By Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen; Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press
(2015); Reviewed by SHAWNA HENRY
Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen is a hip-hop artist who is also the lead pastor of the crossover church in Tampa, Florida. The missional purpose of this church is urban ministry. Kyllonen led this church in a massive rebuilding campaign as they not only worked against tremendous odds to rebuild the facilities at their location but also to rebuild the ministry and purpose required to meet the needs of the changing community in which the church was planted. ReBuild was birthed out of this experience with the goal to empower leaders that they too, with the help of an all-powerful God, might successfully rebuild ministries, churches lives, and people.
ReBuild parallels the experience of Nehemiah’s rebuilding of ancient Jerusalem’s walls with the modern-day experience of the crossover church, which rebuilt their church building, goals, organizational structure, and mission. Kyllonen shows that with God-ordained tasks come not only joys but struggles and challenges. However, when leaders surrender their plans and dreams, God is bigger than all the challenges and will see the project to completion.
ReBuild offers a step-by-step approach to the massive undertaking of rebuilding. these steps are applicable to most any undertaking, whether the goal is to rebuild interpersonal relationships, churches, or missions. The steps range from confronting pain to dealing with opposition and maintaining momentum. It is refreshing to see how the steps Nehemiah employed so long ago are still relevant today. The reader can easily relate to the struggles that Kyllonen and his team faced during this massive project.
It was interesting to note the approach that the book took in helping leaders identify common pitfalls and obstacles to completing a rebuilding project. For example, some of these pitfalls attack not only the project but also the leader and his or her family personally. the leader, if not careful to maintain a close connection with Christ, will not be able to anticipate these attacks and can fall victim to such sabotage.
ReBuild offers not only guidance but encouragement for leaders who feel impressed to step out and be a change catalyst for God. Though the vision God sets before us often can seem overwhelming, we are reminded that if we persist, resist opposition and distraction, and persevere, God will see us through to the completion of the “wall.”
The scriptural foundation in this book, combined with current real-life examples and practical suggestions, make this a compelling read for leaders who are ready to rebuild lives and ministries and to pursue visions. If you have the vision to reset your life, renew your church, or reshape your world, then this book is for you. I recommend ReBuild for anyone who wrestles with a God-given vision that seems bigger than life. This book will provide the necessary fortifications the leader needs to embrace the mission and move forward in faith.
Shawna Henry is a native of the United States Virgin Islands but resided in Texas for many years before recently moving to Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is currently a graduate student at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, where she is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree.