Rob Bell is a bestselling author and international teacher and speaker. He is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His books include Sex God, Jesus Wants to Save Christians, and Love Wins. He was profiled in Time Magazine as one of 2011's hundred most influential people. Visit Rob Bell at www.robbell.com.

Bell begins with a story about a painting in his basement of Elvis in transition. He then moves on to say that Christian churches are in need of reformation — similar to the intense and comprehensive change brought years ago by Martin Luther.

Although many spiritual people are fed up with institutional churches, they are more interested and intrigued with Jesus than ever before. But they are not seeking belief and creeds but a new way of being fortified by spiritual practices.

Bell has divided the book into seven "movements" and sets out to discuss the big questions that lie behind the realignment of the Christian faith. The challenge for true believers is "to live with great passion and conviction, remaining open and flexible."

He contends that Christianity is mysterious to the core. It is folly to think that Jesus is not for everybody and that the Bible means only what you say it means. It is a book of ancient narratives and present-day happenings. Witness Bell's narrative on the church he served and what he learned:

"The church is at its best when it is underground, subversive, and countercultural. It is the quiet, humble, stealth acts that change things."