The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World Summary & Key Insights

Richard Stearns' "The Hole in Our Gospel" recounts the author's transformative journey from a successful executive at World Vision to a deeply committed follower of Christ, radically altering his life and perspective on faith. The book's central plot is Stearns' exploration of what true Christianity entails, revealing a perceived disconnect between the gospel message he'd embraced and the actions of many within the Christian community.

The key character is Stearns himself, whose personal narrative drives the story. He begins as a comfortable, successful Christian, involved in charitable work but still largely focused on personal achievements and a relatively comfortable lifestyle. His journey unfolds through encountering profound poverty and suffering during his time at World Vision, particularly during his visits to developing nations. These experiences expose a stark contrast between the lives of the impoverished and the affluent lifestyles enjoyed by many Christians in wealthier countries. He's not a villain, but rather someone who, through grappling with this contrast, undergoes a significant spiritual awakening. Other key characters, though not central figures, are the impoverished people Stearns meets whose suffering profoundly affects his understanding of God's will.

The overarching theme is the identification and rectification of a "hole" in the typical gospel message, which Stearns believes fails to adequately address the issue of global poverty and injustice. He argues that while many Christians emphasize personal salvation, they often neglect the biblical mandate to care for the poor and marginalized, a significant omission in their understanding of God's expectations. This "hole" isn't about a theological deficiency but rather a deficiency in action and application of faith. The gospel, according to Stearns, shouldn't just be about individual salvation but also about actively working towards global justice and alleviating suffering, reflecting God's love for all creation.

The book's narrative arc involves Stearns' gradual realization of this disconnect and his subsequent commitment to live a life mirroring Christ's teachings through radical action. This involves significant lifestyle changes, including divesting from material wealth and devoting his life to fighting poverty and injustice through direct involvement and advocacy. The book isn't merely a criticism of the church but rather a call for a more holistic and compassionate approach to faith, urging readers to examine their own lives and commitments in light of the global needs around them. Ultimately, it's a powerful testament to the transformative power of a genuine encounter with poverty and the need for a renewed understanding of what following Christ truly means.