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—Lavern E. Brown, President, Advanced Pastoral Network

“This is the one book I will recommend from here on out.”

—Laura Bradshaw, President of Journey U

“A rare and needed voice that names what’s broken, but also points to what’s possible. Deeply needed.”

—Chris Backert, Ascent Conference Director, Former US Fresh Expressions

“A brave endeavor that helps us see the vast landscape of competing church visions—and why we may need one another.”

In Game of Pulpits, Gary Comer explores the seven dominant voices rising behind today’s pulpits—each offering a distinct vision for the Church’s future. With both respect and rigor, Comer esteems the contributions of each voice while examining their theological underpinnings, strategic strengths, and potential pitfalls.

This is more than critique—it’s a call to discernment.

The Game

Not designed to divide or diminish, Game of Pulpits sparks a crucial dialogue: Whose voice does the Church need now? And as the future unfolds, which voice will lead the way forward?

If you care about the trajectory of the Church and the clarity of its mission, this is the conversation you need to enter.
• Identify which voice you follow—and why it matters.
• Examine your leadership convictions and deepen your “well.”
• Engage with research-driven insights and field-tested observations.
• Assess ministry approaches through a future-facing lens.
• Be open to lighting your torch from another’s flame.
If you’re serious about gospel impact, this book was written with you in mind.
charged with shaping vision, training others, and steering ministry strategy at a broader level.
seeking clarity on what’s coming—and what it will take to lead their communities into the future with conviction.
eager to explore new frameworks for advancing the gospel in today’s complex world.

Who Will Benefit from Reading Game of Pulpits?

Mission-minded team members
Pastors and church staff
Local and regional church leaders
Anyone with a fire in their soul
to see the name of Jesus and the mission of God’s kingdom rise in this generation.

—Gary Comer, Game of Pulpits

"Far from it being aimed at merely deconstructing what is failing us or demoralizing anyone along their leadership front, this book is a toast and a tribute to those who stand tall in the arena and are deep in the fight. I celebrate anyone who cares enough about the kingdom’s future to be willing to wade into the big questions. 

Who are we at our stripped-back core? Where is the church headed? Have we reached an inflection point where change is necessary? What does today’s Christian movement need to be and do in order to reestablish and reinvigorate forward footing? How do we go about reclaiming spiritual primacy in hearts and expand redemptive works throughout society?"

excerpt from game of pulpits

Rather than polarizing or platforming one method, Game of Pulpits evaluates each voice through the lens of the Gospel mission. It encourages wise listening, critical reflection, and a deeper pursuit of Jesus’ way in a noisy age.

What Makes This Book Different?

This isn’t just about pulpits—it’s about the future of the Church.

—Ken Priddy, Pastor, Professor of Theology and Ministry with Christian Leadership Institute, PhD.

“Author Gary Comer describes his Game of Pulpits as a “missional leadership book.” Being missional is both biblical and necessary in the 21st century because, as the author posits, the attractional model of the 20th century is no longer attractive to many in a secularizing culture. What voices offer the best hope for missional effectiveness? Comer presents seven voices and predicts varying degrees of success. Heavily weighted are the Redesigners; leaders who champion change through innovation. Change disrupts. So did the Incarnation. I foresee this treatment having a stirring positive impact on church/mission leaders who seek greater gospel expansion, and are willing to reshape a better future.”

—David Reynolds, Church Planting Coordinator, C&MA

“Over the years, my wife and I have planted churches, launched planting centers, and trained hundreds of planters, developing "best practices" for church planting. However, post-Covid, some of these practices fall short in a shifting and secularizing culture, a challenge facing the entire Church. Dr. Gary Comer addresses this crisis, analyzing seven competing ministry styles, or "Pulpits," none of which suffice strictly on their own. He proposes a bold, unified, Scripture-rooted solution that, though innovative and seemingly radical, may be exactly what the Church needs for maximum gospel impact.”

—Ron Edmondson, Senior Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church

“I love to be stretched - and "Game of Pulpits" accomplished that quite well. The phrase "God’s leader must have the eyes to see something broken" captures much of my thoughts as I read through Comer's analysis of the current church's state. I look forward to unpacking this book with our team.”

—Dr. Brad Ransom, Director of Church Planting/Chief Training Officer, Free Will Baptist North American Ministries

“Game of Pulpits is a thoughtful and timely resource for pastors and denominational leaders who are navigating the complexities of ministry in a rapidly changing culture. Gary Comer doesn’t just analyze the challenges facing the church, but he offers practical, field-tested strategies for equipping leaders, aligning ministry systems, and advancing the gospel (with clarity and conviction.) This book will help leaders at every level think more strategically, lead more effectively, and prepare their churches for long-term impact. If you care about the future of the church, this is a conversation you need to engage in.”

—JR Woodward, National Director, The V3 Movement; Author, Creating a MIssional Culture, The Scandal of Leadership; Co-author, The Church as Movement

“While each reader will assess things differently, Comer’s Game of Pulpits is a bold call for leaders to honestly examine how they are equipping the whole church to be faithful and fruitful to the co-mission Jesus gave us. The book sometimes reflects an underdeveloped eschatology that can narrow the vision of Jesus’ mission in the world, yet its gamification approach is creative, engaging, and impossible to ignore.”

—Rev. Brian Johnson, American Baptist Churches

“Gary Comer offers a thoughtful and unflinching look at the forces vying for influence within the contemporary Church. With insight and courage, he names the trends that many may sense, but few have been able to articulate. This book doesn't settle for critique- it invites us to reimagine ministry with a renewed sense of gospel purpose and Kingdom urgency. As someone who walks with churches seeking revitalization and relevance in a post-Christian world, I found this work both convicting and brimming with hope. 'Game of Pulpits' will stir a vision for a Church grounded in Christ and mobilized for transformational mission.”

—Jim Roden, D.Min., M.Div., Lead Pastor, Journey Church Tucson, Vice President, Advanced Pastoral Network

“We need a better and clearer vision for “discipleship” in the western church--to actually become like Jesus and join him in his mission “to seek and to save the lost.” Game of Pulpits points the way forward. Thoughtful, provocative, direct, yet fair and generous, Game of Pulpits is thoroughly engaging. I couldn’t put it down! Comer is an excellent researcher and gifted writer. Yes, some of Comer's ideas are challenging, however, his tone is humble and well balanced. Keep reading. You’ll be glad you did! I am inspired to love the Lord more fully, engage in personal evangelism more intentionally, and equip my church more strategically. This book will inspire you toward missional fidelity and disciple-making excellence.”

Join Launch Team
As a thank you for your early support, you’ll also receive our 90-Day Bonus Bundle:
  • Early access to the 7 voices mini-series on The Gospel Edge Podcast
  • The downloadable 7 Voices Crest PDF
  • An exclusive live Q&A with Gary

Step in as an early supporter and help give Game of Pulpits the strong start it deserves.

Give Game of Pulpits Its Best Start

Join us in championing this message during the first 90 days. Your support helps launch the book with momentum and extend its reach into the wider Church. Here’s how you can take part:

The 7 Voices Pulpit Crests

  • Purchase Your Copy – Secure the book and dive into the 7 voices shaping today’s Church.
  • Rate & Review – Leave your review on Amazon and Goodreads to help others discover it.
  • Join the Launch Team – Be part of the community spreading the message to pastors, leaders, and gospel-minded believers.
  • Share Within Your Circle – Tell friends, colleagues, and networks about the book’s vision.
Order today

The Future Is in the Pulpit.

ORDER Game of Pulpits today and lead with purpose into the most crucial chapter of the Church’s story.

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