Abstract
In life we may find ourselves making U-turns. These U-turns are how we turn situations
in our lives around and how we seek repentance in our lives from falling prey to the ways of the
world. Harney and Bouwer explain that we need to grow thick skin so that we do not develop a
hardened heart.1 Growing thick skin is another example of making a U-turn, although in the
natural one may be inclined to react to a situation in the flesh or replay something that has
happened to them, it is up to each person to choose to turn it around (make a U-turn) so that they
do not become bitter. In scripture the word “repentance” means to make an “about face” from the
current direction one is taking, to turn away from sin.
Authors Harney and Bouwer define their purpose for the book as a way to “give hope as
you enter a Spirit-directed U-turn journey that will lead to a season of health, faithfulness,
growth, and new vision.”2 Also stating, “We want to see Christians grow into full maturity, but
many seem to be on a Spiritual pause.”3 It is evident that the authors have a desire to see church’s
that are hungry for revival and who are pursuing an awakening of their love for God.
Summary
The authors divided the book into three sections: the beginning of the U-turn, the middle
stages of the U-turn and the never-ending journey of the U-turn. The beginning of the U-turn is
summarized in the first four chapters of the book. The middle stages are summarized in the next
six chapters and the never-ending journey is summarized in the final two chapters of the book.
Section one is compiled of four chapters discussing Holy Zeal— “the hunger for the Glory of
1 Kevin Harney and Bob Bouwer, The U-Turn Church New Direction for Health and Growth (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Books, 2012), 126.
2 Ibid., 10
3 Ibid.,
God to pour into a church and overflow into the community”4 in chapter one. Chapter two
discusses the urgency to move churches out of doing the “status quo” and into transformation.
Chapter three discusses the crystal-clear vision necessary for churches to reclaim the vision from
God for His kingdom. In the last chapter of section one the authors discuss the power of prayer
saying, “prayer is an invitation for God to come, ……...because he comes where He is invited.”5
The first four chapters set the tone for the rest of the book as the authors walk their reader
through the U-turn journey.
Section Two, the middle of the U-turn begins in chapter five where the authors discuss
Biblical truths vs. personal preferences. Many churches adjust their worship and sermon to fit the
personal preferences of the members. However, it is imperative that a church rely on Biblical
truths no matter what preferences their members hold. Chapter six is all about unleashing
leaders. A U-turn church must also raise up leaders that desire to advance the Kingdom of God
and who desire to do more than be fed. Chapter seven encourages leaders to have high
expectations in the people they are leading to continuously grow into a more intimate
relationship with God. Following is chapter eight, tough skin soft heart. Here the authors
demonstrate the need to have tough skin at times so that you do not develop a hardened heart.
The following three chapters of this section go on to highlight the need for taking Holy risks,
looking out into the community and the WOW factor of the church.
The last section of the book is summarized in two chapters where the authors discuss the
never-ending journey of the U-turn church. In chapter twelve the authors discuss U-turn myths
and You-turns: from you-turn to U-turn in chapter thirteen, the final chapter of the book.
Concrete Response
4 Ibid., 20.
5 Ibid., 55.
The chapter that stood out to me the most is chapter ten, Tough Skin and Soft Hearts. The
chapter especially appealed to me because it made me think of when I first went into a leadership
position at my church. Every time I turned around, I was facing another obstacle, either with
members who had been there far before me or through the schemes of the enemy. Author Kevin
Harney explains, “I have felt the painful sting and heartache of being attacked by God’s people.”6
6 Ibid., 123.
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