What happens when a successful Orlando pastor dares to question everything about the way his church does church, asking: “‘If we were to cease to exist, would the community miss us?” What follows is a bitter-sweet journey of change, threats of lawsuits, personal threats, betrayal and eventual vindication. It would make an intriguing novel, but it isn’t fiction. This revealing, real-life story of Orlando’s C3 Church and its “north of normal” pastor, already being heralded in previews as a “powerful page-turner,” continues to cause a cutting-edge hunger for change among a growing multitude of church leaders who are no longer content to be “normal” in the way they do ministry.
Read What Others Are Saying About “Barbaric Grace”
“Pure heart, focused passion, and a desire for nothing less than God’s plan for the Church in today’s world. Barbaric Grace is a journey about a pastor, a church, and a call that caused change. Change that came with a high price and rewarding results of God sized proportions. These pages will not only inspire you and cause you to think and re-think, but is so helpful and practical. I promise you will not just read this book, you will re-read it and mark in it and use it as a constant resource. Barbaric Grace is not a catch phrase or just an edgy title, but a call that all Christ followers have on each of our lives!”
-Robbie Robison, President of Robbie Robison Ministries and nationally known speaker
“Few have moved into and through a storm like Byron Bledsoe. I, quite frankly, wondered why he chose to do so. Why would he move from the “success” and “comfort” pastoring a “successful church” to the stormy turmoil of radically changing the DNA of the church he pastored.
In Barbaric Grace Byron answers the question. His answer has freshly challenged me to be willing to move from the “comfort zones” of life, take up my cross, and follow Jesus into a world desperately needing to know the love of God in Christ Jesus. As you read his unfolding and unfinished story, you, too, will be challenged.”
-Claude Thomas, Senior Vice President of Strategic Ministries, Feed the Children and former President of the Southern Baptist Convention Pastor’s Conference
“The principles of Barbaric Grace will challenge you to take risks like never before. This is a must read for every pastor, church leader, and Christ-follower desiring to make a difference and see lives changed. These pages are not for the faint of heart, but for the courageous. I’ve know this pastor and church, and have watched this process. The laser focus Byron has kept during the painful days of transition is revealed here, and serves as a reminder of what God can do when we pursue Christ with abandon.”
-Jamey Ragle, President of Life Building Ministries and nationally known speaker
“It’s rare to meet someone whose actions truly align with their stated passions. In the 7 years I’ve known Byron, I’ve witnessed someone who is solely motivated by seeing people far from God encounter a personal relationship with Christ. He is driven by an urgency that understands life is short and people matter to God. Not only do I have the privilege of knowing him, but the honor of working with him and seeing his passion lived out in every decision as he leads C3 Church. These pages will provide you an uncensored look at the challenges and difficulties when leading through change – and the rewards from pursuing God’s call on your life.”
-Barry Leathers, Executive Pastor of C3 Church
