Highlight from The Worship Pastor

Zac Hicks proposes the use of the term "church lover" instead of "churchman" to describe a faithful person who stays on a church despites the many painful experiences in between. He goes on to list a few characteristics of such a person; one of which struck right in my heart and is quoted below. It is helpful to remember not to take such attacks personally but to ask for God's love to minister to these wounding people...

From The Worship Pastor: A Call to Ministry for Worship Leaders and Teams

A church lover willingly enters into their church's wounded and wounding nature. As worship leaders [ministers also], we are ever tempted to wander into the temporary comforts of bitterness to cope with the perpetual pain the church inflicts on us. The criticisms are endless-from sound levels to song selection, from intolerable theology to inappropriate outfits. Our church is always wounding us. Many a wise counsellor has said, "Hurt people hurt people." ...The wounds that the church inflicts on you can become the very vehicle for your ministry to her woundedness. A pastorally oriented worship leader embraces this counterintuitive dynamic out of raw, Spirit-borne, gospel-rooted love for the church.

Review: Seven Myths about Small Groups: How to Keep from Falling Into Common Traps

Seven Myths about Small Groups: How to Keep from Falling Into Common Traps by Dan Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a serial reviewer, I try to keep my online (and especially offline) libraries small. It is only the truly exceptional books that I will seek to purchase both physical and electronic copies for easy access. This is one such title that I regard to be 6 stars. For me, a book is great when it compels me to reconsider my existing practice or theology (in this case the former) - specifically using a leader-led open group style for a small group. Now I am exploring and considering the utilised of (i) a closed group and (ii) a facilitative method (in contrast to the lecture style). The resources provided at the end of the book are a mine of gems. Do check it out!

I have had the privilege of being in small groups for a good two decades of my life, which range from the two-year short term ones, to indefinite ones whose members will vehemently oppose any leadership attempts to split them apart. I therefore am able to understand the pros and cons of each extreme. The author communicates in an easy to understand and engaging tone, providing many helpful methodological tips honed from years of experience (and trial and error). These practical and wise suggestions are a must for every small group leader, church leader and pastor to evaluate and consider! The many real-life anecdotes provide the reader with a pleasant read and illustrate the concepts presented.

Chapter 2 provided this super extroverted social butterfly a sombre reminder that closed groups (whereby visitors do not haphazardly drop in) is paramount for our introverted friends who find it hard to open up their hearts. By default, our cell groups are open in nature, as the venues and timings are openly publicised, but I am compelled to reconsider how we can care for friends who find it difficult to be vulnerable and be accountable in the presence of strangers. He also points out and addresses concerns about closed groups being self-serving etc. I am definitely going to have read up more on consider the purposes and benefits of such closed groups!

At first, I am baffled as to why a book this good is not a best seller or even got a revision... Then it occurred to me that megachurches would not want to promote the message of Chapter 3 (Bigger is not better), and the touch and go engagement with bible passages would raise eyebrows of reformed pastors; quotes from the leading commentators would improve its biblical credibility. Also, while all the other chapters were extremely well written, chapter 5 was less clear and slightly confused; an editor perhaps to help improve the clarity and message of that chapter.

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Review: Small Group Idea Book: Resources to Enrich Community, Worship, Prayer, Study, Outreach

Small Group Idea Book: Resources to Enrich Community, Worship, Prayer, Study, Outreach by Cindy Bunch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I gave the earlier 1996 edition 3 stars, I'm mightily impressed with the improvements made in this revised 2004 edition! Kudos to the authors for the additional material and the editors for a job well done!

My main complaint (that the Chapter 1 "Community Resources" had only 15 good ice breakers and activities); the new edition's collection is vastly expanded. The references to the IVCF (InterVarsity Christian Fellowship) were also vastly reduced and so the general audience would not feel as annoyed. I also appreciated while it still exists, many duplicated activities (with only very slight variations) were removed.

This book is targeted at novice and first-time small group leaders. The minefield of ideas and activities would provide a few months' worth. It is also great for planning activities for youth or church camps; some of the ice breakers and activities could be used for secular settings as well, maybe with a bit of tweaking. Maybe because this is an entry level book, the bible study segments are very simple and experienced small group leaders will likely find that it wanting in terms of depth. But using it for its intended purpose, the cell leader would do well to remember to include the occasional relationship-building or relationship-deepening activity when the small group meets. I nevertheless recommend this book!

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Review: Small Group Idea Book: Resources To Enrich Community, Worship, Prayer, Nurture, Outreach

Small Group Idea Book: Resources To Enrich Community, Worship, Prayer, Nurture, Outreach by Cindy Bunch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I especially appreciate the inspiration and reminded that the first chapter provided me! It alone was well worth the money I paid for the book! I realised that I had focused too much on faithful bible studying in the small group setting, that I had forgotten to include the occasional relationship-building activity.

I would have appreciated if Chapter One (titled Community Resources) of ice breakers and activities were twice as long, because the better quality suggestions that I had marked out for usewere only about 15. As a former applied drama student in polytechnic, I am inspired to revisit that world and adapt the ice breaker activities for gospel and small group settings.

This book is targeted at novice and first-time small group leaders. More experienced leaders would possibly find that chapters two to four do not offer much new information. The countless references to the IVCF (InterVarsity Christian Fellowship) were a distraction, hopefully these would be reduced in the revised edition.

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Review: Pastors Are People Too: What They Won't Tell You but You Need to Know

Pastors Are People Too: What They Won't Tell You but You Need to Know by Jimmy Dodd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dodd and Magnuson couldn't be boring even if they tried - the content was engaging, captivating and highly relatable. I've had the privilege of spending five years studying in bible school, and have interacted with many pastors. They are dedicated to the Lord's work, their hearts beat for their sheep and yet I sense the toll of ministry on the well-being of themselves and their families.

This book is targeted at all Christians, and especially elders and board members. My heart broke many times as I read the regrettably lamentable real-life accounts of the pain and carnage that pastors and their families have been put through. Dodd and Magnuson both lead (two different) organisations that care for pastors, and with their vast insight and experience, provide a glimpse into the struggles, expectations and risks of pastoral ministry. They also provide useful practical guidelines and suggestions to care for the well-being of the pastoral staff, both in the form of pre-emptive measures and also resolutions for ministry workers who have flagged problems with their personal and family lives. Even if you arent in a position to influence church policy, there are still many viable suggestions for an ordinary church member to bless, love and care for their pastors.

I enjoyed the read so much that I bought 8 copies to give away; it's an easy 6 star rating for me! I heartily recommend and endorse this title!

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Review: Am I Called?: The Summons to Pastoral Ministry

Am I Called?: The Summons to Pastoral Ministry by Dave Harvey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The content is relatively engaging and he quotes from theologians like Sinclair Ferguson and Charles Spurgeon. Especially insightful and inspiring would be the small excerpt of the struggles/journey of a minister at the end of each chapter. Also great would be the recommendations for further reading, also found at the tail of the chapters. Harvey's illustrations are so-so, but not as gripping as Duane Elmer, Sherwood Lingenfelter or Dan Allender's. There is, however, a critical and unnecessary flaw in the book.

While I appreciated how concise and accessible the content was, I felt that it was a great pity that Harvey started the book by being divisive with his proclamation of complementarianism on Pg 19 "I believe the Bible clearly teaches that the call to pastoral ministry is only for Christian men." Well, that is his interpretation of what the bible says, and to claim that it is the clear teaching of Scripture is a bold but unfortunately misinformed assertion. To make such a definitive claim (on what to me is a non-dogma issue) leads me to be concerned about Harvey's submission to the authority of Scripture of whether he is making Scripture affirm his theological positions. Hence, I'd recommend Edmund Clowney's excellent title Called to Ministry (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...) instead for readers seeking direction on this topic.

I hope that Harvey would heed the advice of his fellow complementarian and bible scholar Thomas Scholar on this matter to “bend over backward to love those with whom we disagree, and to assure them that we hope and pray that God will bless their ministries, even though we believe that it is a mistake for women to take on a pastoral role.” (P85-86 from Women in the Church: An Analysis and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15 by Kostenberger and Schreiner, 2nd Edition, http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25...).

For readers wondering what this matter is about, the most helpful title on Women in Ministry would be Zondervan's 2005 Counterpoints title Two Views on Women in Ministry (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...). I affirm the co-editor's position on this doctrine; Craig Blomberg “modified hierarchicalism” makes a full egalitarian argument with the exception of the senior pastor role being reserved for males only (p326). I also uphold Craig Keener’s advice to “give the ‘benefit of the doubt’ to who claim that God called them and who evidence that call in their lives, rather than passing judgment on them.” (p113 from Paul, Women & Wives: Marriage and Women's Ministry in the Letters of Paul).

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Review: Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility

Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility by Duane Elmer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One eye-catching feature would have to be the endorsements of the book in the first pages from the who’s who in the cross-cultural field. The book provided for a highly engaging, enjoyable and perhaps even captivating read. I cannot emphasize how brilliant it is that the content was presented as succinct as it was. As an Asian young adult who is largely influenced by Western education/thinking that clashes with the more traditional culture/worldviews of my elders, I appreciated that this book was extremely useful in that it was thoughtful, reflective and insightful. It seemed that much of his material was highly intuitive and logically, and yet I often wondered to myself: “now why didn’t I think of that?”

The mix of his own anecdotes with quotes/stories of others was just right. His breadth of knowledge in the subject matter is seen from the variety of sources he draws inspiration from, seemingly never over-quoting (like some other authors) to the effect that it was merely a paraphrase reproduction of another’s work. His dedication and passion in the subject matter (theology held in tandem/tension with anthropology) are also illustrated by his ever insightful experiences that he shares in the book.

As the title indicates, the primary substantive is that we are called by Christ to cross-culturally serve and not to boss/lord over those whom we perceive need our help/expertise or ministry. This is exceptionally helpful in our day of Instagram social work or short-term missions whereby it is “cool,” fashionable even, to broadcast to one’s social network how noble one was to have volunteered one's time and energies. Whilst this book is no silver bullet to make a proud and egotistical minister become a magically humble servant overnight, it should raise enough red flags to prompt the readers into introspection, reflection and a desire for change.

I heartily recommend this book to all Christians, not only those involved in cross-cultural overseas missions/ministry work as all of us are called to evangelise and minister wherever we are placed and not only to a homogenous people group from which we hail. A great companion to be read alongside this would be Lingenfelter’s excellent title Ministering Cross-Culturally (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/102044).

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Review: Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of under 250

Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of under 250 by Karl Vaters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With Ecclesiology being my primary theological area of interest even before I started my seminary education, I have read probably about 50 books on church growth and church leadership. This being probably the first book I have read from a small church perspective, I realised my skepticism was uncalled for as I thoroughly enjoyed this wise, insightful and highly practical labour of love. How I wish that there are more like it this the market (consulting the bibliography did not help much, because as Vaters stated, the lack of such resources compelled him to this endeavour).

With my past experience pointing me towards congregational sizes of medium to large churches (>500) as compared to a (<200 member) small church community, I believe I am analysing the small church model in a relatively objective manner. They are not my preferred choice, and I have no reason to paint them in a good light. Yet I caught a little of Vaters’ passion for the church, both his and others; in this book, he seeks to give insight on the nuts and bolts of the small church's mechanisms and illustrated numerous ecclesiological principles that are unique to it.

I also grieved over how church growth principles (meant for large Churches) could be disastrous when applied to small churches. I am heartened that many of the mistakes he made in adopting cut-and-paste (large) church leadership techniques would not have to be committed again by many readers, and spare many a flock from the resulting pain. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and regard this to be a brilliant 6 star book.

I received this book from Moody Publishers Newsroom for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: Leading Across Cultures: Effective Ministry and Mission in the Global Church

Leading Across Cultures: Effective Ministry and Mission in the Global Church by James Plueddemann
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Although Plueddemann's CV would lead one to infer his great depth of experience, it somehow does not translate to how he writes. I felt that if Plueddemann could have injected a large dose of brevity into the book, it could potentially provide an engaging read. However, many substantives were repeated more than necessary, and the second chapter about his own lengthy leadership journey would not appeal to or interest readers who do not know him.

Having different contributors at the end of each chapter to provide their own commentary on the topic was a nice touch, but not enough to save the rather mediocre content of the book. The many case studies and personal accounts shared in the book were simply not as intense/gripping or insightful as those in the other excellent books I've reviewed on cross-cultural missions (namely Sherwood Lingenfelter's Ministering Cross-Culturally and Duane Elmer's Cross-Cultural Servanthood).

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Review: Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships

Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships by Sherwood G. Lingenfelter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's been a long time since I enjoyed a read so thoroughly! This is an easy 6 star rating from me. The author (and editor) provided an exciting and extremely informative read. It is amazing how concise the material is - I did not feel that more ink was spilt than necessary, and also I did not feel that the substantives were insufficiently developed - the length of the book is just right. This feels like a distilled gift to us from a lifetime of cross-cultural work in the mission field. Novice and advanced readers alike will find it a worthwhile read and I appreciated how the fields of cultural anthropology and theology formed the backbone of the material.

Although written primarily to a North American audience, even as a Singaporean living in an Asian culture interacts with a western worldview, there was much to learn from Ligenfelter. I had not been aware of how different the eastern and western cultures (or individualistic and collectivist societies) are, and how the people in each perceive the world and interact with each other! Although the real-life illustrations in the book are slightly dated (most are pre-1986), the issues addressed and the principles discussed are timeless. Perhaps the ultimate compliment I could pay to the authors is to reveal that as a bible school student who is not very much interested in missions, I found that I started to develop an attraction toward the topic and felt the desire to read more titles on it!

I heartily recommend this masterpiece of a book! A great companion to be read alongside this title would be Elmer's Cross-Cultural Servanthood (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2477980169).

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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: The Spiritual Gifts Handbook: Using Your Gifts to Build the Kingdom

The Spiritual Gifts Handbook: Using Your Gifts to Build the Kingdom by Randy Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book is no magic pill for one to suddenly acquire the spiritual gifts; if I were it would head straight for the dustbin. The numerous real-life accounts provide readers with a glimpse of how others operate in the gifts and hopefully it encourages you as it did me of the diversity in how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Christians.

As an expositorily-leaning, gospel-centered Charismatic who calls a reformed church home, I appreciate how this book represents the unity of the body of Christ. If I were to use 'Christianese' jargon to describe what Randy Clark, a Charismatic Protestant, and Mary Healy, a Charismatic Catholic have collaborated and gifted to us, it is a tangible display of ecumenical solidarity.

We Charismatics are usually prone to having an interest in church history or bible theology, and this book would be incredibly helpful to the peers whom I love so very dearly. I was pleasantly surprised that I did not have to approach this book as cautiously as I did to guard against proof-texted assertions (since I do not naturally associate Randy Clark in the same camp as the expositionally faithful reformed preachers/scholars), for substantives provided are introduced and supported with quotations and illustrations/accounts from saints of past and present, with of course brief Scriptural expositions and comments.

If I could highlight something in the book, it would be the opening chapter - the overview of the spiritual gifts provided, by itself, is worth the price of the book. I appreciated how Clark and Healy concisely summarised the differing interpretations about the spiritual gifts and represented opposing views faithfully and graciously. The brevity of the theological and church history framework thereafter presented provided an exciting read, a hallmark possibly of skilful editing.

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

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Review: Developing Emotionally Mature Leaders: How Emotional Intelligence Can Help Transform Your Ministry

Developing Emotionally Mature Leaders: How Emotional Intelligence Can Help Transform Your Ministry by Aubrey Malphurs
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This is a rather mediocre book, especially when you compare it to Aubrey Malphurs' other titles. After all, he is one of my favourite authors when it comes to Ecclesiology and Church Growth. At first, I thought it was because of my academic background in Psychology that made me feel that the book lacked substance and depth, but it seems that my gut feel was affirmed by the other reviewers on good reads as well. This book would appeal only to the extremely novice readers, for example, missionary teams made up of teenagers. Adults would probably be frustrated at the content.

The opening story caught my attention, but it promised too much of a magical solution to self-combusting missionary teams. The content was strangely unengaging and a chore to go through; I had to force myself to keep reading. It felt like he was harping on the same point over and over again, and I was hoping that Malphurs would "get on with it!" The nail in the coffin was how it seemed rather weak on theology (even though he had two chapters about the "biblical theology" of emotions") and if I were blunt, seemed more of a proof text approach. I can only hope that this is a rushed piece of work and that subsequent revisions would be thoroughly edited, and not that he has exhausted all ideas and can now only produce a subpar material. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book.

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

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Review: The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians

The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians by D.A. Carson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Don Carson is my go-to guy when I'm looking to purchase NT commentaries (I consult his New Testament Commentary Survey) and I also enjoy listening to his expositional sermons. But why does this fanboy not give a 5 star rating? In short, the book was great but not exceptional.

While overall the content is classic Carson - relatively easy to follow, engaging, faithful to Scripture, thoroughly insightful and the stories/background explanations being ever so apt to illustrate archaic concepts - I felt that it would have been great for him to revise the content slightly. Being first published in 1993, the 2018 edition comes with a new cover but identical content. Carson would probably have been able to update a couple of illustrations or beef up the material with new nuggets of insight or a varied explanation to which he has since picked up... The lack of pictorial graphics or diagrams also make it a slight challenge to read for today's attention deficit readers.

The bite-sized expositions are still a great resource for sermon preparation and academic research, but I'll be sure to go to my digital edition rather than the print copy for easy cross-referencing to the biblical text!

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: Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know for Sure and What to Do about It

Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know for Sure and What to Do about It by Jason K. Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Allen has given us a most outstanding, engaging, practical and useful book, especially if you feel called to full time paid ministry in Christ's service, and yet you feel a little bit unsure of taking the big leap. The book was pregnant with wise nuggets of truth and character piercing propositions/questions/thoughts that assisted in my evaluation and discerning of where I stood in reality.

And yet for a book that I feel is almost invaluable, it is truly a pity that I cannot give it the 6 stars (yep more than 5 stars!) it so truly deserves. But if perhaps you would find the read so much more enjoyable if your theological position (like Allen) is that of a partial Cessationist ("the office of apostle and prophet as reserved for the first century, ceasing to exist with the death of the apostles and the completion of the New Testament," p21), and an extreme Complementarian ("the office and function of the pastor/elder are biblically reserved for qualified men," p37).

For those who are curious, I too hold a partial Cessationist and a partial Complementarian view. However I found that I had to keep reminding myself to look above my horror (at Allen's lack of Eccumenicalism) and try to savour and digest the larger message he was attempting to convey. That was indeed quite a challenge and I so very much wished Allen did not alienate so many readers from the get go - in very first two chapters!

In my opinion, these are secondary theological issues, but after reading how Allen was inspired by Spurgeon's unwavering stance in the downgrade controversy (Chapter 9), I understood that he too was a man who stood by and would defend his convictions strongly - which necessitated that he did what he did - Allen would not have been at peace with himself if he did not pen down what he believed in. And for that, I respect his decision - an author who advocated complete inclusion of everyone and anyone would come up with a useless piece of literature with impotent advice. Nevertheless, I still affirm that the book would be of immense value even if you hold a Continuationist (that the office of the Apostle/Prophet, miracles and speaking of tongues have not ceased) or an Egalitarian (that women can take on any office, even the senior pastor role) position.

A title more theologically neutral - yet equally Scripturally faithful and perhaps even more inspirational- I would recommend would be Edmund Clowney's Called to the Ministry; these two titles would be great companions both distinct and overlapping fields of discussion. A quick search on amazon pulled up a handful of books on this same topic; I'll update this review again in future when I have evaluated a couple of the counterparts to find out the most useful.

I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newsroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: After 50 Years of Ministry: 7 Things I'd Do Differently and 7 Things I'd Do the Same

After 50 Years of Ministry: 7 Things I'd Do Differently and 7 Things I'd Do the Same by Bob Russell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I requested for a review copy as I had read Russell's excellent "When God Builds a Church" - if you have yet to read it, I'd highly recommend it! However, I had half expected that as with most megachurch pastors, Russell could only have authored only one good book (with the others being of a so-so standard). I am most happy to admit that I could not be more wrong, this book has very much cemented its place on the rare never-to-be-sold-away 6 star (out of 5) gem.

As a senior minister/preacher who has retired for slightly over a decade, Russell writes earnestly, honestly and authentically; I did not send that he had anything to prove nor axe to grind - he simply wanted to bless the next generation of pastors/preachers. What with? With the vastamount of wisdom and experience he had accumulated - which often shared with an engaging, self-depreciating sense of humour. The appeal of and winsomeness of the illustrations alone would be worth the price of the book's retail value; I found myself to be genuinely interested whenever a real-world example was coming up and savoured every bite of it! I'd be hard pressed to pick which section of the book I preferred; I found both his regrets and best practices to be immensely handy.

As a seminary student with little ministry experience, this most wonderful labour of love has provided me with a glimpse of what forty years of faithful service would look like - warts and all - and provide endless food for thought! I could possibly spend a couple of months journeying a chapter of two on a weekly basis with a trusted friend in reflection, making plans and self-evaluation, and perhaps 5 years later, look back at this book and still find that it is still going to be incredibly useful! What I found exceptionally helpful was how Russell often shared about the temptation for self-glorification and how he sought to combat it - for good measure, Russell would add in a humourous story of how ordinary (or second rate) he truly was in reality when compared to his compatriots and staff.

In summary, this book was incredibly practical, highly inspirational and very realistic. I did not close the covers with a sense of how great a man Russell was - I went away with a sense of awe for the God Russell lovingly served for four decades. That perhaps, if a guy as ordinary and oddball as Russell could go the distance in the Lord's service, maybe I too, can also!

I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newsroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: How to Treat a Staff Infection: Resolving Problems in Your Church or Ministry Team

How to Treat a Staff Infection: Resolving Problems in Your Church or Ministry Team by Craig Williford
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The various "illnesses" that were utilised to illustrate various ministry problems did not cut it for me. It may have been done with an intention of being creative but the authors lack the verve, authority and confidence of more established church growth consultants.

I'd rather recommend a book by Hybels or McIntosh any day. Check my goodreads profile for my review on some of these titles.

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Review: The Minister's MBA: Essential Business Tools for Maximum Ministry Success

The Minister's MBA: Essential Business Tools for Maximum Ministry Success by George S. Babbes
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

While the concept of the book is good (utilising principles from the business world for ministry), and the naming of chapter titles seemingly decent, however the content is quite a let down. I'm not familiar with who these authors are (perhaps because my primary area of interest in theology is ecclesiology), but my best guess is that a group of secular business people decided to band together to write a book and package it for the Christian ministers to buy it for a quick buck.

A case could perhaps be made that seminary does not prepare a young minister well to run a church operationally. However to have a book almost devoid of Scripture and expect ministers to use it as a guidebook is perhaps not too wise. A church is not built on intellect or business principles; its foundation has to be on the word of God. I only spotted 2 paragraphs in the beginning of the book that referred to something about Jesus' disciples and Matt 10:16 - quite interesting how a methodology can be developed from a single narrative of the bible. And further down in the book, how Joseph got sold into slavery in Gen. 37 is used as an example of the result of perceived inequity.

I cannot recommend this book.

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Review: Oversee God's People: Shepherding the Flock Through Administration and Delegation

Oversee God's People: Shepherding the Flock Through Administration and Delegation by Brian Croft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found the book to be a rather enjoyable read! I felt the love the authors had for the sheep and the shepherds (in contrast to other authors' love for their pockets in their writing of yet another useless self-justifying book of their opinionated practices). The content was easily comprehensible and engaging enough to read large chunks at a go. The references were Scripture were helpful and I did not find myself being jolted by any weird out of context citing that typically plagues books on practical ministry. The latter part of the book had many beneficial practical frameworks that any lead pastor would find useful to consider implementation (or the refining of existing procedures).

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Review: Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City

Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City by Timothy Keller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rather than propose a culture-specific quick-fix model, Keller communicates a theological vision across various ministry settings to balance the three axes of gospel, city and movement (p23-24). For him, the reading of Scripture is less about “what I must do” and more about “what he has done.” (p78). Keller skilfully uses secular narratives to illustrate biblical truths. For example, utilising C. S. Lewis’ analogy of Hamlet’s relating to Shakespeare and Dorothy Sayer’s writing of herself into the story to save Lord Peter Wimsey to illustrate divine revelation (34-35).

Keller emphasises that the Center Church movement is “not a formula,” (p39) and repeatedly calls church planters and pastors to hold opposite theological positions in tension. For example, an “evangelical-charismatic church” (p47) that draws on both the Systematic Theological and the Redemptive Historical Methods. Keller maintains that a church that truly understands the implication of the biblical gospel will look like an unusual hybrid of various church forms and stereotypes. Because of the inside-out, substitutionary atonement aspect, the "evangelical-charismatic church" will place great emphasis on personal conversion, experiential grace renewal, evangelism, outreach and church planting (p85).

When I first read this book in my first year of bible school (about 2-3 years ago), much of it went over my head and dismayed, I put the book down for a later time when I would be more theologically and spiritually astute to comprehend the rich theology, sociological concepts, and ministry/missional responses to secular culture. Keller’s extensive lists of recommended material reflect his thorough research. Throughout the book, he engages with the ideas of various thinkers and scholars; for example, Niebuhr in Chapter 16 and Bosch and Newbigin in Chapter 19.

A caveat therefore is that Keller’s exhaustive referencing and thorough development of substantives may intimidate the average pastor. Probably only the most “scholarly” of church leaders able to comprehend and persevere through. And for those that do, Keller hopes that they would be inspired and that the overwhelming task ahead would elicit a sense of humility (p382). Indeed, a gospel city movement cannot come about without the “providential work of the Holy Spirit” roots the pastors as to who is the chief engineer of revival – it is a work of God, not man’s (p373-374).

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