Review: Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer

Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This title provides for a refreshing, enriching and encouraging read. Sanders writes brilliantly - with clarity, insight and wisdom from being an elder statesman of theology. My guess is that it is a condensation of a lifetime of work - given the broad scope of topics and range of aptly chosen quotations from notable theologians sprinkled generously across the title (adding a welcome dose of added comprehension and intelligibility to oft theoretical propositions).

This is a masterpiece and wonderful labour of love - meticulously arranged and concise enough for readers to devour chapters at a time. Be careful not to rush though, as the material provides plenty of reflective opportunities. I especially appreciated the fine balance between brevity and depth - no extra ink was split in establishing the substantives of each chapter. Only in very rare segments of the book did I feel that more elaboration or illustrations would be rehired.

While I did not read the earlier editions of this title (and therefore cannot comment on the utility of editorial changes made), I found that the content highly comprehensible. I also note the effort (and added cost) to add a whiff of blue colour to the book. The contrast provided by the blue headings broke the monotony of otherwise black walls of text - I hope that more publishers would invest in such (seemingly) minor yet effective formatting decision. The unique texture of the book’s cover is another nice touch - adding an element of durability and quality to a book that would invariably be lent to others.

I heartily recommend this title to all Christians (not just leaders) and give it the 6 stars it utterly deserves.

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Review: Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion?

Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion? by Bruce K. Waltke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As much as I hate to admit it, I am unable to shake off my charismatic roots and inclinations in relating to God. I, however, am rock solid in my conviction that Scripture has to be studied, taught and preached in context; exegesis is the only responsible method of conveying the Word of God - I can accept no compromises in this area. I am therefore caught in the middle of two seemingly contrasting traditions that advocate contradictory methods in seeking God's will.

Waltke's theological positioning is watertight and bases his substantives on a deep reverence and faithfulness to Holy Scripture. He starts off by explaining and cautioning against many wrong methods of ascertaining God's will that Christians, modern and ancient alike, are guilty of. He then lays out an easy to follow and convincing argument on the primacy of the studying/Scripture in understanding God's will.

I was anxious, confused and unable to discern about a major life decision (choice of career), having read this book again in 2019 (last time I leafed through it in 2015), I experience God's peace and a more informed seeking and decision-making process. I heartily recommend this book and hope that you too would be thoroughly encouraged, blessed and get pointed in the right direction!

Another good book on the topic (though not as good as this) would be Kevin's Deyoung's Just do something.

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Review: Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God

Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God by Dallas Willard
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The target audience would be novice readers as the depth of theology is kept at an accessible level and the material is easy-to-read. I picked this book because many other authors I've read quoted from Willard, and guessed that he must be a giant in this area of theology. However, I did not enjoy the read as much as I thought I would; I did not find the content engaging or soul-piercing. I wish that the content wasn't expanded, because many chapters provided for a rather tedious read; it may be better for a heavy dose of brevity/editor's hand to be utilised, also by cutting out excess material, shrinking the 300 pages to 200. Unfortunately, in this instance, bigger is not always better.

While Willard may have intended the book to read like a biblical-theological executive summary, I felt that the bible was used as a proof-text or eisegetical aid to elaborate/illustrate his points. I was uncomfortable with the brief and numerous quotations of Scripture texts/narratives were used to support his substantives. At times Willard quotes from other famous theologians, but another weakness of the book is the lack of personal anecdotes and illustrations. If I could use Randy Clark and Bill Johnson as examples (this is not meant as an endorsement of all of the latter's teaching), their books are engaging and exciting because of the numerous stories and testimonies that illustrate a principle they are trying to teach - regrettably, these are lacking in this title. I read other reviews with amusement (the gripe was that the later chapters were theoretical) but I am in agreement that Willard somehow seems to be communicating a topic that he does not personally have a personal experience in.

I cannot recommend this book because of all the abovementioned flaws. Instead, I'd recommend Kevin Deyoung's Just do Something or Bruce Waltke's Finding the Will of God.

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Review: The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict

The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sande has dedicated his life to the ministry of resolving conflict. However, his passion is at times is lost in the excessively long introductions and round-about elaboration. Future revisions hopefully would come with more diagrams, art and highlights of key quotations. A large dose of brevity would also do it much good; I believe that if Sande (or his editor) would shrink the excess material and cut the number of pages from 300 to 150-200, this would be a masterpiece without compare. After 6 reprints since 1991, perhaps it is time for a heavy treatment of a seasoned editor's pen to resonate with today's readers from the digital age.

I wonder how many people undergoing conflict in their lives would have the discipline to force themselves to keep reading to the end - given the unexciting factual material that perhaps is better consumed over a multi-day workshop (I completed the read only because it was a requirement for a course). His target audience would probably not have the emotional state of mind to get to the useful parts of the book (which come around the middle to end).

Furthermore, while most of the dramatised illustrative narratives were in point in introducing the abstract topics, I found “Gently Restore” (p139-41) to be cringe-worthy in that the magical change in the character of the antagonist (and happy ending) made it hard to believe. If Sande could get in touch with the Dan Allender, perhaps the illustrations could have a touch of believability and realism added.

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Review: Practicing the King's Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give

Practicing the King's Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give by Michael Rhodes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is an easy to read and inspirational book, whereby the authors’ love for the poor and marginalised is put forth in a matter of fact manner. Encouraging and challenging accounts of likeminded community work are aplenty and one would inevitably reflect on life - if we have been loving others as God would.

We all interpret Scripture with different lenses. This reviewer does it through an expositionary and biblical theology framework; conversely the authors utilise a proof texting method.

For example, on page 140, after a fairly orthodox commentary on Ruth 1, the authors conclude that “If Boaz doesn’t leave profits in the fields, Ruth remains an outsider...” which ignores the main point of the passage and the book (that Yahweh is our kinsman-redeemer and not that we ought to be a Boaz to a Ruth). They go on to use this problematic theology to state, while noble and applaudable, how “Christians today (should) intentionally (be) creat[ing] work opportunities for the homeless, (so as not to) miss out on the God-given gifts of those marginalised workers who long to bring a plate to the potluck...” It breaks this reviewer’s heart at how Scripture is brutally butchered to fit the proposition of the authors and how it could be the start of a slippery slope to a works-righteousness theology.

I forced myself to read until page 220 when I finally gave up because I was too brokenhearted over how the authors had misused Scripture. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this as a go-to book about stewardship.

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

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Review: Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work

Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work by Tom Nelson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The primary thrust of the book is this - full-time ministry work is as important as secular vocational work. Unfortunately, he spent too many pages of text harping on the same point. And at the end of everything, I was not convinced.

Tom Nelson’s writing style does not resonate with me; I struggled to remain interested in the unfolding narrative. While he uses a mix of personal accounts, real-world examples and Scripture, his use of the biblical text is problematically eisegetical (meaning he highlights many passages and isolates the biblical text out of its context to fit what he wants it to say along the lines of the topic he is on, often missing the main theological principle of the passage and instead engaging in a works-righteousness application of "be like Boaz" or "be like Joseph"). Perhaps the only part of the book that was of a better quality would be chapter 9's "Facing challenges at work."

A quick glance at the other helpful Goodreads reviewers' takes would yield the advice to avoid this book if you have read another on this topic. For better reads on the topic of work, look at Timothy Keller’s Every Good Endeavour or William Taylor’s Revolutionary Work.

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Review: Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me

Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me by Kevin DeYoung
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Raised as a charismatic from birth and now having become more reformed (and expository) in bible school, this reviewer agrees with DeYoung's principal substantive - that Christians ought to hear the voice of God by reading the bible. For the nitty-gritty details, the first chapter in the book presents a pretty good defence of this view.

The book comes in a hardcover, which is a nice touch, as this would be a book that many would think to lend to lend to other believers. The book is highly accessible, being targeted at the layman and beginner/intermediate readers. I appreciate how DeYoung presents the various viewpoints on any topic he discusses and faithfully describes (almost to the point of defending) the opposing views as would a proponent. A great feature at the end of the book would be the recommended further readings, whereby he makes comments and states what kind of reader may be interested (beginner, intermediate or advanced).

The 3.5 star rating is due to insufficient real-world anecdotes/accounts making the walls of text a challenge to remain engaged at times. DeYoung’s strengths appear also to be in penning non-theological titles where his writing comes alive on another level - see “Crazy Busy” or “Why we love the church” for DeYoung at his very best. Many a time I found myself struggling to want to keep reading, and I simply forced myself to finish the book so as to write this review.

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Review: Revolutionary Work: What's the point of the 9 to 5

Revolutionary Work: What's the point of the 9 to 5 by William Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Taylor writes clearly and engages the reader with an easy-to-follow narrative. The book is targeted at every Christian, with the biblical principals while insightful and thought-provoking, easily comprehensible and applicable across denominations and theological camps. This book is highly relatable and illustrated with modern stories, accounts and anecdotes.

Indeed we all fall into either the I-have-to-survive-the-mundane-challenge-of-work or the I-give-my-all-to-work-while-neglecting-everything-else camps. I'd like not to spoil anything, because, at just over 100 pages, you too can read it even in a single sitting!

I finished the book feeling encouraged, challenged and with much to reflect how I can apply the biblical principles into life. I heartily recommend this title and would even consider ordering multiple copies to give away! It has been a long time since I enjoyed the read as much as I did in this small little book! In fact, I am regretful that I had not read it earlier. It also earns the rare award of 6 stars from me, and earns a place on my bookshelf! (As a serial book reviewer, I only keep those I found were most extraordinary while selling the rest)!

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Review: How Then Shall We Worship?: Biblical Principles to Guide Us Today

How Then Shall We Worship?: Biblical Principles to Guide Us Today by R.C. Sproul
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The title is a little of a misnomer - when I bought it I thought that this is an academic work that would address the styles of worship and discuss the different positions about it, but it turns out actually it is geared at the layman reader and explores worship a little more at the personal level than at the corporate setting. Also in a slight deviation from the main theme of worship, other topics like prayer, baptism and the Lord's supper are also discussed. If the title in subsequent revisions were changed to following Christ or living a Christian life, I would be happy to add at least 1 stars to the rating.

Sproul writes in the first person and provides an easy read with the conversational style for the opening chapters of the book. Thereafter, chapters 6-8 on the topic of baptism were excellent - it helped me understand the position of infant baptism for the first time! In contrast, Chapter 9-11 seemed to lack theological exhaustiveness (width) and substance (depth); after reading each chapter I felt a desire to have been persuaded more so I could agree with Sproul’s substantives.

Mercifully, in Chapter 12 (The sounds of worship), the excitement and endgame to starts to pick up, with the delightful church history juxtaposed against tradition from Scripture. It was a pleasant surprise to find a rather exhaustive study/discussion guide at the end of the book (because this too is not reflected on the cover). I’d like to say that this book has the potential to become a really great 5 Star title with minor tweaks to the titles, editing and by further elaboration in some chapters, but with Sproul’s passing in 2017, I doubt we would see that come to fruition.

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Review: Breaking the Idols of Your Heart: How to Navigate the Temptations of Life

Breaking the Idols of Your Heart: How to Navigate the Temptations of Life by Dan B. Allender
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having had a diet of 95% non-fiction books in the recent years, this book brought me back to good old days of my childhood - when I could not stop turning the pages of an enthralling story. Dan Allender captivated and held my imagination with his narrative of Noah and Joan, so much so that I found myself trying to read Longman's commentary as quickly as I could to find out how the story would unfold.

I am astounded as to how Allender masterfully penned the vividly relatable fictional story whilst constrained with so little word counts. The extended parable served as a wonderful companion for Longman to flesh out, elaborate and reflect on the themes of idols, cast against the backdrop of the book of Ecclesiastes.

In choosing not to get mired in the source criticism, authorship or expounding various scholarly contentious theological issues, Longman probably targets the lay reader. I'd suggest that the authors did a marvellous job at engaging this target audience. However, I wished that the book was written with less brevity and more attention was given to narrate through the reflection and application segments (the authors provided reflection questions at the end of each chapter, but I'd guess the majority of readers would not journey through the book together with others and received the benefit of helpful introspection, prayer and review).

While I have given this title 4 out of 5 stars, I'm thoroughly impressed with how well Allender and Longman have put their strengths together to come up with this gem. I think that I am most definitely going to read (and maybe review) their other titles in the near future, just to appreciate this interesting format they have written so very well with.

I received this book from IVP Academic for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace

Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace by Heath Lambert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was introduced to this book by my former Young Adult Pastor who has a deep passion to see his spiritual sheep living glorious sexually pure lives to the glory of God! As such, the church graciously sold this book to each one of us at half the retail price.

Having grown up in a church (my first one) where sex seems to be a bad and dirty thing, I treasure Lambert's theologically responsible and psychologically informed advice. I sense not an once of Pharisaical snobbery from him, rather, his grace empowered message compels the sinner to reconsider his worldview on pornography.

Dialoguing with the young Christians about sex does not mean it is a hush hush topic that should never be discussed except when you are going to get married. The youth and young adults are going to plug their curiosity with information dispensed not from the church, but the world. How many pastors or leaders dare to even breach this topic, especially in the conservative Asian culture in Singapore? Very few.

I highly recommend this book.

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Review: Sacred Pathways

Sacred Pathways by Gary L. Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has to be among the books I consider to have revolutionised my Christian worldview. After having read the title once through in the library, I purchased one to keep (as a bible school student, we have to be extremely selective in the books we choose to buy/keep otherwise we would end up with many books that we would never pick up again).

I felt that the feeling of condemnation was lifted when I discovered that God designed us such that we uniquely worship/connect to him through different "pathways." Instructing every new disciple that reading the bible alone is the only way to worship God probably could turn out to be a terrible disservice to him.

Alongside with McIntosh & Rima's Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership, I use Sacred Pathways (compiling the questionnaires at the each chapter into a single MCQ Test) as a starting point for my christian friends to better understand their divine design.

I heartily recommend this! Thomas' "Sacred Search" (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) is another title that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend!

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Review: Forgiving and Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope

Forgiving and Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope by Everett L. Worthington Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'd imagine that a reader picking up this book would approach it in a similar manner to myself - I know that I ought to forgive, yet I do not feel like doing so, and even if I wanted to try, my entire being would resist it. I never felt preached at, spoken down to, or guilt-tripped at any point; rather, I was winsomely persuaded to consider the beauty of forgiveness from both ends the theological-psychological spectrum. This book exemplifies what it is like when the Word of God and the Works of His Hand is explained, understood and then (hopefully) for the reader, applied to life. Because if it is true, these two will be in agreement.

Having graduated as a psychology student, I appreciate how Dr Worthington explains (and even coaches us readers in a step-by-step fashion how to apply it to ourselves) without employing any jargon. As an academic myself, I relate that it is so much easier to communicate with the technical language; conveying in lay-man lingo is truly a challenging and tedious task. His use of simple vocabulary and easily comprehensive commentaries to the psychological concepts and processes were top-notch. Dr Worthington does it so so very well.

An often used but usually poorly executed writing tool would be to reveal a person story in an attempt to come across as authentic or to connect with the reader. Dr Worthington's recounting of his mother's murder is nothing like that. The sincere pain and subsequent struggle pulled a few cords on my heartstrings. His citation of Scripture was never eisegetical and the flow of the book's thesis was logical and highly fathomable. If it didn't make sense, I would have been compelled to examine the fallaciousness of my stubborn attitude. I often found myself having to pause at moments (instead of speeding ahead to finish the book) to consider what I had just read because I realised that I had to wrestle with God's truth presented before me. It was also very comforting and reassuring to learn that the memories of past events that arose emotions of anger are a natural occurrence; so one does not have to question oneself about the validity of one's forgiveness toward an offending party.

This is truly a masterpiece of a book and I heartily recommend it. A caveat would be that for the copy I received, the print was blur. The difficulty in reading was circumvented when the excellent staff at IVP provided me with a kindle edition to utilise.

I received this book from InterVarsity Press for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: The New Believer's Guide to the Christian Life: What Will Change, What Won't, and Why It Matters

The New Believer's Guide to the Christian Life: What Will Change, What Won't, and Why It Matters by Alex Early
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a serial book reviewer, I have felt a deep sense of despair. After having read so so many books where I had no idea why on earth the authors had to put so much effort to justify their man-made ideas that could find no proper Scriptural backing, Early's tiny little book has brought me so so much joy! I'd give it 6 stars if I could!

Thoroughly researched with wonderful gospel truths, no theological axe to grind, and written in such accessible and engaging language. What more can we ask for? The title would suggest that it is meant for new Christians, but I as a 28 year old final year seminary student who had been born into the church, enjoyed the read thoroughly. I found myself agreeing every so often as I devoured the book in a single sitting. I recognise the masterful ability to convey complicated theological truths in simple terminology (something that I still am learning to do), and Early does it flawlessly.

One area for improvement though, I found the narrow margins (I do not like opening the book to the extreme "flatness" to protect the spine) and the narrower-than-A5 size to be an unhelpful distraction. Hopefully in the subsequent revisions, it would either be released as a proper pocket sized book, or as a normal paperback sized title.

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

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Review: A Different Kind of Happiness: Discovering the Joy That Comes from Sacrificial Love

A Different Kind of Happiness: Discovering the Joy That Comes from Sacrificial Love by Larry Crabb
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I struggled to remain interested in the words I was reading and felt sharply disconnected from Crabb's style of writing. I was extremely uncomfortable by his strawman approach to rebutting a comment by John Frame, which he did not elaborate much about what it was and simply passed a few paragraphs of comments that I could not really see the logical flow to. The Scripture passages quoted, if any, followed neither biblical nor systematic theological frameworks. Most of the time though, I found the assertions made were not backed with clear support from Scripture or the field of psychology. Having recently read a book by another Christian psychologist, Dr. Everett Worthington, perhaps set the mental bar of expectation too high; I had hoped and expected to see psychology being governed by the authority of Scripture being explained in layman terminology... But it was not to be.

As I flipped to the back page to check the list of endorsements, I see that the majority are pastors (not theologians, as I'd imagine bible scholars would often be scratching their heads at the multiple verse citing approach to Scripture). It is not often that I read a book that I dislike so much, so I did a quick search on what other reviewers commented, and most had 4 or 5 star ratings for it. So my guess is that this book was written for a very different kind of audience. It would appeal to readers who are looking for a Scripture-light, massively conversational and highly instructional book.

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

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Review: Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me

Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me by Alexandra Kuykendall
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book has a unique format, somewhat like a daily journal for one month "experiments" in every chapter. So because she has actually tried to put these ideas into real life practice, the book doesnt come across as the work of a wannabe psychologist-cum-life-coach-author giving her two cents worth. While I do appreciate the practical suggestions and see how they could actually be quite useful when implement in my own life, I do wonder what the references or sources are.

To be honest, after the few few chapters, I found it extremely difficult to read through every single day of the journal entries. I guess if I were Kuykendall's close friend, I'd be sincerely interested. Or perhaps if Ravi Zacharias or D A Carson (or whoever your favourite authors/theologians would be) were to share their day-to-day lives with readers, then it would be a great delight. But for me, I felt that it was a bit too much detail that did not catch my interest.

A caveat though... Although I get the impression that the book seems to be a Christian title, I was hard pressed to find citations of Scripture or perhaps even quotes from other authors from the field of Spiritual Formation/Christian Living. So I guess this book would be an ideal gift to pre-believing or post-Christian friends you think may need find useful a regime to cope with their busy lives a little bit better?

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

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Review: The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes Lives

The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes Lives by Peter Scazzero
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I first attempted to read this book in 2015 and now (in 2016) I read it again for the purposes of a school assignment.

While the content is not overly complex, I am quite puzzled as to where Scazzero plants the foundation of his thesis from. My polytechnic diploma in psychology better prepared me to read the book critically and yet I came away quite disappointed. I do understand where he is coming from, basically to embrace the brokenness in you (and your family) and not to work yourself until you have nothing left. I do hope to see some proper citations from the experts in field of psychology to add some credibility to the "emotionally healthy" schema.

The Scripture references were often proof-texts of a point he was trying to make, and after a while I had to force myself to finish the book. Basically if you are looking for a (as the subheading goes) strategy, a work-based step-by-step formula, this is the book for you. But if you are interested in meaty ecclesiology, look up Timothy Keller's Center Church or Edmund Clowney's The Church. See also Carlson and Lueken's Renovation of the Church for an account of how two co-pastors moved away from formulaic style approach to running a church.

To top off my discomfort with this book, Chapter 12 was basically advertisements to Scazzero's other books and programs. I cannot recommend this book because of its questionable psychology, allegorical use of Scripture and outrageous self-publicity.

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Putman on how the devil changes God's definitions

As I reflect upon this profound thought, I'm compelled to consider how very tragic it is for us to have deviated so very far from God's ways. Have imposed our own man-made ideals and made what is actually opinion/feelings into "law"? Is the focus on the surrender of our wills to God, or is it just another strategy to get God to answer our prayers and meet our desires?

Perhaps it is easy to blame the dogmatic church leaders that have nurtured a hatred in me for institutionalized religiosity, but that would be ignore the sinful condition of my wretched heart. Oh Lord, help me to see the folly of my seared conscience and deliver me from the temptations that I feel that I cannot bear. Remind me evermore of the finished work of the cross and the resurrected Christ, that bought my freedom to live for You and to die to self. Amen.

From 69-70 of Power of Together

Worship has become about music that creates feelings rather than about surrender and praise to God. Leadership has become about dictatorship or politics or giving people what they want rather than what God says they need. The church has become a building rather than a body of believers. And love has become a feeling.

Review: Liberating King: Breaking Free from the Tyranny of Sin

Liberating King: Breaking Free from the Tyranny of Sin by Stephen Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miller mixes up stories from movies, the bible, the lives of his friends, accounts of famous missionaries/christians and his own struggles in this little book. Miller is often straight to the point, and utilises accessible (jargon free) language. I enjoyed the journey Miller took me on the book and was heartened by the reminder in the last chapter to look beyond the immensely difficult times of this life and instead to the worship in time eternal. I had read, studied and heard the book of Revelation intensely and yet somehow my heart had forgotten how to worship.

While I look forward to a more thorough and theologically beefier revised version, I recognise that the target audience is one that the average Christian theologian could reach. Weighing in at a slim 121 pages, it is ideal for people who do not usually go to their local church library or christian bookstore to pick up books to read. Its brevity thus makes it an ideal gift to other believers.

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

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Review: (Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things

(Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things by Steven Furtick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a breath of fresh air to see a charismatic/pentecostal preacher discuss about the brokenness in his life, the struggles of ministry, weight of expectation from other people, and in an authentic and vulnerable manner at that! Furtick's title of the book was actually an adjective by which a theologian had labelled him with (during an interview). I was also pleasantly surprised to read that Furtick regards salvation to be a process (p127-134), which is a view more commonly held by reformed theologians/pastors.

The preacher often needs a quotable quote that the congregation would be able to take away, and Furtick does not disappoint with "God can't bless who you pretend to be." I recognise the importance of this one liner in the charismatic/pentecostal church (which I grew up in), and weakeness and struggles are often kept secret so as to portray a perfect facade for others to see. On this topic, I appreciate his frank discussion by using the illustrations of the Frustrating Furtick, Future Furtick and Fake Furtick. He also authentically recounts stories about his two boys, which casts them in a light that they would probably be embarrassed about when they grow older; I applaud him for his courage to show that pastor's kids are human and carnal, but more importantly reveal his secure identity in Christ and the resulting heart condition of not needing to put up a "perfect" front of his family to the world.

Furtick's strength is his understanding of and utility of pop-culture references to illustrate its dangers (UFC fights, Pintrest Fails, #goals). He is also gifted in his ability to take "famous" bible stories, of Moses and the burning bush, Gideon, Joseph, Solomon, Isaac, Jacob and Rebekah, Laban and Rachel, etc., and retell them in an engaging manner that is highly accessible to the often biblically illiterate average Christian. I was however uncomfortable with the allegorical approach of citing Jesus' parable about the talents in Matt 25 to symbolize "all our God-given resources-time, money, energy, abilities, and yes, talents" (p50). With Jesus' original context being money, I hope that in subsequent revisions Furtick would explain how did he apply the parable to so many other different contexts.

That was the one blip in an otherwise wonderful book which I found thoroughly enjoyable. I heartily recommend this book! I received this book from the Crown Publishing Group's Blogging for Books program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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