Tag: book review

The Book Every Young Pastor in a Small Church Needs to Read

On By pastorjonathanIn books, MinistryLeave a comment

Transforming Church in Rural America by Shannon O’Dell is a must read for any young pastor leading a congregation in rural America!  I was deeply blessed by almost every page in this book and even a little humbled.  Having grown up in rural churches and having many friends who are pastoring rural churches I can testify that Shannon has hit the mark.  What you will find with this book is a no-nonsense, practical, count-the-cost design for much needed change in many of our rural churches.  Shannon knows from first hand experience the cost of bringing change and leading a dying church back to vibrant health and he has a story to tell.

Throughout Transforming Church in Rural America, Shannon tells the story of how he was called by God from being on staff at a large church to pastoring a small South Side Baptist Church in an 88 resident town in Arkansas.  Over the last six years God has blessed Shannon to be at the forefront of change in rural America to reach people with the gospel.  Today Shannon’s church, now renamed, Brand New Church reaches out to thousands of people each week through multiple campuses. Shannon’s passion to reach rural America at any cost is contagious.  Note this quote from the book…

As far as too many soldiers have shown us, it takes great personal sacrifice to willingly enter a conflict.  But if we are to fulfill our vision, we have no other choice.  It’s change, conflict, growth; change, conflict, growth; and you have to walk through that process.  It happens on a personal level every time we see someone freed from a massive addiction. The person makes a change, then there is a major conflict, but then there is unbelievable growth. It’s the same with church; we must go through change and then conflict in order to see growth. Nobody told me that before I went to rural America.  but it’s part of the game – one of the rules you will have to abide by play after play. When conflict comes most rural pastors give up on change. It’s just too hard. What can we do? We must be resolved to conflict in its many forms; we must pick our battles carefully, and we must choose which hills we are willing to die on- just as Jesus chose Golgotha. (page 81-82).

I highly recommend Transforming Church in Rural America.  In fact if you are considering a call to pastor a small church or a church in rural America, its a must read.  You won’t find this kind of transparency and passion for rural churches anywhere else. The retail price is $12.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $10.39. I gave it four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

“Outlive Your Life” by Max Lucado (a Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference Max Lucado is a really great inspirational book.  I’m generally not a Lucado fan, but I was blown away by this book.  The book is well written, well paced, well packaged, and worth a read (even if you aren’t a Lucado fan).

Max Lucado does a great job of calling and encouraging the reader to participate in spreading the hope of the gospel through all the world.  I was deeply impressed with how well-balanced Lucado was in his presentation of finding purpose and making a difference beyond the few years we live here.  As a bonus Lucado has graciously donated all the royalties from this book and other outlive your life products to World Vision and other ministries of faith-based  compassion.

I highly recommend Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference. The retail price is $24.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $12.95. I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

“The Treasure of God’s Word” by Jack Countryman (A Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

The Treasure of God’s Word: Celebrating 400 Years of the King James Bible by Jack Countryman is more or less a coffee table book.  It is an attractively bound hardcover book with a soft leathery feel.  The pages have golden edge and the books general appearance is one of quality and value.  Unfortunately the pages themselves are thick and glossy, contradicting by nature the cover and golden edged nature of the work.

The Treasure of God’s Word is a celebration of the King James Bible complete with several small articles on how we God the King James Version and its influence through the years.  Stretched out between the articles are various verses and passages of scripture displayed according to theme.  At the end of the day its a great coffee table book, but not much more. Sadly once opened it lacks the elegance that it’s cover suggests.

Personally I was disappointed in how little genuine history there was to a book celebrating the 400th year of the King James Version of the Bible.  I did appreciate the encouraging selection of verses, but felt that they were under-served in their presentation.  Overall this will make a great coffee table book, but only for those who really prize the King James Version (almost to a fault).

If you love the King James Version of the Bible, its poetry and history… This book is for you. The retail price of The Treasure of God’s Word is $16.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $11.55. I gave it three stars.

If you are really wanting to know more about the history of the King James Bible as well as other historical English versions of the Bible check out Wide as the Waters: The Story of the English Bible and the Revolution It Inspired by Benson Bobrick and Bible in Translation, The: Ancient and English Versions by Bruce M. Metzger.  These books are a bit more academic in nature, but provide a great resource for understanding the context from which the English versions of the Bible (including the KJV) emerged.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Is the Kingdom now, not yet, or both? A review of “Chasing Francis” by Ian Morgan Cron

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Kingdom of GodLeave a comment

Chasing Francis By Ian Morgan Cron is an interesting and engaging book.  The book is written in novel format, but seeks to serve as an introduction to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis was called by God to “rebuild the church” and set about living a lifestyle and organizing a monastic order that set about to live out the Sermon on the Mount. According to the author and those who endorse the book, St. Francis has a lot to offer the Western church today.  I was impressed with how well the modern-day fictional story of a pastor in the midst of spiritual crisis “chasing” the footsteps of Francis on a pilgrimage really did lend itself to being a catchy introduction to the life of St Francis.

My fear with the book is philosophical in that while the church is being called to action, little is being said about the truth of who God is. A subtle “kingdom now” utopia of good works theme plays throughout the background of the book.  At one instance there is a suggestion for a church to send part of its missions budget to agencies that are formed around protecting the environment.  The question of the hour then becomes… “What makes Mission, Christian?” In other words, while we are preaching the gospel with our actions and using words (only) if necessary, what distinctively shows our actions to be gospel oriented?  Doesn’t Oprah give generously to just causes and Bill Gates?  Are they ushering in the kingdom or are they just giving money to a good cause?  What does saving the planet really demonstrate about the gospel?  I need words to tell me.

I know by fan’s of this movement it will seem like I just don’t get it, but the truth is I do.  I get it. I get it all too well.  We will teach social justice and miss the gospel all together.  I know that’s not being said, but I see it being done. Nothing wrong with what has come to be known as social justice (feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, etc…) except when it dominates the platform it eclipses the real issue.  We must not forget why people are hungry, naked, and in need of a savior in the first place.  Social justice is a much needed band-aide to a hurting world, but Jesus is the only solution to the sin issue, please… lets not forget that.

The book is very well written including a study guide for group study found in the back of the book. I have a hard time recommending it because of the philosophical underpinnings that I have come to find lacking a fair treatment of the gospel.  The retail price is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available at a discount at  Amazon.com for $10.14. I gave it three stars

Nearly 2 years ago I came across this theme in another book you can read my questions and responses here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Remarkable True Stories of God’s Miraculous Work in the Muslim World

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Kingdom of God, MissionsLeave a comment

Which None Can Shut: Remarkable True Stories of Gods Miraculous Work in the Muslim World is an incredible book of stories from the life of “Reema Goode” (her name changed for security).  “Reema” is a Christian wife and mother living in a Muslim (Arab) community seeking to share the gospel with the women in her region.  She shares heartfelt and compelling stories of how God has opened the door for the gospel to reach a people group.

“Reema” writes with transparency and simplicity that is both forthright and engaging.  I was deeply blessed and encouraged to hear over and over again of God’s faithfulness to use her and her family to reach their Muslim neighbors.  Many times while reading this book I was moved to prayer and tears for my neighbors in the Muslim world.

The book is written in a story format, easy to read, engaging, and a great encouragement to those who have been praying for the Arab world.  It provides great insight into how Western missionary women engage women with the gospel in a deeply Muslim culture.  I appreciate the honest portrait that “Reema” paints of Muslim culture.

Some folks will assume that “Reema” writes from a charismatic background because she shares a few stories of casting out demons and dreams.  I’m not Charismatic (I’m Southern Baptist), and I’ll go on record as saying that many of the things that “Reema” and her family came across are things that I have come across in Mobile and Pensacola.  The truth is that while there aren’t demons around every corner, they are real and a majority of cultures around the world (not to mention both the Old and New Testament) recognize that. God does choose to reveal himself in dreams to some people (I can testify that of at least 2 other American friends besides myself that were driven to the scriptures because of a dream and ended up trusting in Christ). “Reema” may be charismatic, but what she shares in this book appears to be standard fare for anyone heavily involved in ministry or missions.

If you are looking at going to the mission field, praying for Muslim people groups, or are just looking for some encouragement on how God still moves among people today…  This book is for you. The retail price of Which None Can Shut is $13.99 (paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $11.89. I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Story (Part 4): Waking up From a Dream

“Seeds of Turmoil” by Bryant Wright (Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East is a great book to help you figure out the history behind the middle eastern conflict.  I was excited to get my copy in the mail and read it over the weekend in my down time between events.  It was an easy read (perhaps too easy of a read given the subject matter).

The author writes unapologetically from a Christian standpoint.  He takes careful pains to examine the Genesis account of the creation of two nations through the seed of Abraham (Ishmael and Issac).  He fleshes out how these nations have grown and are located today.  I was impressed with the author’s knowledge and ability to navigate through the world of 3 major religions (Jewish, Christian, and Muslim) and various nationalities.

Overall this book was a great introduction to the Middle Eastern Conflict from a Biblical and Christian perspective.  However, I would have liked to have seen more detail and a richer expression of an Islamic perspective.

If you are a Christian and are looking to understand Middle Easter conflict, or if you are looking for a Christian perspective on Middle Eastern conflict… This book is for you. The retail price of Seeds of Turmoil is $19.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $13.59. I gave it four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Overcoming Money Myths that Christians Believe

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

When I first ordered Your Money God’s Way, I was a bit skeptical.  I’ve been through several finance courses, studies, etc.  (By the way, the best studies I’ve come across are Dave Ramsey‘s books).  However, as soon as I saw the cover I was encouraged to see Dave’s endorsement on the front.  As I began to read Your Money God’s Way I was further encouraged and refreshed.

The author Amie Streater writes in a straight forward, compelling, and conversational manner.  She shares gripping stories or heart ache and heart-break due financial ignorance and petty greed.  The thing I liked most about each chapter is the way that she was able to unveil each “myth” and its root in sin.  The book tackles such obvious sin issues as the health and wealth gospel, issues of entitlement, enabling, etc.  She attacks the misquoted scriptural base that folks sometimes use (sometimes they don’t even need to use scripture to justify their bad behavior).

As an associate pastor I have found that many people in our churches are ignorant of some of the money myths.  I am thankful that at our church we have great leaders who are providing opportunities for folks to learn about how to handle money in a godly way.  It is true as Amie quotes all through out the book, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

The only issue I have with the book is the title.  I get where Amie or the publisher is coming from, but I think it would reflect amie’s theology and a more biblical theology to have the title read, “God’s money, God’s way.”  Ultimately in the end we will give an account to Him for how we used or abused money.

If you are struggling with your finances or trying to help someone who is… This book is for you.  I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to understand the sin issues behind why we spend money, go in debt, live beyond our means, etc.  If you are looking for something practical to help you get out of debt now, check out Dave Ramsey’s books and workbooks.  Financial Peace University
really set my wife and I up for success early on. The retail price of Your Money God’s Way is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $10.79. I gave it four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The BOY who CHANGED the WORLD by Andy Andrews (review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Family, UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews is a large hardback children’s book based on the inspirational gift book The Butterfly Effect. The Boy Who Changed the World is about how every life and every person make a difference in lives of others.  The book is well written and the graphics certainly caught the attention of my four-year-old. The story only takes a few minutes to read and shares an inspiring message of hope.

The actual story of the book follows a chain of events back to a few significant moments in a few individuals lives that eventually lead to the feeding of over 2-billion people.  Its a great story for children to be inspired by and great for parents who are hoping to inspire their kids to attempt great things.  The message is clear and concise… You make a difference.

This is a great book to give the children in your life and read with them over and over.  The retail price is $16.99 (Hardcover), and is available at a discount at Amazon.com for $11.55. I gave it five stars.

Children book reviews

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

    The Butterfly Effect By Andy Andrews (Review)

    On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

    The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters by Andy Andrews is an inspirational book about how every life and every person makes a difference in generations to come.  The book is a small hardback that is perfect for laying out on the coffee table or end table as a discussion piece. The story only takes about ten or fifteen minutes to read and each page is filled with inspiring art work.

    The story line of the book is similarly inspiring as the author sets out to prove that our lives and our actions make a difference.  The story is a great motivational story and I could see it given as a graduation speech or a  plea for someone who thinks their life doesn’t matter.  Over all I think it will make a great gift book or conversation piece in someone’s living room.

    If you are looking for a great gift book for a graduating senior or someone else taking huge life steps, this book is for you.  I also highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great, easy to read conversational book about how our live influence others.  The retail price is $14.95 (Hardcover), and is available at a discount at  Amazon.com for $10.17. I gave it four stars.

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

    Intercessors Arise by Debbie Przybylski (Review)

    On By pastorjonathanIn books, Prayer, spiritual disciplinesLeave a comment

    Intercessors Arise: Personal Prayer That Changes the World By Debbie Przybylski was an engaging and challenging book.  That said, I still have mixed thoughts about the book.  On the one hand I was challenged and motivated towards prayer like I never have been before.  I really appreciated most of what the author had to say in leading the reader towards a deeper prayer life.  On the other hand, the author and I part ways on a few theological elements of prayer.  The sentence that probably best summarizes our differing theologies would be… “It’s time to release God on earth through our prayers” (pg 15).  My understanding is that God is already actively at work and we should join what He is doing by engaging in prayer.  Perhaps it is just a subtle difference (as the author really puts God forward as the initiator through most of the book), but it is one that made me uncomfortable giving a full and complete endorsement of the book.

    Beyond the subtle difference, the book is full of great wisdom and insights on becoming a prayer warrior.  Indeed as I shared in the first paragraph, God used this book to stir in me a passion for Him through prayer that I have not felt in a long time.  I often found myself on my knees crying out for God to move.

    The book is very practical and application oriented. I would highly recommend it to discerning readers, maybe not so much for new or immature believers.  The retail price is $12.99 (Paperback), and is available at a discount at  Amazon.com for $11.04. I gave it four stars

    If you are looking for other great resources on prayer I have found that Grudem’s Systematic Theology has several good chapters on prayer, also John Piper’s Desiring God has a great chapter on Prayer.  If you are looking for a great beginners resource on prayer check out R. C. Sproul’s The Prayer of the Lord.  I wrote a review for it a few weeks back you can find it here.

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”