My Story

My dear friend and former student, Gloire Emmanual Ndongala, has written a book which challenges the weak and seemingly faltering American church to “grow up.” His insights are provocative, and his challenge is stinging at times, yet hopeful. I highly recommend this text to all my fellow ministers, church leaders, and any follower of Jesus who longs to push past the ‘growing pains’ in order to develop the spiritual muscle required for last days spiritual conflict.

Gloire Ndongala has written a book that will certainly awaken the sleeping church. As a church, we say that we believe the Bible, but we are yet to expect the God of the early Church to do through us what He did through the early disciples and more. Gloire did not just write another book, he has put on paper the fire that burns within him about the Lord and His endless power and love.

As a musician, preacher, and personal trainer I believe more than ever that God is on the brink of sending another move of His Spirit as in the days of historical revivals past. In the same breath, I say that this move will not last without a mature church to steward it. I have known my dear friend Gloire for a decade now, and his consistent passion, hunger, and zeal to see a bride that’s compatible with Jesus on all levels and is ready for the return of Jesus is far above the status quo. This book will cause you to acknowledge our current lack in the church in the knowledge of God, but I believe it will also stir a hunger after truth and righteousness. We want to be a church made ready and able to maturely steward the presence of God in a greater measure. May this book stir, convict, and encourage you and the generations to come to “grow up” and be all that God intended His church to be.

Reading Grow Up Church is like gaining a glimpse into how the early church functioned. It sheds light on the miraculous deeds of the body of Christ that have been forgotten. For those seeking to return to the simplicity of the body of Christ and discover the complexity of our God, this book is a must. The truths that have been ignored and long since forgotten will be returned to those who seek them. If you are seeking truth, your purpose in this life and how you fit in the body of Christ, this book is for you. I was personally challenged and convicted by this book which brought forth in me new kindling of my faith in Christ and affirmation of who I am in Christ.

I have known Gloire for more than 10 years now. We went to college together, played basketball together, we’ve prayed together, and we have both seen each other’s families grow one kid at a time. We have both seen each other in our lowest points and in our highest points. You really get to see someone’s true character at their lowest point. For Gloire, he never changed who he was in Christ when at his lowest point. He never stopped following Christ, when he was completely justified to do so during the toughest battles of his life. His devotion to God is unmatched, his love for his family is evident, and his loyalty to his friends is like no other. He is a man of the Word, and a man of prayer, and a man passionate for the bride of Christ. In his book, there is a Jeremiah 6:16 feel, where the Lord said, “Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Generally speaking, I believe the church has strayed away from the original path God intended. In this book, I believe Gloire, through deep research and prayer, has done a fine job redirecting the church back to the ancient paths. I believe every church and seminary should adopt this book in their libraries, courses, and discipleship programs. God has truly breathed on this book!

Gloire is undeniably a vessel sent by God for such a time as this. His life of integrity and heart of passion is contiguous. I met Gloire in college with a group of students who were sold out for Jesus. He led prayers meetings where miracles, signs, and wonders happened regularly. His impact on my life is beyond my ability to describe. I have watched Gloire grow over the years and the tools he provides in this book are not just from his mind and heart, but from real experience. This book is very beneficial to anyone called to leadership or even those who desire to mature and develop on a personal level. Gloire does a great job with providing quality information and examining the reading through assessments within the book. Every individual should experience growth when finished reading this book.

I’ve known Gloire for over five years now. We’ve laughed and cried together. You never really know someone until you’ve had the opportunity to live under the same roof. In 2015 Gloire and his family moved in with me. As they lived at my house I grew spiritually in many ways. He never sugar coated anything while he stayed with me yet every time, he finished speaking to me, although it was challenging at times, I still knew he cared. His book is an embodiment of his heart for the church. The church of the end times must grow up. We need to start seeking solid food and stop being kept alive by milk. This book is an amazing book to chew on daily. It is filled with biblical knowledge and spirit-led teachings that all believers need in these days. Enjoy and soak up each word!

I met Gloire during undergrad over 11 years ago. Through my graduate studies, my career as both a pastor and a missionary, and now my layperson’s work of bringing my calling to the secular workplace, I can confidently say that he is not only a model example of a fully committed follower of Christ, but also a highly loyal friend. In all the time I’ve known him, he’s been full of integrity, grace, and love for all who come into his path. Gloire is also full of a prophetic fire that I’ve never seen in anyone else. His passion to see the church of Jesus Christ thrive is unparalleled. I got the immense privilege of reading this book early and can wholly say that it will challenge, push, and grow all who read it. Gloire’s writing style is conversational and his words clear. We must grow up as a church, put aside the milk, and sustain ourselves on the meat of the Word. May the truths of this book change you the same way it has changed me.