-
The Hole in Our Gospel
- What Does God Expect of Us?
- Narrated by: Tommy Cresswell
- Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Religion & Spirituality, Christianity
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $30.79
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Lead Like It Matters to God
- Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World
- By: Rich Stearns
- Narrated by: Rich Stearns
- Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Richard Stearns became president of World Vision US in 1998 after spending the first half of his career as a successful executive at corporate giants such as Gillette, Parker Brothers, The Franklin Mint, and Lenox Inc. At World Vision, he inspired a culture of outcome-focused management. His leadership in calling the American church to respond to some of the greatest crises of our time - notably the HIV and AIDS pandemic and the global refugee crisis - challenged other Christian leaders to embrace a bold vision for compassion, mercy, and justice in their work.
-
-
Good Read
- By Amazon Customer on 03-22-22
By: Rich Stearns
-
Undistracted
- Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy.
- By: Bob Goff
- Narrated by: Bob Goff
- Length: 6 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through the pithy and inspiring storytelling that has endeared him to millions, New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff invites you to laugh with more gusto, dream with more confidence, and love with more intention in this disarming call to live Undistracted.
-
-
Can’t get enough of Bob Goff and his stories!
- By S. Olson on 03-14-22
By: Bob Goff
-
When Helping Hurts
- How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself
- By: Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert
- Narrated by: Brendan Hunter
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Poverty is much more than simply a lack of material resources, and it takes much more than donations and handouts to solve it. When Helping Hurts shows how some alleviation efforts, failing to consider the complexities of poverty, have actually (and unintentionally) done more harm than good. But it looks ahead. It encourages us to see the dignity in everyone, to empower the materially poor, and to know that we are all uniquely needy - and that God in the gospel is reconciling all things to himself.
-
-
A must read
- By Diana Kamidi on 07-31-21
By: Steve Corbett, and others
-
Radical
- Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
- By: David Platt
- Narrated by: David Platt
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU?
-
-
Cutting Through The Fluff
- By O-Coaster on 02-13-12
By: David Platt
-
The Story of You
- An Enneagram Journey to Becoming Your True Self
- By: Ian Morgan Cron
- Narrated by: Ian Morgan Cron
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With this powerful tool, Cron shows us how each type can shed their broken stories and harness their unique power within to become who we are truly meant to be, shedding the unhappiness we accumulate by trying to live out of the wrong story. Filled with examples from people whose lives have been transformed for the better, Cron maps out a guide for using Enneagram wisdom to reauthor your life and experience deep inner transformation, healing, and happiness.
-
-
Experience feelings of tenderness in learning more about those you love
- By Amazon Customer on 01-29-22
By: Ian Morgan Cron
-
Forgotten God
- Remembering Our Crucial Need for the Holy Spirit
- By: Francis Chan
- Narrated by: Francis Chan
- Length: 4 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A follow up to the profound message of Crazy Love, Pastor Francis Chan offers a compelling invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit's direction in our lives. "In the name of the Father, the Son, and ... the Holy Spirit." We pray in the name of all three, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two?
-
-
The Spirit: the Power of Christ in Us
- By Greg on 02-16-12
By: Francis Chan
-
Lead Like It Matters to God
- Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World
- By: Rich Stearns
- Narrated by: Rich Stearns
- Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Richard Stearns became president of World Vision US in 1998 after spending the first half of his career as a successful executive at corporate giants such as Gillette, Parker Brothers, The Franklin Mint, and Lenox Inc. At World Vision, he inspired a culture of outcome-focused management. His leadership in calling the American church to respond to some of the greatest crises of our time - notably the HIV and AIDS pandemic and the global refugee crisis - challenged other Christian leaders to embrace a bold vision for compassion, mercy, and justice in their work.
-
-
Good Read
- By Amazon Customer on 03-22-22
By: Rich Stearns
-
Undistracted
- Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy.
- By: Bob Goff
- Narrated by: Bob Goff
- Length: 6 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through the pithy and inspiring storytelling that has endeared him to millions, New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff invites you to laugh with more gusto, dream with more confidence, and love with more intention in this disarming call to live Undistracted.
-
-
Can’t get enough of Bob Goff and his stories!
- By S. Olson on 03-14-22
By: Bob Goff
-
When Helping Hurts
- How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself
- By: Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert
- Narrated by: Brendan Hunter
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Poverty is much more than simply a lack of material resources, and it takes much more than donations and handouts to solve it. When Helping Hurts shows how some alleviation efforts, failing to consider the complexities of poverty, have actually (and unintentionally) done more harm than good. But it looks ahead. It encourages us to see the dignity in everyone, to empower the materially poor, and to know that we are all uniquely needy - and that God in the gospel is reconciling all things to himself.
-
-
A must read
- By Diana Kamidi on 07-31-21
By: Steve Corbett, and others
-
Radical
- Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
- By: David Platt
- Narrated by: David Platt
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU?
-
-
Cutting Through The Fluff
- By O-Coaster on 02-13-12
By: David Platt
-
The Story of You
- An Enneagram Journey to Becoming Your True Self
- By: Ian Morgan Cron
- Narrated by: Ian Morgan Cron
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With this powerful tool, Cron shows us how each type can shed their broken stories and harness their unique power within to become who we are truly meant to be, shedding the unhappiness we accumulate by trying to live out of the wrong story. Filled with examples from people whose lives have been transformed for the better, Cron maps out a guide for using Enneagram wisdom to reauthor your life and experience deep inner transformation, healing, and happiness.
-
-
Experience feelings of tenderness in learning more about those you love
- By Amazon Customer on 01-29-22
By: Ian Morgan Cron
-
Forgotten God
- Remembering Our Crucial Need for the Holy Spirit
- By: Francis Chan
- Narrated by: Francis Chan
- Length: 4 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A follow up to the profound message of Crazy Love, Pastor Francis Chan offers a compelling invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit's direction in our lives. "In the name of the Father, the Son, and ... the Holy Spirit." We pray in the name of all three, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two?
-
-
The Spirit: the Power of Christ in Us
- By Greg on 02-16-12
By: Francis Chan
-
Kisses from Katie
- A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption
- By: Katie Davis, Beth Clark
- Narrated by: Jaimee Draper
- Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"Sometimes I want to spend hours talking with my best friends about boys and fashion and school and life. I want to go to the gym; I want my hair to look nice; I want to be allowed to wear jeans. I want to be a normal young woman living in America, sometimes. But I want other things more. All the time. I want to be spiritually and emotionally filled every day. I want to be loved and cuddled by a hundred children and never go a day without laughing.
-
-
This book changed my life!
- By Carla on 10-02-13
By: Katie Davis, and others
-
Letters to the Church
- By: Francis Chan
- Narrated by: Ramon de Ocampo
- Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Millions are satisfied to sit through hour-long, weekly religious services. Millions more have left the church, brokenhearted and cynical. But God is waking up his people - people who will risk everything and sacrifice anything to become the dynamic, powerful church seen in Scripture. We Are Church calls Christ-followers, young and old, to hold fast to their biblical roots while seeking radical change. Scripture promises an exuberant and unstoppable church. That wondrous early church of acts can be our reality today.
-
-
Please read or listen!
- By Cindy Nipper on 10-29-18
By: Francis Chan
-
The Insanity of God
- A True Story of Faith Resurrected
- By: Nik Ripken, Gregg Lewis
- Narrated by: Joe Geoffrey
- Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Insanity of God is the personal and lifelong journey of an ordinary couple from rural Kentucky who thought they were going on just your ordinary missionary pilgrimage but discovered it would be anything but.
-
-
AMAZING Stories!
- By Nicholas S on 02-09-16
By: Nik Ripken, and others
-
Not in It to Win It
- Why Choosing Sides Sidelines the Church
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Andy Stanley
- Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Not in It to Win It is a relatable and practical resource that guides listeners to the priorities of Jesus, even as we are navigating the complicated and emotionally charged terrain of today’s cultural divides and disagreements. Setting aside partisanship, Andy challenges listeners to evaluate all of life through the wide-angle lens of faith.
-
-
Brave challenge for FOLLOWERS of Christ
- By Nana D on 05-11-22
By: Andy Stanley
-
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
- How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
- By: John Mark Comer, John Ortberg - foreword
- Narrated by: John Mark Comer, Kris Koscheski
- Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"Who am I becoming?" That was the question nagging pastor and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But inwardly, things weren’t pretty. So, he turned to a trusted mentor for guidance and heard these words: "Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life." It wasn’t the response he expected, but it was - and continues to be - the answer he needs. Within this audiobook, you’ll find a fascinating road map to staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.
-
-
Pedantic and Patronizing
- By Hannah Raveling on 08-06-20
By: John Mark Comer, and others
-
The Purpose Driven Life
- What on Earth Am I Here For?
- By: Rick Warren
- Narrated by: Rick Warren
- Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Discover and fulfill your God-given purpose by joining the more than 35 million others who have embarked on a spiritual journey that started with this number one New York Times best-selling book by Pastor Rick Warren. Before you were born, God knew what your life had in store for you. His hope for you is to discover the life he created just for you - both here on Earth, and forever in eternity. Let Rick Warren guide you as you learn to live out your true purpose. The Purpose Driven Life is more than a book; it's a road map for your spiritual journey.
-
-
It has commercials in between chapters - ICK
- By AraSevera on 04-27-14
By: Rick Warren
-
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels
- By: Kenneth E. Bailey
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 16 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Beginning with Jesus' birth, Ken Bailey leads you on a kaleidoscopic study of Jesus throughout the four Gospels. Bailey examines the life and ministry of Jesus with attention to the Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes, Jesus' relationship to women, and especially Jesus' parables. Through it all, Bailey employs his trademark expertise as a master of Middle Eastern culture to lead you into a deeper understanding of the person and significance of Jesus within his own cultural context.
-
-
One of the best resources on Jesus EVER
- By Arthur Sippo on 04-21-20
-
Surprised by Hope
- Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church
- By: N. T. Wright
- Narrated by: James Langton
- Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For years, Christians have been asking, "If you died tonight, do you know where you would go?" It turns out that many believers have been giving the wrong answer. It is not heaven. Wright outlines the present confusion about a Christian's future hope and shows how it is deeply intertwined with how we live today. Wright asserts that Christianity's most distinctive idea is bodily resurrection, and provides a magisterial defense for a literal resurrection of Jesus. Wright then explores our expectation of "new heavens and a new earth".
-
-
erudite study of the Christian hope
- By Gene Lane on 09-04-18
By: N. T. Wright
-
The Dangers of a Shallow Faith
- Awakening from Spiritual Lethargy
- By: A. W. Tozer, James L. Snyder
- Narrated by: Jon Gauger
- Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this compilation, followers of Christ will discover anew the importance of standing boldly against spiritual and moral slumber. They will also see the importance of remaining awake in the face of constant temptation and distraction. Discover the spiritual awakening and change the Holy Spirit can bring to your life as you surrender completely to God and walk in a deeper faith!
-
-
So inspiring.
- By Susan Ihlan on 07-25-16
By: A. W. Tozer, and others
-
The Spirit of the Disciplines
- Understanding How God Changes Lives
- By: Dallas Willard
- Narrated by: Robertson Dean
- Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dallas Willard, one of today's most brilliant Christian thinkers and the author of The Divine Conspiracy ( Christianity Today's 1999 Book of the Year), presents a way of living that enables ordinary men and women to enjoy the fruit of the Christian life.
-
-
Wonderful follow up Book to The Devine Conspiracy
- By Paul Ellis on 05-10-19
By: Dallas Willard
-
Until Unity
- By: Francis Chan
- Narrated by: Francis Chan
- Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Many seek reassurance or perceived unity by creating doctrinal statements, but that misses the point. Doctrine is necessary, but it is not the solution. In his new book Until Unity, New York Times best-selling author Francis Chan tells listeners that the real problem is shallow or even nonexistent love for each other. Although the Bible commands unity, some will resist these unifying efforts. We see it every day. We have to hate sin, love truth, and pursue unity for the church.
-
-
Worth the listen/read.
- By Anonymous User on 04-02-21
By: Francis Chan
-
Foundations
- By: R. C. Sproul
- Narrated by: R. C. Sproul
- Length: 23 hrs and 2 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology, R.C. Sproul shows that the truths of Scripture relate to each other in perfect harmony. This eye-opening series addresses a myriad of questions about the origin and authority of the Bible, God, the Trinity, man, sin, salvation, revelation, miracles, the church, the end times, and more.
-
-
Great, but you can get this FREE @ SermonAudio
- By Customer on 01-04-17
By: R. C. Sproul
Publisher's Summary
It's 1998 and Richard Stearns' heart is breaking as he sits in a mud hut and listens to the story of an orphaned child in Rakai, Uganda.
His journey to this place took more than a long flight from the United States to Africa. It took answering God's call on his life, a call that hurtled him out of his presidential corner office at Lenox - America's finest tableware company - to this humble corner of Uganda.
This is a story of how a corporate CEO faced his own struggle to obey God whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith. Using his own journey as an example, Stearns explores the hole that exists in our understanding of the Gospel.
Two thousand years ago, 12 people changed the world. Stearns believes it can happen again.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Hole in Our Gospel
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
- Dr. David R. Bess
- 11-26-09
Your Christian life may not be the same...
This book is actually two volumes woven together: the first volume is the account of urgent global needs and a call to respond to those needs as followers of Jesus Christ. The second volume is the testimony of Richard Sterns, and how God dramatically called him from a very successful, lucrative corporate career to assume the leadership of World Vision. The first volume is compelling, though it does get bogged down in details that are more informational than inspirational. The second volume however, is priceless. It was this section of this book that moved me deeply, learning how one man could sacrifice his "successful Christian life" to make a true difference in the world. The true path to greatness in the kingdom of God is found not by climbing up a ladder of success, but by climbing down a ladder of service. Richard Sterns illustrates that truth vividly here. I recommend this book highly -- just be warned, your Christian life may not be the same again.
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Barbara
- 05-24-09
Everyone in our country needs to read this book!
I, like so many others, knew about global poverty, and suffering but thought of it as "out there somewhere." I also felt helpless to really make a difference. This book has opened my eyes to the reality that it is not someone else's responsibility to "fix it." It is mine. And it is yours. Please read this book. Your world will become so large, and your own problems so small.
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Brenda
- 04-25-10
Best book ever!!
I recently discovered how much better I comprehend books (and complete them) by using Audible.com; having said that this book is one you'll keep and pass on to your kids. This is a must read for everyone. It dispels the myths and prejudices so many of us grew up with and believed about poverty. It gives solutions that will stand the test of time in an ethical responsible way. Read it, pass it on for generations to come.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Adam
- 03-04-10
A Memoiry look at global poverty
The authors uses his own biography to illustrate how he became away of global poverty and how we the church should address it. This is not a "social gospel" look at Christianity. This is a biblical view of what the church is called to do. Great book.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Daphne
- 01-07-10
Challenging book!
This book will challenge each Christ-follower reading it (or listening). We live in our comfort and attend our inspiring church services. But, Richard Stearns invades our consciences and shines the light of truth by reminding us vividly of what Christ expects of us regarding the truly needy and hungry of our world.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Craig
- 08-22-11
Compelling
The author causes the reader to rethink their perspectives. How can we be satisfied as church goer's?
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
- Sonia
- 04-27-10
A Must Read
Every follower of Christ should read this book. Excellent and moving, I was touched deeply to the core of my soul.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Steven
- 12-11-12
All hole and no doughnut
I listened to this book as one of many books, in preparation for my first short term mission trip to an impoverished nation. I'm not sure that I would have finished it without that motivation. Here's why.
First, the narrator has a deep, rich voice and reads smoothly with appropriate intonation. He represents well the persona that any high powered executive would want to portray. It was a solid four star performance.
Richard Stearns spends the bulk of the book explaining how he was recruited by World Vision and how far he came down in pay grade to accept his position with them, the extent of the pain and suffering in the majority world, how pathetic North American Christians are at alleviating worldwide suffering and how we should be doing more, like sponsoring children, etc.. He of course quotes Francis of Assisi, "Preach the gospel at all times and when absolutely necessary, use words." This constitutes "the hole."
I believe that the gospel (i.e. God loves us so He sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sins so that we can be forgiven and know him personally) is the most critical bit of information any human being can be presented with and that apart from being born again through hearing and accepting the good news that God personally made a way for forgiven sinners to enter Heaven, this life is as good as it gets whether you live in the USA or Malawi. No amount of "being nice" to suffering people will matter without that relationship beginning through a new birth into Jesus Christ. The gospel of Mr. Stearns and World Vision seems to be that we should make people as comfortable as possible on the bus to Hell, unless they happen to ask if they're on the right bus.
The Bible teaches that after the new birth in response to hearing the gospel, there must come growth in a Christian's ability to live a life of active love. I agree with the author, that Christ followers should invest their lives intentionally and sacrificially to ease suffering, care for widows, orphans and the oppressed and work to make this world as good a place as possible in which to live. I don't agree that this work should be done without proclaiming salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone and that this must be done with words. If, for some strange reason, you really don't care for Jesus but choose to listen to this book, you may want to skip the last 12 - 15 minutes. The author does eventually use words to preach, but it comes off as an afterthought.
Just as a hole without a doughnut surrounding it is worthless, so is just being nice without the story of God's love for us through Jesus. I gave the author three stars but I was "being nice."
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- David Calfee
- 10-14-21
Eye opening
this book is eye opening about the widespread poverty around the world and the responsibility those who call themselves christ followers have to steward what God has given them responsibly .
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dan Sr
- 05-17-21
The Hole is the Gospel
Great testimony for seven chapters. Then Stearns left the Gospel out. He moves to teach that poverty should be solved by giving money. He misses that Jesus Christ is the only answer. Given money must have the Lord Jesus or else it fails. He also points to the systems as the underlying problem but misses that it is Satan’s system that causes injustice, and only the Lord give justice. The Gospel fixes poverty with God, self, others, and the earth. Prosperity has followed the rule of law which comes from the Bible
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- florence
- 07-10-13
What a challenge to the modern church !
Where does The Hole in Our Gospel rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Ranks in my top 3 of all audio books I ahve lisened to. I ahve never felt as challenegd as this book made me feel. What powerful and poignant stories, what a response from RIchard.
What other book might you compare The Hole in Our Gospel to, and why?
None yet. This is one of a kind. I believe many people are afraid to go where Richard has gone.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
His resistance to the job at Wolrd Vision and his eventual 'surrender'. Very compelling
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, by all means.
Any additional comments?
I hope more people read this book. Just thinking of the different world this would be if Christians executed in their own little way what Richard is talking about fills me with excitment, hope and promise. This would be a fantastic world for ALL. God bless you Richard.
-
Overall

- N
- 11-01-10
Excellent Resource
It took me a while to get through this as there is an awful lot to think about and digest. Its certainly not an easy listen, well not for me, as it has made me question my whole attitude to the poor and needy in the world and particularly the developing world.
I really like the personal stories about the author as I can understand where he was coming from. I particularly liked the parts when God was challenging him to take the job at World Vison USA and he really didn?t want it. He is very honest which is very refreshing and very helpful. I also like the way he has made me realise that the people living in the developing world are just like me with a personality, hope and dreams. They are not just statistics in newspapers or the internet.
It is aimed at the American Church and as I live in the UK, at times I did feel alienated by the statistics and the culture. (Perhaps there could be an notes for other countries?)
There is a lot in this audio book and I think it is an excellent resource to help every Christian to get involved in social projects and not just expect someone else to do it. Richard Stearns is right in quoting that it?s the Church?s job to be salt and light and if we don?t it who will?
Thanks to christianaudio.com reviewers programme for copy of this audio book.