Unlikely: Setting Aside Our Differences to Live Out the Gospel

A beautiful and surprisingly inspirational story about the unique partnership between a group of churches and the mayor of Portland, who came together to positively impact their city and encourage others to do the same.

Our dream is to help change the mindset of the city about the church, and the mindset of the church about the city.

Portland is among the most unchurched and politically progressive cities in the nation. With its unique edge—from a popular television show dedicated to its eccentricity to hosting the country’s largest naked bike ride—you wouldn’t expect Portland to be home to one of the most successful partnerships between local government and area churches. But it is.

In 2007, Kevin Palau and a few dozen pastors approached Portland’s mayor and posed the question: How can we serve you with no strings attached? Officials identified five initial areas of need—hunger, homelessness, healthcare, the environment, and public schools—and so began a partnership, CityServe, between the city and a band of churches seeking to live out the gospel message. Since then, the CityServe model has spread like wildfire, inspiring communities across the country to take up the cause in their own cities.

Unlikely not only tells the story of the inception of CityServe, but also challenges readers to evaluate their understanding of the gospel. Today’s church finds itself torn between social justice and direct proclamation. Unlikely proposes a both/and scenario, showing how the gospel can truly penetrate a region—through word and deed.

CityServe is proof that when differences can be put aside for a worthy cause, real change can be attained, and unlikely beauty is born.

"I've known Kevin Palau for a few years now--not only is he one of the nicest guys I've ever met, but I've been amazed by how God has gifted him to really build the body and to bring a sense of unity to the church."--Francis Chan

"I am encouraged by the work of CityServe and the Luis Palau Association to bring churches together. This is a visual demonstration of the movement of the gospel in our city."--Timothy Keller, bestselling author and pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (NYC)

"Kevin Palau is a leader with a gentle spirit and a humble heart. He has a vision for what unites and not divides people and for how sincere followers of Jesus can best contribute to that. He lives what he speaks."--John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and author of All The Places To Go

"This book is a timely reminder that engaging culture, loving your neighbor, and serving those in need still resonates. Kevin Palau and the Palau Association have impacted millions around the world for many years while, just as importantly, making a difference and impacting the city of Portland. A great model for pastors, leaders and churches to love those around us. Read this book and you too will be inspired to be a world changer by simply impacting those closest to you in your city."--Brad Lomenick, author of The Catalyst Leader and H3 Leadership and the former president of Catalyst

"I have a long list of people who I want to read this book. Kevin shares a mesmerizing, convicting, and empowering story of what can happen when churches unite to serve a city with no strings attached. I want this for my city. I want this for your city. I want this for every city."--Kara Powell, PhD, executive director of Fuller Youth Institute, Fuller Theological Seminary

"Kevin has been a great inspiration in my life and work. His posture of humility combined with bold willingness to ask 'why not?' has forged unlikely relationships and renewal in some of the least expected places. I couldn't recommend his story highly enough."--Gabe Lyons, Q Founder and author of The Next Christians

"As close personal friends with Kevin and the Palau Family, I can assure you, in them, there is only a passion to creatively find ways to deliver the Gospel Message in our ever evolving culture. The city movement is maybe the greatest model of revival at work today. It is bringing us to the heart of Christian faith, to demonstrate the love of Christ in our land."--Pat Gelsinger, CEO of VMware

"Instead ofgetting mad about the secularizing changes happening in our culture and thepeople who embody them, Kevin Palau takes a different approach: he engagesthose people, forms friendships and partnerships with them, and join forceswith them to serve others in need. If this is not what you expect from anevangelical Christian--someonein the family business of mass evangelism, no less!--take note. It's Christ-like, it works, and it's a majorway forward in our changed 'post-Christian' times. Kevin spells it out nicelyin this enjoyable and highly instructive book."--Tom Krattenmaker, USA Today contributing columnist and author of The Evangelicals You Don't Know

"I wish everyone could read Kevin's book. It's one of the best examples I've seen of how to truly engage and interact with those who disagree with us--without compromising our commitment to Scripture. His experience is proof-positive that evangelicals can and should move outside their own circles in the interest of pursuing the common good."--Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family

"This is a powerful and important book for the church today. A stunning reminder of the long-term impact the church can have when we set aside our differences and serve together in unity. I'm so encouraged by Kevin Palau and the Luis Palau Association. Their heart for the Gospel and humility in service should inspire all of us to spend more time seeking peace and unity. Be careful. This story will challenge you to think differently about your neighborhood and your city."--Ray Johnston, pastor at Granite Bay Church and author of The Hope Quotient