Ordinary Hero

The world needs heroes. Are you one of them?

Church planter and pastor Neil Cole knows about saving lives: he is a former California beach lifeguard. In Ordinary Heroes, he takes the lessons learned from that experience and applies them to our mission of rescuing people from darkness and leading them into the kingdom of God. Cole presents a passionate and moving plea to continue the work of rescue, along with a simple, proven plan for doing so: the Life Transformation Group.

The LTG is a group of two or three people who meet together weekly for three essential disciplines: confession of sin, steady intake of Scripture, and prayer for others who need Christ.

The genius of the LTG is that it is simple and transferable, making it naturally self-proliferating and an appropriate tool for any cultural or church context. Outlining this system, Ordinary Heroes will benefit pastors, church leaders, and anyone interested in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Foreword by Alan Hirsch
Preface
Acknowledgments
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Need for True Heroes

Part 1: Last Words from a Dying Hero: Paul's Second Letter to Timothy
1: Revealing a Secret Identity: What Is a Real Hero in God's Kingdom?
2: Good News Worth Sharing: The Gospel of the Kingdom
3: Scuba-la Happens: The Raw Material of a Real Hero
4: This Is a Job for...Me?: A Heroic Call to a Larger-Than-Life Mission
5: More Powerful Than a Locomotive: The Unstoppable Power of Multiplication
6: The Heart of a Healthy Hero: Motivations That Make a World of Difference
7: Who Needs a Utility Belt?: Being Prepared and Equipped for a Great Work
8: Every Hero Needs a Sidekick and Every Sidekick Is a Hero: All of Us Need Backup
9: The Boy Scouts Have It Right: Be Prepared
10: More Than a Catchphrase: Never Give Up! Never Surrender!

Part 2: A System for Making and Multiplying Disciples
11: Falling into a Powerful Current: Discovering and Releasing Life Transformation Groups
12: The Value of Simplicity: Less Is More
13: A Tool Easily Passed to Others: The Life Transformation Group System
14: Instant Access to the Almighty: Advantages of the LTG System
15: The Security of a Trustworthy System: Answering Common Objections to the LTG System
16: When Groups Go Wrong: Troubleshooting Unproductive Groups
17: The Kingdom Come: The Results of a Life Changed for God

Appendix 1: Sample Character Conversation Questions for Life Transformation Groups
Appendix 2: Names for LTGs Worldwide
Appendix 3: How LTGs Can Help Start Organic Churches
Notes
Illustration Credits

Endorsements

"Simple, uncluttered, apostolic, organic, and eminently doable." - From the foreword by Alan Hirsch, author, The Forgotten Ways

"A Much-needed book. The key issue today is raising up disciples if we want to see lives changed and radical transformations take place in our society. What Neil recommends makes a difference."-Bob Roberts, pastor, North Wood Church; author, Transformation, Glocalization, and The Multiplying Church

"Ordinary Hero actually works. Neil Cole's network of friends and co-workers is the fastest growing informal fellowship of believers in the western world. Why? Because it instantly attracts every person who desires an exciting role as a genuine hero in the greatest adventure of our time."-James Rutz, author, Megashift

"Neil gives you everything you need to start patrolling your own beach if you want to get serious about lifesaving efforts."-Reggie McNeal, author, The Present Future

"Warning! This book will challenge you to save others' lives. If you read it, believe it, and do it, God will use your life to change the world."-Jaeson Ma, lead director, Campus Church Networks; author, The Blueprint

"Cole makes Christian disciple making come alive. A captivating story that is solidly biblical and down to earth, with practical application. Right on target!"-Robert E. Coleman, distinguished professor of evangelism and discipleship, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; author, The Master Plan of Evangelism