Hazardous (Slightly Imperfect)

Endorsements:

“Hazardous is the best spiritual growth book I’ve read in years! Reading this book has not only altered how I view Jesus’s life on earth, but it’s also challenged me on what it means to call myself “Christian.” Rich with story and passion for helping people connect with God, Cooper & Cyzewski’s book will bring you closer to story of Jesus and help you engage the story that Christ intended for you.”

— Matthew Paul Turner, author of Churched and Hear No Evil

“This is a book about radical discipleship, a challenging read for all of us who feel we do not take our walk with Jesus seriously enough. The interweaving of personal and biblical stories are enlightening and make this a good read for all who want to take their faith more seriously.”

— Christine Sine, author of Sacred Rhythms: Finding a Peaceful Pace in a Hectic World

Into a world of easy discipleship, Cooper and Cyzewski offer a bold biblical challenge: Follow Jesus.  By tracing the messy lives and costly discipleship of faithful people throughout Scripture, they tell a story that is both dangerous and delightful.  Readers of Hazardous will not merely be rewarded with a great read; they will be rewarded with an invitation to deeper relationship with a great Lord.

— David T. Lamb, Biblical Seminary, author of God Behaving Badly

“Drawing on the key writers in the field, Hazardous offers an opportunity to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus in the very ordinary-ness of life. The authors push us beyond a mere discussion of the topic – that’s the easy part – towards an active engagement, through on the ground practices, in the start and stumble world of actually being a disciple. I highly recommend this book. Read it – if you dare.”

— Kurt Fredrickson, Associate Dean for Doctor of Ministry and Continuing Education,
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Fuller Seminary

“This book convicted me that I should not expect the Christian life to be easy. This book encouraged me to see my everyday struggles as part of the very maturing process I crave from God. And so, after reading Hazardous, I found myself further along the trail of following Jesus than before I read it. I can offer no higher recommendation for a book than that.”

— David Fitch, B.R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology, Northern Seminary
author of The End of Evangelicalism?

“Derek Cooper and Ed Cyzewski offer a gracious, honest, and wise perspective in this book about the difficulties and cost of true Christian commitment. In a convenience-obsessed world, their voices are welcome—and rare.”

— Jason Boyett, author of O Me of Little Faith: True Confessions of a Spiritual Weakling

My friends, “We need to consider the costs of following Jesus because the sacrifices and trials of this life cannot compare to God’s rewards.” It is important to give ourselves permission to transition—and oftentimes this means going through really tough stuff. As your guides, Ed and Derek explain discipleship in practice while following Jesus through good and bad times. A must read for every follower of Christ.

— Renee Fisher, www.devotionaldiva.com, author of
Faithbook of Jesus and Not Another Dating Book

“Everyone agrees on ‘the cost of discipleship’ in theory, but then no one is quite sure where to start in working out the details. Now Cooper and Cyzewski team up to write a compelling and engaging primer for those of us needing to think again about the practical difference following Jesus should make in our own lives. Warning: reading this book may be hazardous to your complacent Christian life.”

— Nicolas Perrin, Franklin S. Dyrness Professor of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College

“Hazardous’ authors remind us that discipleship doesn’t lead to guaranteed ease and security. Taking up one’s cross sometimes means setting aside comforts. But the authors also remind us that the blessings and peace that come from imitating Jesus are worth the adventure. This book should help readers both count the cost of the cross and expect the abundant life that results from following the crucified One.”

— Thomas Jay Oord, author of The Nature of Love
and co-author of Relational Holiness

Hazardous provides Jesus’ disciples with a roadmap that steers us clear of the pitfalls and roadblocks that would otherwise waylay us on the dangerous, life-transforming adventure of pursuing Christ. Filled with sound biblical wisdom and grace-filled practical recommendations, Derek Cooper and Ed Cyzewski serve as able guides who reveal to us the strenuous struggle and priceless rewards of costly discipleship.

— Paul Louis Metzger, Ph.D., Professor of Christian Theology
and Theology of Culture, Multnomah Biblical Seminary