Book review: Wise Guys

Rob Streetman Nov. 18, 2016

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Kent Evans’ book, Wise Guys, is a refreshing, unique and multi-layered book. For some, it will simply be an entertaining presentation of godly wisdom. It is definitely that; and worth a recommendation on that basis alone.

However, that is not the primary reason I plan to buy and give away copies of Wise Guys. There is something more—something deeper. For me, Wise Guys is a look at disciple making from a totally different perspective—from that of the one being made.

There is a question that many followers of Jesus either don’t know to ask, or feel foolish asking. It goes something like, “How does someone interested in being discipled enter into the work Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit have promised to do in their lives?”

Wise Guys answers that question in an entertaining, edifying and encouraging way – through the testimony of Kent Evans!

Wise Guys is one of those books I wish I had read at the beginning of my journey with the Lord. Looking back (with 20/20 vision), I recognize that God put wise men in my path on many occasions. Some of their wisdom helped me along the way. I just wonder what would have been the result had I been more intentional about listening, learning and applying all that they shared.

For many who read Wise Guys, the epiphany will be that Jesus uses many individuals—in many settings—to make His followers into fishers of men (i.e., disciple makers). Is that something you could just tell someone? Of course it is; but what they will miss is the power of a man’s testimony – the example of a man who was intentional about being made.

They will also miss the practical examples Kent gives for drawing advice and wisdom out of others. He makes it look easy, even in the stories where he admittedly made it harder than it needed to be. I came away encouraged that “unlocking hidden wisdom from the men around you” is easier than I thought.

In closing, I thank God for the wise guys He has put in my life–including those whom I only know through the books God has used them to write.  These men are an investment of God that we dare not waste.

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Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More »

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