Two long-time friends whose passion for Christ brought them here to the United States from Australia over 14 years ago is the backdrop story for this completely riveting book on recapturing the biblical model for church life. Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson, both pastors at two large churches in the U.S., have joined forces to create this dynamic call-to-action book unlike any other. Meeting as young teens and then committing their lives to Christ, these two boyhood friends have weathered a lot together over the past 20 years.

In the midst of their young adult lives, they married, had kids, and have helped each other unpack lessons learned about life, faith and ministry along the way. What they continue to do is spur each other on, asking the tough questions about how they see their faith staying passionate toward Christ. These good friends and servants of Christ have a desire to see a revitalization happen across the country in every church, from every denomination. This book lights that fire (and challenges believers to make their move starting from the inside out).

The authors open the text with a selection from the book of Habakkuk, from which underlies much of the principles they espouse throughout the book. The prophet Habakkuk's prayer is: "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."

Immediately following this prayer, they launch into a story about a friend (Catherine) of Whitehead's who woke up from her mediocre Christian existence and started doing radical (by most Christian church standards) things. She began using her makeup artistry skills to help instruct women in Costa Rica, who were trying to exit their lives of prostitution, on how to apply cosmetics in a more attractive and subtle manner. That experience was just the beginning. Once she returned to her home in Chicago, she began working backstage at a strip club applying the women's makeup before they performed. One thing led to another, and Catherine started leaving her church's CDs around for the women to borrow.

After a time, one woman (Rebecca) took them all home, began going with Catherine to her church and was baptized. Recounting the scene, Whitehead explains how exciting it was to see all of Rebecca's friends and co-workers at her baptism shouting and supporting her. Rebecca stopped stripping and, like her new friend, Catherine, now works as a makeup artist helping other women. Catherine's reawakening to what Jesus calls his followers to do was stated simply when she remarked that this whole experience was, to her, "Like coming to life!"

That example of loving service is just one of countless others these authors share in this book. Each chapter follows the "rumors of..." theme, covering such topics as defining the abundant life, generosity, love, grace, freedom, commitment, community, justice and hope. At the close of the text, they also include an insightful reading group guide that helps engage and promote thoughtful interaction for working through this resource with others.

Whitehead and Tyson have made a big splash into the evangelical book world with this powerful and powerfully written primer on reigniting passion for the church by reigniting passion for the Savior.