There is no mistaking that we live in a hypercompetitive, dog-eat-dog world. With Biblical precision and the heart of a faithful pastor, Mike Hess tackles this reality with the Christian in mind. Drawing the perfect balance between exhortation and encouragement, Mike really knocks it out of the park with this timely book. As every good book does, No Contest will make you think both critically and introspectively. I plan to use it as a study with the men of GraceLife Church. I highly commend it to you. 

 —David Cunningham, Lead Pastor 

GraceLife Church, Annville, Pa.

In a self-centered world, Christians should endeavor to be more Christlike in loving others genuinely. Gospel-centered living is all about loving God and loving others. In this book, Mike shows us Biblically how to steer away from today’s norm of competing for glory, and instead, chase after the ambition of God’s glory, which is loving others well. So, how can we focus on how to better encourage one another, with the “root of sincerely wanting God to bless others and rejoicing when He does”? I would encourage you to grab this book, and as you read through it, let God work in your heart. 

 —Diane Scallon, Author 

Against the Tide

No Contest strikes at the heart of what creates conflict among church members, family members, and friends. With insight into human nature, Mike Hess realistically addresses the faulty metrics we use to measure ourselves and others, and shows us the Biblical markers of maturity and success we should be pursuing. No Contest is written in an engaging and practical style and filled with Biblical truth. It will be a valuable resource for individual growth, group studies, and discipleship and counseling settings. I highly recommend it! 

 —Dean Taylor, Professor of Pastoral Training Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary

The best books are both helpful and hopeful. Mike Hess has done a service to those in local church ministry by shining a Scriptural light on how the culture’s success syndrome embedded itself in Christian ministry. However, diagnosing the malady is ineffective without offering a Biblical remedy. Hope is rekindled when disordered affections are challenged by gospel truth. Knowledge, insight, and courage are mandatory to describe our spiritual battles. It also takes wisdom to wield the Sword of the Spirit effectively. His book exemplifies both. What a great resource for contemporary churches. 

—Sherry VanHooser, Former Women’s Ministry Director Calvary Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant, Iowa

No Contest has been in the making within Mike’s heart for several decades, and he now expresses his thoughts with clarity and richness of experience and truth. Mike calls ministerial competitiveness what it is: sin. He crafts the compelling point that human competition has no place in the church in either the pew or the pulpit. The fruit of competition is devastating to the Body of Christ. It fails to produce love toward one another; and, most egregious, it reflects a Christian who is not satisfied with Christ. As Mike affirms, such inappropriate action will restrict the church from going hard after Christ’s Great Commission. The book sets the reader up for the final chapter, which is a necessary and practical exposition on the sovereignty of God. It gently but firmly calls each reader to carefully consider how he or she views God. No Contest is a brief but poignant read that will bring each reader both conviction and encouragement.

 —Daniel K. Davey, President 

 Virginia Beach Theological Seminary