📖 Overview
Greater examines the biblical story of the prophet Elisha to explore how Christians can move beyond mediocrity in their faith. Pastor Steven Furtick uses this narrative framework to discuss achieving God's vision for one's life.
The book outlines practical steps for readers to identify and overcome obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full spiritual potential. Through scriptural analysis and modern-day applications, Furtick presents strategies for transforming small beginnings into significant outcomes.
Each chapter combines biblical teachings with contemporary examples to demonstrate how incremental progress leads to substantial spiritual growth. The text includes reflection questions and action items for readers to apply the concepts to their personal circumstances.
The work speaks to universal themes of purpose, faith, and personal development while maintaining focus on Christian principles and biblical foundations. Through Elisha's story, it addresses the human struggle between settling for good enough and pursuing something more significant.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe the book as motivational but repetitive. Most indicate it helped them overcome feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt in their faith journey.
Readers appreciated:
- Personal stories and examples from Furtick's life
- Biblical references tied to modern situations
- Focus on God's strength rather than human effort
- Conversational writing style
Common criticisms:
- Content could have been condensed into fewer pages
- Too many sports metaphors and analogies
- Some found the message oversimplified
- Repetition of concepts from Furtick's previous books
One reader noted: "He makes the same point multiple times in different ways - could have been a long blog post instead of a book."
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 4.3/5 (4,900+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings)
Christianbook.com: 4.5/5 (40+ ratings)
Most readers recommended it for Christians struggling with confidence or those new to faith, rather than those seeking deep theological insights.
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Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick The book explores making audacious prayers and taking faith-driven action based on the biblical account of Joshua's bold request.
Crash the Chatterbox by Craig Groeschel This work provides strategies to overcome negative self-talk and replace internal doubt with God's truth.
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson Through ancient Jewish legends and modern testimonies, this book presents a method for approaching prayer with persistence and specificity.
Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels The book maps out a framework for discovering divine purpose after disappointment through biblical teachings and practical steps.
Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick The book explores making audacious prayers and taking faith-driven action based on the biblical account of Joshua's bold request.
Crash the Chatterbox by Craig Groeschel This work provides strategies to overcome negative self-talk and replace internal doubt with God's truth.
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson Through ancient Jewish legends and modern testimonies, this book presents a method for approaching prayer with persistence and specificity.
Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels The book maps out a framework for discovering divine purpose after disappointment through biblical teachings and practical steps.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 Steven Furtick wrote "Greater" at age 32 while leading Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC, which he had grown from 14 families to over 10,000 attendees in just seven years.
🔹 The book's core message draws inspiration from the biblical story of Elisha, who left behind 12 oxen and a promising farming career to pursue his calling as a prophet.
🔹 "Greater" became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into more than 12 languages, reaching readers across multiple continents.
🔹 The author developed the concept of "greater" as distinct from both average and exceptional, describing it as the divine pattern of "God taking people from where they are to where He wants them to be."
🔹 Each chapter of the book includes a "Greater Thought" section designed for practical application, helping readers transform abstract concepts into actionable steps.