Review: Essential Worship: A Handbook for Leaders

Essential Worship: A Handbook for Leaders by Greg Scheer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As an avid book reviewer, I classify books into three categories: (i) so-so books that I'd sell away, (ii) 5 star books that I'd keep on my shelf for future reference and (iii) 6 star books that I'd purchase additional copies to give away.

To this gem of a book, its an easy choice to be considered for the 6 stars. Scheer grounds his book with Scripture (no noticeable opinions or assertions I found), providing thorough research (both historical and present day), illustrates theological principles with modern day analogies/illustrations, and somehow packing it all into a highly practical and reflective package. There were also plenty of diagrams, charts and pictures to visually complement ideas put forward, extremely apt quotes from historical Christians, an extensive recommended book list scattered all over the chapters and an impressive footnoted bibliography.

At 283 pages, Scheer targets a very specific audience - it is directed primarily at worship directors (and secondarily pastoral staff/lay leaders/worship band members) who care enough about their church's worship condition/climate to digest a book of this length.

I'd imagine that any further brevity would sacrifice the quality and clarity of the content. One of the most profound takeaways was food for thought found right at the preface - how would we plan our funeral service to be executed and what meaning do we hope those attending would take with them?

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: America at the Crossroads: Explosive Trends Shaping America's Future and What You Can Do about It

America at the Crossroads: Explosive Trends Shaping America's Future and What You Can Do about It by George Barna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Barna has given us an easy to read title, which the popular level audience can easily digest. This is quite a feat, given the heaviness of heart of the content of which he compiled, edited and written with. The presentation of the brilliant charts and tables were brilliant - data would be easily read and compared (especially for the readers who do not enjoy a wall of text). Yet interestingly, this book is also potentially very useful to the scholar or academic's. Whether you agree or disagree with his research and conclusion, the wealth of statistics is laid out categorically - all ready to be churned and transformed to the footnotes of one's research paper.

Layman, pastor or scholar, you would observe trends in your church, city, country and perhaps even worldwide. This book would provide plenty of food for thought; the demographics and findings could possibly be useful reference points for other first world christian communities. I think the book would nevertheless be useful for deliberation of one's community and therefore ministry.

Published just before the 2016 US Presidential Elections, Barna provides his analysis of his countrymen and their worldviews. It thus provides a snapshot of history prior to the watershed election result.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: It's All About Jesus Bible Storybook: 100 Bible Stories

It's All About Jesus Bible Storybook: 100 Bible Stories by B&H Editorial Staff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The differentiation into different themes (see page 4 and 5) is brilliant. I wish I had been taught this from young! The pointing forward to Christ segments is a very nice touch, as I'd imagine that children's story books are scant of these. The illustrations are beautiful and attractive. Its rather extensive (and lengthy) content would require a skilful storyteller to sustain the attention of younger children.

The main selling point of the book is probably the companion downloadable app (which most people would probably miss out). Basically what it does is that the book's illustrations will "pop out" on the phone screen when hovered over. It also provides a narration that is simpler than the printed text, which is a boon for younger audiences. It is a pity that unlike the animation I had expected to see upon hovering over the illustration, the popping out does not provide much added value. Another issue is that when the phone moves away from the page, and then back over the page, the narration starts from the beginning - it would be great if the app could recognise where it had been interrupted. Also, the app is rather slow.

The app is a brilliant idea and I hope that it will be fine-tuned in the subsequent revisions. It can only get better!

I received this book from the BH/Lifeway Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church

Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church by Thom S. Rainer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I felt that it was a pity the book was so short! I often found myself craving for elaboration in the succinct paragraphs and chapters. I was almost going to give it a 3 star rating, but thankfully the most wonderful appendix (Change Readiness Inventory for Churches) convinced me to bump it up to 4 stars. I would imagine this would be a godsend for pastors seeking to journey with their church through change.

Thom Rainer's vast experience as a church consultant shines through the pages, with engaging real-life accounts after another to season the content. I do hope that for future revised editions, this book would be expanded to become a "meatier" title - I feel that it has so much potential to dwell more the different principles discussed.

I received this book from the BH/Lifeway Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression

Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Michelle Bengtson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a powerful testimony seasoned with a generous dose of love for the author. My initial fear that it would be (i) a pitiable self-absorbed account and (ii) lame five point self-help quick fix were unfounded. As a serial book reviewer, I'd often pass them on to make space on my shelf for new titles; but this is a very special book and I'm wrestling to part with it. Most likely, it would end up on my shelf with what I regard to be the 6 star collection of books.

Bengtson authentically tells of her painful encounters with depression in her family members, her childhood and finally in her adult years. The amount of detail is tasteful and not once did I feel that she wanted attention to herself as a mighty victor; rather I sense her heart's desire to point the reader to God and cling upon him.

Do take time to read the tail end of each chapter, it is filled with the brilliant Rx ("doctor's prescription"), the ever sincere and empathetic prayer, and most interestingly, a recommended playlist of Christian music. What could make it better? Perhaps providing a spotify playlist link for us readers to not have to search each song individually?

As one well acquainted with depression's vice grip and perpetual hopelessness, I was thoroughly blessed by this labour of love. I heartily recommend this book - if you struggle with depression or would like to understand it better to reach out to someone you know who does.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Revell Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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