Searching For Sunday: Rachel Held Evans
(2016) This was a great read that focused on the things that church hold most dear and challenging them to be something that truly connects us to God rather than just being a check-off list.
(2016) This was a great read that focused on the things that church hold most dear and challenging them to be something that truly connects us to God rather than just being a check-off list.
Life Together: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(2015)
(2015)
Enemies of the Heart: Andy Stanley
(2014) I really enjoyed this book as it unveils some of the emotions that can control our hearts and then gives four counter ways to live that can free us. Andy Stanley does an amazing job of taking the four emotions of Guilt, Anger, Greed, and Jealousy and breaking them down for us to understand how they affect us personally. I would encourage anyone to read this book and find freedom for your heart.
(2014) I really enjoyed this book as it unveils some of the emotions that can control our hearts and then gives four counter ways to live that can free us. Andy Stanley does an amazing job of taking the four emotions of Guilt, Anger, Greed, and Jealousy and breaking them down for us to understand how they affect us personally. I would encourage anyone to read this book and find freedom for your heart.
Jesus Now: Frank Viola
(2014) Frank Viola has a great concept in his book Jesus Now. It is not often I think about how what Jesus did in scripture also describes what Jesus is doing right now. This is a helpful thought that will lead us to discovering how we can join God in what He is doing now. There are some great insights in this book and recommend it to those who want to live in Jesus, not simply remember his historic or past value.
(2014) Frank Viola has a great concept in his book Jesus Now. It is not often I think about how what Jesus did in scripture also describes what Jesus is doing right now. This is a helpful thought that will lead us to discovering how we can join God in what He is doing now. There are some great insights in this book and recommend it to those who want to live in Jesus, not simply remember his historic or past value.
Be Real: Rick Bezet
(2014) Rick is a local pastor where I am a minister. Though I have never met him, I have seen the fruit of his ministry and this book matches the fruit produced from New Life Church. I love the balanced look at the gospel and the call to be who God made us and quit acting like we are something that we really aren't.
(2014) Rick is a local pastor where I am a minister. Though I have never met him, I have seen the fruit of his ministry and this book matches the fruit produced from New Life Church. I love the balanced look at the gospel and the call to be who God made us and quit acting like we are something that we really aren't.
Nudge: Leonard Sweet
(2014) I started this book more than a year ago. I finally put in back in my lap and began to read. I couldn't stop underlining different ideas and phrases. Sweet does a tremendous job of taking a necessary, but tired idea and bringing it life. My favorite thought of the book is that we are not bringing God to the godless, but nudging the hearts of people awakening the God that is already in them. Just a marvelous read.
(2014) I started this book more than a year ago. I finally put in back in my lap and began to read. I couldn't stop underlining different ideas and phrases. Sweet does a tremendous job of taking a necessary, but tired idea and bringing it life. My favorite thought of the book is that we are not bringing God to the godless, but nudging the hearts of people awakening the God that is already in them. Just a marvelous read.
How To Start A Riot: Jonathan Storment
(2014) Jonathan is a friend and former co-worker of mine. He has a great heart for ministry and people who need to hear the word of God. I am so thankful to read his book. I also had the advantage of hearing him preach these sermons live. I love the theme he shares that presents itself throughout the book of Acts and the challenge for God's people to start a revolution...a local revolution. Not so we can start arguments and fights, but so we can find our passion for God and His Kingdom message once again. Our churches in America need a fresh vision for what it means to worship and serve God and still have God be the point. The question I walk away with after reading Jonathan's book is this: Will I participate in something greater than myself for the glory of God?
(2014) Jonathan is a friend and former co-worker of mine. He has a great heart for ministry and people who need to hear the word of God. I am so thankful to read his book. I also had the advantage of hearing him preach these sermons live. I love the theme he shares that presents itself throughout the book of Acts and the challenge for God's people to start a revolution...a local revolution. Not so we can start arguments and fights, but so we can find our passion for God and His Kingdom message once again. Our churches in America need a fresh vision for what it means to worship and serve God and still have God be the point. The question I walk away with after reading Jonathan's book is this: Will I participate in something greater than myself for the glory of God?
Jesus Is _____. : Judah Smith
Great book that takes you through who Jesus is and the stories in scripture that support these ideas. It is a great read that allows for us to see what God is up to in the world Jesus lived and in our world today.
Great book that takes you through who Jesus is and the stories in scripture that support these ideas. It is a great read that allows for us to see what God is up to in the world Jesus lived and in our world today.
No More Dragons: Jim Burgen
(2014) This book needs to be read by all that are still hanging on to sin and guilt from their past. Jim takes you through the great adventure of not allowing your sin (your dragons) to rule your life anymore. This book is full of grace and mercy and yet still expects us to have responsibility for our actions and lives.
(2014) This book needs to be read by all that are still hanging on to sin and guilt from their past. Jim takes you through the great adventure of not allowing your sin (your dragons) to rule your life anymore. This book is full of grace and mercy and yet still expects us to have responsibility for our actions and lives.
Unfinished: Richard Stearns
Stearns does a great job sharing a balanced message on missions. One of the best things I took away from this book came from the latter chapters where he shares Jesus' approach of kingdom work through proclamation, compassion, and justice and how the church should do the same. I really enjoyed the insights from this book. May favorite quote: "A dead body has all of the same parts as a living one. God brings life and purpose to the church through his Holy Spirit..." (p.156). There are things to be learned from Unfinished, if we will ponder it and listen to God's call for us today.
Stearns does a great job sharing a balanced message on missions. One of the best things I took away from this book came from the latter chapters where he shares Jesus' approach of kingdom work through proclamation, compassion, and justice and how the church should do the same. I really enjoyed the insights from this book. May favorite quote: "A dead body has all of the same parts as a living one. God brings life and purpose to the church through his Holy Spirit..." (p.156). There are things to be learned from Unfinished, if we will ponder it and listen to God's call for us today.
Love Like Jesus: Judah Smith
This was a quick read. This book from Judah Smith is from his earlier career and really would be good for student readers. He uses great testimonies to make this one point: Jesus loves you and we need to love him back by loving others.
This was a quick read. This book from Judah Smith is from his earlier career and really would be good for student readers. He uses great testimonies to make this one point: Jesus loves you and we need to love him back by loving others.
Simply Jesus: N.T. Wright
This is a powerful look at who Jesus is and what his gospel truly was about. Wright gets to the focus of what Jesus' kingdom was and how we can too be a part of it. I look forward to reading this book again.
This is a powerful look at who Jesus is and what his gospel truly was about. Wright gets to the focus of what Jesus' kingdom was and how we can too be a part of it. I look forward to reading this book again.
The Cost of Discipleship: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(2014) Bonhoeffer is great in this piece as usual. I will need to read this book several more times to glean everything there is in its pages. He draws on a great definition of what it means to be a disciple. He looks at that under the microscope, then uses the Sermon on the Mount as a text to engage with regarding discipleship, and then ends with some more of Matthew's gospel to help us focus on the idea of truly following Jesus. I had to trudge through some of this, but he is a great theologian and what he says in this book is worth stopping and soaking in over a period of time. This book will challenge you in your own life.
(2014) Bonhoeffer is great in this piece as usual. I will need to read this book several more times to glean everything there is in its pages. He draws on a great definition of what it means to be a disciple. He looks at that under the microscope, then uses the Sermon on the Mount as a text to engage with regarding discipleship, and then ends with some more of Matthew's gospel to help us focus on the idea of truly following Jesus. I had to trudge through some of this, but he is a great theologian and what he says in this book is worth stopping and soaking in over a period of time. This book will challenge you in your own life.
Pursued: Jud Wilhite
(2014) Jud uses the story of Hosea as his backdrop to show how God pursues us unconditionally. If God can command the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute and continue to take her back every time she leaves him and cheats on him, then God can continue to pursue his people when they do the same. What I love about Jud (besides that he is from Texas) is that he uses funny and interesting stories from his childhood and his current ministry to engage the reader and make his point. One point that Jud Wilhite makes throughout the book is that there is great brokenness in our world and we do some terrible things to run away from God, but in the end He never stops pursuing a relationship with us. He will never stop pursuing us, just so we can receive His grace.
(2014) Jud uses the story of Hosea as his backdrop to show how God pursues us unconditionally. If God can command the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute and continue to take her back every time she leaves him and cheats on him, then God can continue to pursue his people when they do the same. What I love about Jud (besides that he is from Texas) is that he uses funny and interesting stories from his childhood and his current ministry to engage the reader and make his point. One point that Jud Wilhite makes throughout the book is that there is great brokenness in our world and we do some terrible things to run away from God, but in the end He never stops pursuing a relationship with us. He will never stop pursuing us, just so we can receive His grace.
ALL IN: Mark Batterson
(2014) I have heard Mark two different times at conferences and have always appreciated his passion for spreading the message of the Kingdom and helping his church live it out. Reading All In was no different. HIs passion came through on the pages and pulled you in to a life imagined where we ourselves can give our all to Jesus. Batterson is inviting his readers to lay down superficial following and take up the idea that we cannot be "somewhat" Christian, we must be totally in with Christ and His Kingdom. It is a good fast read and will help inspire you to live out your life for the Kingdom in front of others.
(2014) I have heard Mark two different times at conferences and have always appreciated his passion for spreading the message of the Kingdom and helping his church live it out. Reading All In was no different. HIs passion came through on the pages and pulled you in to a life imagined where we ourselves can give our all to Jesus. Batterson is inviting his readers to lay down superficial following and take up the idea that we cannot be "somewhat" Christian, we must be totally in with Christ and His Kingdom. It is a good fast read and will help inspire you to live out your life for the Kingdom in front of others.
Deep and Wide: Andy Stanley
(2013) This is an excellent practical book on how to create a church for those who are not interested in the church life. It is very challenging to read this book as one who is part of denomination with many traditions. It challenges the practicality and purpose of what a church does and how it presents itself. The message of this book is extremely useful to any church and really challenges the purpose of why we gather. It's a must read for any church leader.
(2013) This is an excellent practical book on how to create a church for those who are not interested in the church life. It is very challenging to read this book as one who is part of denomination with many traditions. It challenges the practicality and purpose of what a church does and how it presents itself. The message of this book is extremely useful to any church and really challenges the purpose of why we gather. It's a must read for any church leader.
Scarred Faith: Josh Ross
2013: I have had certain difficult times in my life and grief has always been a process that is uneasy, but necessary. Josh does a great service to the Kingdom through his book on faith, loss, grief, and God's heart. Using the story of his older sister who dies at too young of an age and leaves behind a husband and child, we see how God doesn't want for us to suffer pain, but also will not leave us when the brokenness of this world breaks into our own lives. Not only does Josh do us a great service with his conversation about grief, but also directs our focus back to what God desires for His people when he calls us to walk alongside those that live in the margins. This is something that every pastor should read and read again. Thanks Josh, you expanded the Kingdom with this book.
2013: I have had certain difficult times in my life and grief has always been a process that is uneasy, but necessary. Josh does a great service to the Kingdom through his book on faith, loss, grief, and God's heart. Using the story of his older sister who dies at too young of an age and leaves behind a husband and child, we see how God doesn't want for us to suffer pain, but also will not leave us when the brokenness of this world breaks into our own lives. Not only does Josh do us a great service with his conversation about grief, but also directs our focus back to what God desires for His people when he calls us to walk alongside those that live in the margins. This is something that every pastor should read and read again. Thanks Josh, you expanded the Kingdom with this book.
Next Generation Leader: Andy Stanley
I'm beginning to really appreciate Andy Stanley. There is just simply good principles here for leadership. Sometimes there are born leaders. Sometimes there are leaders because they have found themselves in that position. This book is a great reminder for born leaders and great direction for situational leaders. Either way these principles are true. I loved reading this book.
I'm beginning to really appreciate Andy Stanley. There is just simply good principles here for leadership. Sometimes there are born leaders. Sometimes there are leaders because they have found themselves in that position. This book is a great reminder for born leaders and great direction for situational leaders. Either way these principles are true. I loved reading this book.
King Jesus Gospel: Scot McKnight
2013: Mcknight gives a fuller view and explanation of the entire gospel. We have taken the passion story and made that the gospel, when in effect the entirety of Jesus is the gospel. As McKnight puts it, the gospel is the story that Jesus is completing the story of Israel. I really appreciate his final chapters giving a challenge for Christians to live out this kind of gospel and how this expansion of thought should influence they way we live. I wrote a blog about this book and topic here.
2013: Mcknight gives a fuller view and explanation of the entire gospel. We have taken the passion story and made that the gospel, when in effect the entirety of Jesus is the gospel. As McKnight puts it, the gospel is the story that Jesus is completing the story of Israel. I really appreciate his final chapters giving a challenge for Christians to live out this kind of gospel and how this expansion of thought should influence they way we live. I wrote a blog about this book and topic here.
Man Overboard: Sinclair Ferguson
2013: I used this book for my sermon series on Jonah. I loved Ferguson's balanced look at Jonah through the lens of repentance and mission. This was a great addition to my own reading of Jonah, plus commentaries that I consulted.
2013: I used this book for my sermon series on Jonah. I loved Ferguson's balanced look at Jonah through the lens of repentance and mission. This was a great addition to my own reading of Jonah, plus commentaries that I consulted.
Starting Something that Matters: Blake MyCoskie
2013: My wife ordered a pair of TOMS for Christmas (2012) and this book came with the purchase. I began to read it and couldn't put it down. You mean you can make a profit and help in the name of Christ? Yes. It is a great story and challenge for us to do more with our secular lives, the way God has intended.
2013: My wife ordered a pair of TOMS for Christmas (2012) and this book came with the purchase. I began to read it and couldn't put it down. You mean you can make a profit and help in the name of Christ? Yes. It is a great story and challenge for us to do more with our secular lives, the way God has intended.
Revise Us Again: Frank Viola
2013: This is a great read that helps us get back to the heart of what we should be about in our Christian life. Frank Viola does a good job at taking things that we say and do in the Christian life and re-routing them, revising them, back to the heart and core of what they should be for us.
2013: This is a great read that helps us get back to the heart of what we should be about in our Christian life. Frank Viola does a good job at taking things that we say and do in the Christian life and re-routing them, revising them, back to the heart and core of what they should be for us.
Communicating for a Change: Andy Stanley
I'm really appreciative of this book. I am always skeptical about reading something telling me how to present or speak (read ego here). However, I'm glad I listened to a preaching friend of mine and read this book. It has forever changed my preaching in an excellent way. Andy lays out his plan of communication when he presents to his audience in two different ways. He presents as a story and as nuts and bolts. Excellent read for anyone who speaks to crowds.
I'm really appreciative of this book. I am always skeptical about reading something telling me how to present or speak (read ego here). However, I'm glad I listened to a preaching friend of mine and read this book. It has forever changed my preaching in an excellent way. Andy lays out his plan of communication when he presents to his audience in two different ways. He presents as a story and as nuts and bolts. Excellent read for anyone who speaks to crowds.
I tried to keep an open mind
as much as I could as I read Love Wins.
However, there are so many years of forming faith and theology that you
cannot shed even for just a few hours of your life. I choose in this
review not to demonize Rob Bell or his book. I will choose to critically examine
the content and possible implications of Love
Wins. Fortunately I am not a faithful Rob Bell follower, so I will
not comment on him as a person, but rather just what I can gain through the
writing of this book. I plan to be fair and open-minded.
Bell balances his discussion of Hell (which is what has taken the most criticism) with first beginning with Heaven and throughout speaking of how people are affected by a tired and dangerous paradigm (Turn or Burn). I find some issue with the fact that you can believe in Heaven, but not Hell. It would be like believing in God, but not Satan/evil. It is unfair to God’s word and the idea of spiritual warfare and the reality of brokenness in the once perfect world to only choose the good or encouraging pieces of your faith or religion. To my knowledge there is not a religion that is without a struggle of good and evil. Besides the balance that Bell tries to achieve, he also writes with an artistic rhetoric that must be appreciated within its genre. Although he uses scripture, historical Church Fathers, and theologians to make his points, he is ultimately an artist and uses his artistic license. While, I strongly believe that he writes from a place of honesty, I don’t believe you should read his book through the lens academic theology or historical fortitude, but rather artistic theology and conversational language.
Bell is asking a very good question about Hell. He is on target about calling out Christians who use fear to motivate people to believe in Jesus. Rob Bell has one paragraph that I see as his thesis statement for the book, “Often the people most concerned about others going to hell when they die seem less concerned with the hells on earth right now, while the people most concerned with the hells on earth right now seem the least concerned about hell after death.” (Bell, 79) My question is, “Can’t we do both?” His statement above could or could not be true, it would be extremely difficult to quantify “most”.
In order to not be too lengthy with the review I want to share some overarching comments about the book and Bell’s style rather than trying to poke holes in his theology of hell.
Bell, as a rhetorical move, makes an initial assumption and then stacks another assumption, another assumption, and another assumption and in the end makes a declaration as truth, but the whole time it is based on assumptions. If any of those assumptions, especially the founding assumption is false then the argument holds absolutely no credibility (As an example read pages 164-187). Bell uses the story of the Lost Son from Luke and shares it as a story about Hell or that illustrates the workings of Hell on earth and the lack of eternal Hell. This is based on the initial assumption that this particular story is about Hell. I don’t think it is. Which brings me to my other issue with Bell’s book, lack of exegesis. Exegesis is a strange word from Greek that means to “lead out of” and is used by scholars, theologians, preachers, teachers, etc. to have a good understanding of the scripture. Again, as I said before, Bell is writing through an artistic lens and his exegesis is questionable as well as his linking short scriptures together out of their context to make his points.
All in all I am glad that I read Love Wins. This book challenged me to think critically about my own beliefs. While I don’t agree with Bell most of the time, I do agree that Hell should not be used as a scare tactic to persuade people to follow Jesus. Jesus has more to offer than probation or exoneration from an eternal prison of torment. However, I believe that the full definition of love includes justice and discipline, not just acceptance of what we want out of life. I’m not convinced by Love Wins that there is no Hell. I am convinced that we need to say more about Hell and evil and what this means for our journey and formation in Jesus Christ.
Bell balances his discussion of Hell (which is what has taken the most criticism) with first beginning with Heaven and throughout speaking of how people are affected by a tired and dangerous paradigm (Turn or Burn). I find some issue with the fact that you can believe in Heaven, but not Hell. It would be like believing in God, but not Satan/evil. It is unfair to God’s word and the idea of spiritual warfare and the reality of brokenness in the once perfect world to only choose the good or encouraging pieces of your faith or religion. To my knowledge there is not a religion that is without a struggle of good and evil. Besides the balance that Bell tries to achieve, he also writes with an artistic rhetoric that must be appreciated within its genre. Although he uses scripture, historical Church Fathers, and theologians to make his points, he is ultimately an artist and uses his artistic license. While, I strongly believe that he writes from a place of honesty, I don’t believe you should read his book through the lens academic theology or historical fortitude, but rather artistic theology and conversational language.
Bell is asking a very good question about Hell. He is on target about calling out Christians who use fear to motivate people to believe in Jesus. Rob Bell has one paragraph that I see as his thesis statement for the book, “Often the people most concerned about others going to hell when they die seem less concerned with the hells on earth right now, while the people most concerned with the hells on earth right now seem the least concerned about hell after death.” (Bell, 79) My question is, “Can’t we do both?” His statement above could or could not be true, it would be extremely difficult to quantify “most”.
In order to not be too lengthy with the review I want to share some overarching comments about the book and Bell’s style rather than trying to poke holes in his theology of hell.
Bell, as a rhetorical move, makes an initial assumption and then stacks another assumption, another assumption, and another assumption and in the end makes a declaration as truth, but the whole time it is based on assumptions. If any of those assumptions, especially the founding assumption is false then the argument holds absolutely no credibility (As an example read pages 164-187). Bell uses the story of the Lost Son from Luke and shares it as a story about Hell or that illustrates the workings of Hell on earth and the lack of eternal Hell. This is based on the initial assumption that this particular story is about Hell. I don’t think it is. Which brings me to my other issue with Bell’s book, lack of exegesis. Exegesis is a strange word from Greek that means to “lead out of” and is used by scholars, theologians, preachers, teachers, etc. to have a good understanding of the scripture. Again, as I said before, Bell is writing through an artistic lens and his exegesis is questionable as well as his linking short scriptures together out of their context to make his points.
All in all I am glad that I read Love Wins. This book challenged me to think critically about my own beliefs. While I don’t agree with Bell most of the time, I do agree that Hell should not be used as a scare tactic to persuade people to follow Jesus. Jesus has more to offer than probation or exoneration from an eternal prison of torment. However, I believe that the full definition of love includes justice and discipline, not just acceptance of what we want out of life. I’m not convinced by Love Wins that there is no Hell. I am convinced that we need to say more about Hell and evil and what this means for our journey and formation in Jesus Christ.
Heaven is for Real: Todd Burpo
This is an amazing story of a little boy who overcame the odds and lives through a near-death and really a death-back-to-life situation. As his dad tells the story you see the struggle of a minister. His son's words and experiences that have to be real vs. what he has always known as truth. Todd Burpo allows the reader to doubt along with him, but also realizing that God can do things we think impossible. I appreciated the struggle between my rationalistic upbringing and the experiences of a toddler who shares his true experience of an encounter with God.
This is an amazing story of a little boy who overcame the odds and lives through a near-death and really a death-back-to-life situation. As his dad tells the story you see the struggle of a minister. His son's words and experiences that have to be real vs. what he has always known as truth. Todd Burpo allows the reader to doubt along with him, but also realizing that God can do things we think impossible. I appreciated the struggle between my rationalistic upbringing and the experiences of a toddler who shares his true experience of an encounter with God.
Irrestible Revolution (Kindle): Shane Claiborne
Claiborne writes a book that is all in your face. He is challenging and relentless on the reader of how they should not just talk about following Jesus, but actually living the way of Jesus. While I enjoyed reading this book I had trouble with the unbalanced view of Claiborne. He throws a few bones to the non-radical, but essentially I get the feeling that if we don't live his radical lifestyle, then we are missing the point. I'm not sure that I agree with everything he says, but I do believe he is sincere. If more people lived what he is calling them to, then there would be a mighty revolution. The question is whether or not that should be the call for all.
Claiborne writes a book that is all in your face. He is challenging and relentless on the reader of how they should not just talk about following Jesus, but actually living the way of Jesus. While I enjoyed reading this book I had trouble with the unbalanced view of Claiborne. He throws a few bones to the non-radical, but essentially I get the feeling that if we don't live his radical lifestyle, then we are missing the point. I'm not sure that I agree with everything he says, but I do believe he is sincere. If more people lived what he is calling them to, then there would be a mighty revolution. The question is whether or not that should be the call for all.
Belief: Francis S. Collins
While I think this is an interesting book and presentation, I have put this book back on the shelf. Right now there are other things that I would like to read and this being on my desk has kept me from reading those. I hope to pick it up another day.
While I think this is an interesting book and presentation, I have put this book back on the shelf. Right now there are other things that I would like to read and this being on my desk has kept me from reading those. I hope to pick it up another day.
The Smell of Sin and the Fresh Air of Grace: Don Everts
Everts writes in really graphic form about what it looks like when we take Jesus' metaphors for sin seriously. It can look quite horrific and if we are to take it seriously, then sin has a specific smell and it stinks. He balances his book with the thought about the fresh scent of grace and how it overcomes the stink of sin.
I think Everts does a great job to shock our senses back to an understanding of how pungent sin can be in our lives. However, I am concerned a little that sin is far more the subject than grace. Sin takes the bigger portion of this book. While I think it is important to have a good theology of sin, Everts tends to talk more about Jesus' word pictures about sin than how the idea of sin can be used to actually turn us back toward God. I do like his interpretation about "missing the mark." This is appropriate and gives a new definition to not just naughty behavior, but acting more misaligned. The other thing that I truly appreciated about his book was the poems used between chapters that really brought his ideas to life.
Everts writes in really graphic form about what it looks like when we take Jesus' metaphors for sin seriously. It can look quite horrific and if we are to take it seriously, then sin has a specific smell and it stinks. He balances his book with the thought about the fresh scent of grace and how it overcomes the stink of sin.
I think Everts does a great job to shock our senses back to an understanding of how pungent sin can be in our lives. However, I am concerned a little that sin is far more the subject than grace. Sin takes the bigger portion of this book. While I think it is important to have a good theology of sin, Everts tends to talk more about Jesus' word pictures about sin than how the idea of sin can be used to actually turn us back toward God. I do like his interpretation about "missing the mark." This is appropriate and gives a new definition to not just naughty behavior, but acting more misaligned. The other thing that I truly appreciated about his book was the poems used between chapters that really brought his ideas to life.
Gracenomics: Mike Foster
Mike does a great job at not only scratching the surface of Grace within our Christian focus, but also how grace is extended just beyond forgiving someone. He helps us focus on what it means to be dispensers of grace. Mike first makes the case that we ourselves have received grace and in return we should give grace to others not simply be a consumer.
I think this is a great short read that will help influence our culture to be people who will challenge themselves to think "Grace" before responding with "judgmentalism" Although not the purpose of his book, I do wish he would have dug a little deeper into the theology of grace. That may be my preference but because of the wise choices he makes with this book it is approachable for everyone.
Mike does a great job at not only scratching the surface of Grace within our Christian focus, but also how grace is extended just beyond forgiving someone. He helps us focus on what it means to be dispensers of grace. Mike first makes the case that we ourselves have received grace and in return we should give grace to others not simply be a consumer.
I think this is a great short read that will help influence our culture to be people who will challenge themselves to think "Grace" before responding with "judgmentalism" Although not the purpose of his book, I do wish he would have dug a little deeper into the theology of grace. That may be my preference but because of the wise choices he makes with this book it is approachable for everyone.
Love Does: Bob Goff
This is a great book about how to do love rather than just to feel it or accept it. I love the way that Bob Goff uses his own experiences to teach us how to experience and give the experience of love to one another.
This is a great book about how to do love rather than just to feel it or accept it. I love the way that Bob Goff uses his own experiences to teach us how to experience and give the experience of love to one another.
The Christian Atheist: Craig Groeschel
Groeschel started off with a bang hitting me where I hurt. I call myself a Christian just as many do and sometimes live my life as if I'm not. The concept is great and the read is quick. I love the way he uses personal stories to draw out the inconsistencies in our walk. However, I thought some of the use of scripture was weak and the conversation at times surface level. Because it started with such a bang I wanted it to keep hitting me in the gut and it didn't. I still think that the concepts within are worth exploring and reading. This book would be a great small group discussion or book club read.
Quote: "My service was never enough. And as my love for ministry burned hotter, my passion for Christ cooled."
"My mission had become a job. Instead of studying God's word out of personal messages to bring glory to God, I preached to bring people to church. I promised hurting people I would pray for them, but I usually didn't follow through...At the age of twenty-five, I was a full-time pastor and a part-time follower of Christ." (The Christian Atheist, Craig Groeschel, 26)
Groeschel started off with a bang hitting me where I hurt. I call myself a Christian just as many do and sometimes live my life as if I'm not. The concept is great and the read is quick. I love the way he uses personal stories to draw out the inconsistencies in our walk. However, I thought some of the use of scripture was weak and the conversation at times surface level. Because it started with such a bang I wanted it to keep hitting me in the gut and it didn't. I still think that the concepts within are worth exploring and reading. This book would be a great small group discussion or book club read.
Quote: "My service was never enough. And as my love for ministry burned hotter, my passion for Christ cooled."
"My mission had become a job. Instead of studying God's word out of personal messages to bring glory to God, I preached to bring people to church. I promised hurting people I would pray for them, but I usually didn't follow through...At the age of twenty-five, I was a full-time pastor and a part-time follower of Christ." (The Christian Atheist, Craig Groeschel, 26)
Before You Go: Wade Hodges
(Review I posted on Amazon)
If you have ever thought about or tried leaving from one church as a minister to another, then you will want to read and memorize Wade Hodges' new e-book, Before You Go: A few sneaky-good questions every minister must answer before moving to a new church. Wade gives his audience a practical guide without watering down the real issues that lay behind the questions and with reliance upon the Holy Spirit. After reading this book you should be truly equipped to make wise discernments about leaving, arriving, and interviewing. Knowing these few concepts can take the frustration and anxiety out of transition and replace it with joy and excitement. No one wants to dread transitions, we just do. However, Hodges gives us room to lay down the dread and pick up the hope of renewal. What I love is that as you read this book you realize mistakes you have made in the past, you realize present realities, and you can envision a future worth pursuing. Thank you Wade for this resource and your willingness to share your experiences and your heart.
(Review I posted on Amazon)
If you have ever thought about or tried leaving from one church as a minister to another, then you will want to read and memorize Wade Hodges' new e-book, Before You Go: A few sneaky-good questions every minister must answer before moving to a new church. Wade gives his audience a practical guide without watering down the real issues that lay behind the questions and with reliance upon the Holy Spirit. After reading this book you should be truly equipped to make wise discernments about leaving, arriving, and interviewing. Knowing these few concepts can take the frustration and anxiety out of transition and replace it with joy and excitement. No one wants to dread transitions, we just do. However, Hodges gives us room to lay down the dread and pick up the hope of renewal. What I love is that as you read this book you realize mistakes you have made in the past, you realize present realities, and you can envision a future worth pursuing. Thank you Wade for this resource and your willingness to share your experiences and your heart.
When to Leave: Wade Hodges
(via Kindle)
This is the second in a series from Wade Hodges that helps ministers who are determining whether or not they will choose to leave one church and minister to another. I must admit I read this after my decision to leave Highland as a youth minister to go to University as a preacher. However, the straight-forward advice given by Wade is priceless. My calling changed from one type of ministry to another. Others, though, need to make a change for their health or the health of their family or even the health of the church family they work alongside. This book can help be a determining factor as to whether you should stay and face your demons or leave where you can minister more effectively. I would recommend this read for any minister who has been at their current place more than 5 years. Thanks Wade for this Gift!
(via Kindle)
This is the second in a series from Wade Hodges that helps ministers who are determining whether or not they will choose to leave one church and minister to another. I must admit I read this after my decision to leave Highland as a youth minister to go to University as a preacher. However, the straight-forward advice given by Wade is priceless. My calling changed from one type of ministry to another. Others, though, need to make a change for their health or the health of their family or even the health of the church family they work alongside. This book can help be a determining factor as to whether you should stay and face your demons or leave where you can minister more effectively. I would recommend this read for any minister who has been at their current place more than 5 years. Thanks Wade for this Gift!
Not a Fan: Kyle Idleman
Sometimes we just coast through this thing we like to call Christianity. We sign up but don't really think about what our place is in it. We are completely consumed with what Jesus can do for us, instead of what he wants to do through us. Idleman really challenges his audience with being a true follower of Jesus, rather than someone who cheers from the sideline. I think everyone who reads this will find some way to see that they are being a fan rather than follower in their life. However, I don't think Idleman makes it that difficult, and Jesus certainly doesn't, to be a true follower. It's one of those books that you don't have to totally agree with everything that is said to understand the deeper meaning that we are called to something bigger than just hitting the like button on Jesus' facebook. We are called to be focused followers!
Sometimes we just coast through this thing we like to call Christianity. We sign up but don't really think about what our place is in it. We are completely consumed with what Jesus can do for us, instead of what he wants to do through us. Idleman really challenges his audience with being a true follower of Jesus, rather than someone who cheers from the sideline. I think everyone who reads this will find some way to see that they are being a fan rather than follower in their life. However, I don't think Idleman makes it that difficult, and Jesus certainly doesn't, to be a true follower. It's one of those books that you don't have to totally agree with everything that is said to understand the deeper meaning that we are called to something bigger than just hitting the like button on Jesus' facebook. We are called to be focused followers!
Generous Justice: Timothy Keller
This is a great book that calls us out of just theory about justice to actually living a life that is generous and sees justice through the light of Jesus. Keller gives great reasoning and lays groundwork at the beginning and then follows up with how to make it actually work. I will say it was a tough read for me. It was convicting and I found myself wanting to get to the practical application faster than he took me. However, I needed the foundation he laid to make the application for me appropriately.
This is a great book that calls us out of just theory about justice to actually living a life that is generous and sees justice through the light of Jesus. Keller gives great reasoning and lays groundwork at the beginning and then follows up with how to make it actually work. I will say it was a tough read for me. It was convicting and I found myself wanting to get to the practical application faster than he took me. However, I needed the foundation he laid to make the application for me appropriately.
The Blue Parakeet: Scot Mcknight
I loved this book. Well, I love Mcknight's stuff in general. At first he begins helping the reader re-shape and re-imagine what it would be like to read scripture in a different way. A narratival way rather than a scientific, rule book way. Mcknight helps shape the reader into seeing scripture as something that is alive and breathing...something to relate to rather than a textbook to master. In the end Mcknight takes on the women's role issue by reading through the narratival lens. It is a helpful way to see this issue differently by how you read the Bible. Mcknight is able to capture the essence of the issue of women in ministry through reading scripture as a whole instead of squelching opportunity by using the Bible to prooftext. If I had one criticism of the book it would be that the women's issue snuck up on me. I typically refuse to read reviews and blurbs about books so I can have a fresh reading and I wasn't ready for the move to the women's issue. I could have kept reading just to continue reading about how to read scripture differently. But in the end the issue put how we read scripture into a wonderful context and it was a great lesson and example.
I loved this book. Well, I love Mcknight's stuff in general. At first he begins helping the reader re-shape and re-imagine what it would be like to read scripture in a different way. A narratival way rather than a scientific, rule book way. Mcknight helps shape the reader into seeing scripture as something that is alive and breathing...something to relate to rather than a textbook to master. In the end Mcknight takes on the women's role issue by reading through the narratival lens. It is a helpful way to see this issue differently by how you read the Bible. Mcknight is able to capture the essence of the issue of women in ministry through reading scripture as a whole instead of squelching opportunity by using the Bible to prooftext. If I had one criticism of the book it would be that the women's issue snuck up on me. I typically refuse to read reviews and blurbs about books so I can have a fresh reading and I wasn't ready for the move to the women's issue. I could have kept reading just to continue reading about how to read scripture differently. But in the end the issue put how we read scripture into a wonderful context and it was a great lesson and example.
One.LIfe: Scott Mcknight
This was probably one of my favorite reads this year so far. I am a huge Mcknight fan and this book was not disappointing in the least. Here is a little blurb, "Christianity isn't enough. Religion isn't enough. Being accepted in a church isn't enough. Climbing the corporate ladder isn't enough. Solving intellectual problems isn't enough. Chasing the American dream isn't enough. Finding the person to love isn't enough. Sex isn't enough. Friends aren't enough. Fame isn't enough. Nothing's enough. The only thing that is enough is Jesus, and the only way to get to Jesus is to follow him, and that means one thing: giving your One.Life to him and to his dream." -One.Life, Mcknight 22)
So yeah get up now and go read this.
This was probably one of my favorite reads this year so far. I am a huge Mcknight fan and this book was not disappointing in the least. Here is a little blurb, "Christianity isn't enough. Religion isn't enough. Being accepted in a church isn't enough. Climbing the corporate ladder isn't enough. Solving intellectual problems isn't enough. Chasing the American dream isn't enough. Finding the person to love isn't enough. Sex isn't enough. Friends aren't enough. Fame isn't enough. Nothing's enough. The only thing that is enough is Jesus, and the only way to get to Jesus is to follow him, and that means one thing: giving your One.Life to him and to his dream." -One.Life, Mcknight 22)
So yeah get up now and go read this.
Father Fiction: Donald Miller
I haven't met a Donald Miller book I didn't like. Father Fiction did not disappoint. His style is whimsical and engaging. The topic is close to my soul. Even though I had a father, I didn't live under the same roof as him and life can become somewhat confusing for a boy when this is the case. Miller through this book reminded me what it means to love God as the ultimate father and that just because life is not perfect, does not mean we must sit the bench. With every turn of the page I became more engrossed in the want and desire for my heavenly father. There is no doubt in my mind that Miller is asking the right questions and pondering thoughts that will continue to help shape fatherless boys into men for years.
I haven't met a Donald Miller book I didn't like. Father Fiction did not disappoint. His style is whimsical and engaging. The topic is close to my soul. Even though I had a father, I didn't live under the same roof as him and life can become somewhat confusing for a boy when this is the case. Miller through this book reminded me what it means to love God as the ultimate father and that just because life is not perfect, does not mean we must sit the bench. With every turn of the page I became more engrossed in the want and desire for my heavenly father. There is no doubt in my mind that Miller is asking the right questions and pondering thoughts that will continue to help shape fatherless boys into men for years.
The Way of the Heart: Henri J.M. Nouwen
Henri Nouwen does an excellent job of bringing ministers back to the basics of what ministry should be. He detours us from verbosity, busyness, and reckless inattention to God. Through the use of silence, solitude, and prayer Nouwen gives us a fresh breath of what it means to live intentionally for God, so that we can minister best to the world.
This is an excellent read that is a great reminder of what we are truly to be about. If ministers practice these three things it grow our ministry exponentially and save us some hard self-ambitious pushing through our tasks and calendars.
Henri Nouwen does an excellent job of bringing ministers back to the basics of what ministry should be. He detours us from verbosity, busyness, and reckless inattention to God. Through the use of silence, solitude, and prayer Nouwen gives us a fresh breath of what it means to live intentionally for God, so that we can minister best to the world.
This is an excellent read that is a great reminder of what we are truly to be about. If ministers practice these three things it grow our ministry exponentially and save us some hard self-ambitious pushing through our tasks and calendars.
Monk Habits for Everyday People: Benedictine Spirituality for Protestants: Dennis Okholm
This was an excellent read which came recommended to me by Randy Harris. Okholm makes a good case for why protestant Christians should not only embrace, but engage in the habits of monks under the Benedictine rule. Out of all the chapters in this book, my favorite was the chapter on poverty. I had always considered St. Francis' idea of poverty, where everyone under the rule takes a vow of poverty. However, Okholm shares that Benedict only expected that everyone understand that nothing is theirs, but God's and we should all share together. My only criticism of the book is that without having a greater understanding of monks or Benedict I felt a little lost at times in the conversation. However, the principles here can reach beyond monks into the Protestant Christianity, which is his point in the first place.
This was an excellent read which came recommended to me by Randy Harris. Okholm makes a good case for why protestant Christians should not only embrace, but engage in the habits of monks under the Benedictine rule. Out of all the chapters in this book, my favorite was the chapter on poverty. I had always considered St. Francis' idea of poverty, where everyone under the rule takes a vow of poverty. However, Okholm shares that Benedict only expected that everyone understand that nothing is theirs, but God's and we should all share together. My only criticism of the book is that without having a greater understanding of monks or Benedict I felt a little lost at times in the conversation. However, the principles here can reach beyond monks into the Protestant Christianity, which is his point in the first place.
The Good and Beautiful God: James Bryan Smith
This book has quickly become one of my favorites. James Bryan Smith writes on the idea of transformation through the lens of changing the narrative by which we live. Not only does he give reasoning for his ideas, but also practices and exercises that will help change your current narrative. This book would be great for a church, small group, or church staff to work through together. He also has two others that are follow ups to this book, which he calls the Apprentice Series. I look forward to reading those soon.
This book has quickly become one of my favorites. James Bryan Smith writes on the idea of transformation through the lens of changing the narrative by which we live. Not only does he give reasoning for his ideas, but also practices and exercises that will help change your current narrative. This book would be great for a church, small group, or church staff to work through together. He also has two others that are follow ups to this book, which he calls the Apprentice Series. I look forward to reading those soon.
11: Leonard Sweet
I really loved this book. Of course I am a Sweet fan. I love how he uses words and turn-of-phrases and repurposes them and uses them to make an issue really pop. I was not disappointed with this book. There are certain relationships that we all need. I was truly convicted by what relationships I need in my life and what I may be to others. I did have a hard time connecting the dots for the Jethro chapter "Who is your butt-kicker?" and the places chapter, "Who is your Jerusalem?" These were good ideas, but I felt especially with Jethro that there were better characters to use to make his point than Jethro. With places, it just made it obvious that while places are important to me, not important enough. I wanted more from this chapter. This book was refreshing and needed. I would recommend this read for all Christians, but especially pastors who find themselves lonely too often.
I really loved this book. Of course I am a Sweet fan. I love how he uses words and turn-of-phrases and repurposes them and uses them to make an issue really pop. I was not disappointed with this book. There are certain relationships that we all need. I was truly convicted by what relationships I need in my life and what I may be to others. I did have a hard time connecting the dots for the Jethro chapter "Who is your butt-kicker?" and the places chapter, "Who is your Jerusalem?" These were good ideas, but I felt especially with Jethro that there were better characters to use to make his point than Jethro. With places, it just made it obvious that while places are important to me, not important enough. I wanted more from this chapter. This book was refreshing and needed. I would recommend this read for all Christians, but especially pastors who find themselves lonely too often.
Jesus Manifesto: Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola
Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola write a compelling book that not only peaks the interest of church leaders, but helps lay members re-imagine what it might look like to see Jesus in the flesh and follow him rather than a cause created after him or a movement that has lost sight of him. Sweet and Viola tackle some of the misappropriations of Jesus in the Christian movement while staying true to their thesis that Jesus is to be supreme. While some of these sidesteps by Christians cannot be seen while in the midst of the movement, it seems as though they have done their homework and have explored areas where we as Christians have given more to our causes than Christ himself.The book seems very balanced... You can read the full review at Amazon Review.
Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola write a compelling book that not only peaks the interest of church leaders, but helps lay members re-imagine what it might look like to see Jesus in the flesh and follow him rather than a cause created after him or a movement that has lost sight of him. Sweet and Viola tackle some of the misappropriations of Jesus in the Christian movement while staying true to their thesis that Jesus is to be supreme. While some of these sidesteps by Christians cannot be seen while in the midst of the movement, it seems as though they have done their homework and have explored areas where we as Christians have given more to our causes than Christ himself.The book seems very balanced... You can read the full review at Amazon Review.
Jesus and Nonviolence A Third Way: Walter Wink
This was an excellent read and didn't take all that long. Wink's writing here reads more like a sermon than a book. He takes time to distinguish the idea that Jesus chose a third way, other than the fight and flight of human nature. Basically, we must use our intellect and creativity to re-imagine how we can respond to conflict and problematic issues. I also appreciate how Wink allows for the idea that sometimes there is not a third way and you must choose violence or passivism. If you cannot understand pacifism and are looking for a response other than violence, then this is a book you must read. Not to mention Wink does great work with the ideal of Jesus and the example he left us.
This was an excellent read and didn't take all that long. Wink's writing here reads more like a sermon than a book. He takes time to distinguish the idea that Jesus chose a third way, other than the fight and flight of human nature. Basically, we must use our intellect and creativity to re-imagine how we can respond to conflict and problematic issues. I also appreciate how Wink allows for the idea that sometimes there is not a third way and you must choose violence or passivism. If you cannot understand pacifism and are looking for a response other than violence, then this is a book you must read. Not to mention Wink does great work with the ideal of Jesus and the example he left us.
Calico Joe: John Grisham
I love John Grisham. Even though this was about baseball, it did not disappoint
I love John Grisham. Even though this was about baseball, it did not disappoint
What Good is God?: Philip Yancey
What an excellent book by Yancey. In his typical fashion he takes a critical question and presses it to the point where you cannot help but affirm there is a God and faith is worth it. I like how he takes real life crises and those that he actually speaks at and tells of the crisis and gives his sermon when he spoke to the people. It is a marvelous work where he does not speak for God, but definitely speaks into people about God. And in the end, you understand the need for God and why our faith matters.
What an excellent book by Yancey. In his typical fashion he takes a critical question and presses it to the point where you cannot help but affirm there is a God and faith is worth it. I like how he takes real life crises and those that he actually speaks at and tells of the crisis and gives his sermon when he spoke to the people. It is a marvelous work where he does not speak for God, but definitely speaks into people about God. And in the end, you understand the need for God and why our faith matters.
