amazing things among you.” I think we want to do amazing things for God, but that isn’t our job. That’s God’s job. Our job is consecration. And if we do our job, God will do His! So writing this book was really a process of consecration for me.
What’s the greatest compliment you’ve received on the book?
I’m thrilled with the early reviews. I think it’s challenging readers to take a long hard look at their level of commitment to Christ. And if I can help reader’s surrender more of their time, talent, and treasure to God, mission accomplished. I think the greatest compliments have been from those who thought they were all in, but the book has helped them identify some risks they need to take, some sacrifices they need to make.
Check out the trailer for, All In.
(RSS Subscribers, click here to view.)
To win ONE of THREE copies of All In, enter a comment on the original post at MargaretFeinberg.com. Winners will be selected and announced on Friday.
Congratulations to the winners: Michael Harrison, Mary Geisen, Charity
How would you be encouraged by reading ALL IN?
Every 1 of Mark’s books are top-notch.
We do have a tendency to expect Jesus to follow us or bless “our” thing under the guise of it’s God’s thing.
If we surrender all, holding nothing back … Game Changer for us, our families, communities, churches & businesses & so much more.
The statement …are you following Jesus or have you invited Him to follow you? That makes me stop a think about how I’m living my life with Jesus and this book will encourage me to follow Him eve harder.
~Tammy
I’m reading The Circle Maker now by Mark Batterson and it’s changed the way I pray and in doing so is part of changing my life! Looking forward to reading All In.
Wow, so many soul piercing statements just in this interview. I can’t wait to read the book. Thank you for celebrating other authors, too, Margaret, and sharing the books that impact your life.
I’m intrigued…I think I’m all in, but am I? I need a challenge!
Thanks Mark for this big challenge to all of us believers in Jesus. Beeing a Jesus disciple means to be all in follower. Sounds like a world class follower of Jesus.
Gut check from the early onset. I’m blogging about my journey of being Wonder Struck by God via the amazing book of Margaret Feinberg. Over and over again in this journey God simply gives me gut checks. Alicia, are you all in for me or just part of the way?
I’ve not gotten the privilege to read any of Mr. Batterson’s book but I would LOVE to read this one. Over and over again, God gently reminds me of the scripture where He asks Peter, “Peter, do you love me?” John 21:15-17…I can hear that still small voice, “Alicia do you love me? Alicia, are you all in for me? If so, then go tell them the good news.
I’d sure love the opportunity to read this book.
Blessings, Alicia Roark
“I think we want to do amazing things for God, but that isn’t our job. That’s God’s job.” Our job is to be open and willing and brave. Thank you, Mark, for the reminder — and the challenge. I would love to read this book.
Oh wow! I’ve been wanting this book since it came out! This is actually a topic I’ve been struggling with lately-giving God ALL of it. I think there are some things I’m still holding onto. I really think I could benefit from this book.
Have been struggling with total surrender vs. holding onto control lately… would love to read this book.
Would love to get a copy of this book. Sounds like just the challenge I am looking for!
Wonderful book; I’m reading it now!
Definitely a book I’d love to read. Thank you for telling us about it.
I love the concept of the book, and I especially look forward to the topic of consecration. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Continually in awe of God, and “Wonder Struck” by the grace and magnitude of a salvation that would even invite us to be “All In” with Him, His plans, His purposes … Lord, may there be a revelation of Your Truth through this book to spur us all on to greater spiritual maturity in our knowledge of and relationship with You through Jesus Christ. Amen.
As a college student trying to complete my bachelor’s degree as well as follow Christ at the same time, this post challenges me to continually put Him first. How can I go “all in” in the midst of papers, midterms, and the like? How can I put everything aside, everything that I’m working towards, and just worship and praise Him? Studying at a public, secular university hasn’t been the easiest in terms of following Christ, but to be a light on this campus, I’ll need to go all in and allow Christ to change my life and in turn change other lives. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome, thanks for the opportunity!
God bless.
Would love to win a copy! Sounds like an awesome read!
I love how Mark Batterson loves life. He inspires me, and helps me look beyond the ordinary. I’ve read all of his books, and consider him my favorite non-fiction author.
Lately I have been sensing God calling me to follow Him better. I haven’t been able to give words to that feeling. “all in” is it!
I have not read any of Mark Batterson’s books, but I’ve heard people say how great they are. Seems like this one would be a good one for me to start with.
This book sounds very thought provoking, I look forward to Reding it.
Kris
I think this book would encourage me to go all in for Jesus by looking at my current priorities and refocusing more on Him.
Sounds quite interesting…hmm, what could I be missing?
Mark Batterson’s book The CircleMaker has been a life changer for me in how I pray. I have no doubt that his new book “All In” could do the same. His style of writing captures my interest and his real stories capture my heart. As much as I would like to say I’m “all in” I know that I am just skirting the edges. Thank you for this opportunity.
I love Mark’s books and am excited about reading this one.
I own EVERY OTHER Mark Batterson book. (Note: I am not a stalker…though my pastor did get me a signed copy of Soulprint, so now I’m starting to wonder…) Don’t have All In yet but can’t wait to read it!
This sounds like a good book. I haven’t read any of Mark’s books yet.
This book looks great and so thought-provoking. It is the complete opposite of what society teaches!
Loved the Circle Maker. All In sounds like a book I am READY to read!!!
I want to be All In! But fear I am really asking God to follow me. I am ready to change! Time to read this book.
Sounds wonderful! Ladt tear I fought breadt cancer ♡ This yeary lings are faiking.
Jy constant prayers to God are “I surrener all” & God please heal me so I xan serve uou.
I want to live my life “All In”!!
That should read..Last year I fought breast cancer; ,… this year my lungs are failing; and… my constant prayers to God, I surrender all; and… so that I can serve You.
♡
I am currently working with some awesome women at Lifeway who are All in, so this topic is at the forefront of my mind.
I can only imagine how the Lord wants to use Mark Batterson’s ALL IN. Reflecting on the title, ALL IN, I can not help but remember His call to us to, “Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind.” Then, I must ask myself, “Am I loving Him with ALL i am?”
Just watching the trail or was challenging! I can’t wait to read the book.
I’ve read three of Mark’s books and love this author! He has a way of bringing God to your level so you can see Him in a different light. My son went to Bible college with Mark so I know him. I would love a copy of his new book.
The more I want to be all in the more I realize now far I still have to go. God help us to want You more than anything else!!!!
My interactions with NCC and Mark (visits to NCC, seeing Mark preach at conferences, and reading ‘In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day’) really helped to propel my growth at a time when I needed a good Godly push in the right direction. Thanks for everything, NCC!..And when you visit DC, make sure you visit Ebenezers – http://ebenezerscoffeehouse.com/
I love Mark’s other books, they are down to earth, insightful, and encouraging. “All In” looks to be no different. I would love to win a copy. Thanks to you and Mark. I have a blog as well. if you choose to list it here it would be awesome, but didn’t want to do that without approval. God bless you.
Mark Batterson is such an anointed writer. Circle Maker changed my life. Also In a pit with a lion on a snowy day was the charge I needed at a particular season in my life. How his books find me when I need them is so awesome. God is using Mark in a phenomenal way.
Ok. Honestly, I have mixed emotions about this. The trailer was convicting enough– so the book will be even more convicting. Yes I want to be all in. But not sure if I’m brave enough. Lord help me!!
Sounds like an excellent book, would love to win a copy.
I think “All In” would encourage me by giving me a new perspective of my self, of the real score between me and God with regard to how I’ve followed myself instead of Him through the years. I hope this book would really move me into action toward making Him known throughout the world.
Thank you for this awesome opportunity, Margaret. Julie and I actually met you when you were speaking at Mark Batterson’s church years ago. Mark’s books have lit a fire under me on more than one occasion. I look forward to reading and being challenged by ALL IN. Praying for you and Leif today! Praise God for Margaret Feinberg and her incredible gift of sharing.
I always think I am “all in” until I am in the middle of a tough circumstance or I decide to work things out my way! I loved The Circle Maker and would love to read this book too! Thanks for letting us know about it!
Sounds like an awesome book! I had to just stop and reflect when I read the quote, “I think most people in most churches think they are following Jesus, but the reality is that they’ve invited Jesus to follow them.” Powerful and challenging!
After reading The Circlemaker I have been so excited about getting my hands on this book.
i haven’t read any of his books, nor am i very familiar with him. but i was intrigued by the title and would love to find out more about what’s in the book!
Would love to be blessed with a free copy of this book!
Sounds like a good read. I love the statement about following Jesus vs. inviting Jesus to follow us.
Wow! The quotes from the book alone can be life changing! Would love a copy of the book. I’m All In!
Amen!! I would enjoy this so much as I reconcile some devastating events with who I am as a Jesus follower.
Thanks for the opportunity Margaret. I have enjoyed reading Mark’s books and believe All In will be just as inspiring as the others. I continue to pray for you as you walk through your valley and pray the Lord brings you up to the top of the mountain. Keep praising Him!
I need this book…
POWERFUL statement about we invite Jesus to follow us…reminds me of a quote and I forgot who said it, but God made us in His image and we returned the favor…
I want to be all in with God. After going through emergency surgery less than three weeks ago, and realizing I could have died, I see how little I have done for God and how much He has done for me. I am so unworthy of His love and care, but He cares for me none the less. I so want to serve Him and accomplish the purpose for which He has saved me.
I’ve not had the blessing of being able to read any of Mark’s books yet, but would love to have the opportunity. God is currently speaking to me about this “All In” call at this time. Thank You Margaret for the blessing of your ministry, and thank you for continually pointing me in the direction of resources for the journey and race to our high calling, Him!
I was really inspired by ‘In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day’ and would love to read ‘All In’.
Thanks for this opportunity Margaret.
The comment ‘following Jesus VS Jesus following us’, is so true. For me it’s not just turning it over & surrendering everyday to Jesus, it’s about MY obedience to do/be/say/go where I am told to by His Holy Spirit. That is the hardest part for me in being ‘All in’ . Still HE never stops blessing me, and putting surprises in my path – like the flower sticking up in an unlikely place, just to see if I will notice it and God’s handiwork and reminder that only HE makes things grow, not I. I know if it’s HIS will that I am to be blessed by this book, then it will be sent to me. Love All-Ways Dale
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