—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.”