Review: The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right

The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right by Lisa Sharon Harper
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Harper writes with probably the most profound authenticity that I have read of any author recently; her immense pain from her troubled growing up years grieved me. If you ever read this Harper, I'm so sorry that you had been tactlessly and gracelessly told you could not serve in ministry because you were a woman. I am so so so very happy that you received supernatural healing and restoration!

Harper writes with lively illustrations and gripping accounts from her life. She references other Writers more often than other authors would, by a clear margin. Unfortunately a popular level title this probably prevented her from citing other authors with differing views and her responses to those. Unfortunately, many of her substantives were supported using outdated theories (for example the JEDP documentary hypothesis in the early chapters touched that had been conclusively rebuffed by modern scholarship). Also, she takes a proof-texting approach to Scripture. Also, her low view of Scripture can be seen for example from her explaining that certain problematic passages (to Eglaritians) that the teachings of Scripture are culture and context-specific and do not apply to us today (p96). Hence I could not bring myself to complete reading the book. I appreciate and affirm so so very much the desire to set other women free from the misnomer that they cannot serve in ministry, but I am unable to vouch for the problematic hermeneutics and proof-texting here.

I spent months reading 40 or so scholarly titles to ascertain my position about women in ministry (as I was torn that the complementarian view seemed to be better supported by the plain reading of Scripture and sound hermeneutics, yet on the other hand, I have been thoroughly blessed by the many Christian women leaders and ministers growing up and would be crushed if they were not allowed to serve in ministry).

With an exegetical meta-analysis of commentators of 1 Tim. 2:9-15 as a starting point, I came to a different conclusion as Harper. Here are a few points that I found particularly helpful:

1. Although of us would identify with Schreiner’s desire “to believe that there are no limitations for women in ministry and that every ministry position is open to them,” his unwillingness to “leap over the evidence of the text” to adopt the egalitarian position is just as real a consideration.

2. An attractive middle-ground position appears to be Blomberg’s “modified hierarchicalism” that makes a full egalitarian argument with the exception of the senior pastor role being reserved for males only.

3. Even if Paul’s commands are intended for all time and situations, Blomberg propositions that it is necessary to consider what the contemporary function equivalent is to the NT office of the elder/overseer, so that women could then hold any other subordinate pastoral role.

4. We would do well to heed 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.”

5. Schreiner calls his fellow complementarians 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.”

6. To paraphrase Blomberg’s indictment of complementarians into positive action that they can heed: be less preoccupied with keeping men in positions of authority; rather nurture women to become all that God wants them to be in the spirit of Paul’s radically redefined patriarchy that is consistent with biblical servant leadership.”

Bibliography and further comments
1. Schreiner, "An Interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:9-15," in Women in the Church: An Analysis and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15, 2nd ed, 86.
2. Blomberg, "Neither Hierarchicalist nor Egalitarian: Gender Roles in Paul," in Two Views on Women in Ministry, 326.
3. Blomberg, "Neither Hierarchicalist nor Egalitarian: Gender Roles in Paul," in Two Views on Women in Ministry, 369. Contemporary congregationally organized churches would presumably identify their senior pastor (or in single-staff churches the sole pastor) as this functional equivalent of the elder/overseer. In Presbyterian and episcopal forms of church government, one could argue that the equivalent is the person at the head of larger denominational structures.
4. Keener, Paul, Women & Wives: Marriage and Women's Ministry in the Letters of Paul. Keener suggests that it is a dangerous thing to turn people from their call, or to oppose their call if it is genuinely from God. On what basis do any of us men who are called prove our call? We trust inner conviction and the fruit of holy lives and teaching and faithfulness to that call, and if these evidences are insufficient demonstration of divine calling in the case of our sisters, how shall we attest our own?
5. Schreiner, "An Interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:9-15," in Women in the Church: An Analysis and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15, 2nd ed, 85-86.
6. Blomberg, "Neither Hierarchicalist nor Egalitarian: Gender Roles in Paul," in Two Views on Women in Ministry, 372.

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Review: How Jesus Transforms The Ten Commandments

How Jesus Transforms The Ten Commandments by Edmund P. Clowney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It almost seems to me that there are two authors of this book, which does not always work to produce a seamless smooth-flowing train of thoughts. There are segments that are classic Dr Clowney - sometimes his exposition stares down your soul with a reality check of how far we are to God's way,   sometimes his words of encouragement inspire us to keep journeying on in our Christian faith, and other times he summaries with crystal clear clarity to shed light on otherwise complicated theological positions.

Not to say that Dr Clowney's daughter is a poor writer/editor, but as revealed in the forward circumstances, Dr Clowney was battling illness and before signing the book's contract, he "left us to worship his beloved Christ in heaven..." (page vi). I wonder what a professional editor could have done to make this book a more coherent read, and also ponder how a like-minded theologian of Clowney's calibre (which aren't many) could have provided better illustrations and clarity of explanation.

While this title is not of the same quality as Dr Clowney's other titles, it is nevertheless a resource that scholars and pastors could use as a starting point when studying the topic of whether the Mosaic Law is obsolete today. For readers who have yet to read any of his books, do not be put off from doing so! You can start with Called to Ministry - I am sure you will find that it provided an enjoyable, inspiring read!

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Review: Two Views on Women in Ministry

Two Views on Women in Ministry by James R. Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: I've only read the entire chapters by Keener and Schreiner, the editorial reflections and conclusion by Beck and Blomberg, and the appendix by Blomberg. As for Belville and Bowman, I've only read the sections they covered on 1 Tim. 2.

After having read 20 or so resources for an exegetical paper on the abovementioned passage, I have come to appreciate this book in a far different manner then when I first picked it up. (This book was the reason why I chose the topic and have found it to be the hardest I have attempted to date). Especially when I read the editorial commentaries, it helped to piece a rather convoluted mind of mine (if you are not messed up after reading so many resources for the first time where the authors go head on with one-another, let me know!).

It is so apt that I started with this book, and am almost ending my research with it. It will remain on my bookshelf for many years to come (I always sell/donate the books I do not like), alongside Grenz's excellent title (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...), which also provides an overview on the two positions. Grenz is however not as unbiased as Beck and Blomberg.

I highly recommend it and would give it 6 stars if I could.

And yes, one fine day when I'm holidaying in the Bahamas after I've retired, I hope to read the entire chapters by Belville and Bowman.

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Review: I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference

I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference by Thom S. Rainer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We all want to be part of a covenant community in Church that we can address with the heartfelt title of "family." But where are we going to find one if the present community we are in seems to be opposite from whatever Thom is calling us to in his book? It starts with us.

As a seminary student struggling to reconcile the disjointment in what I have studied am convicted by ecclesiologically, and what is currently being done in the church I attend, the temptation to quit and start my own church is immense. Deep down every one of us who grew up in our postmodern generation hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the organisations we are part of, and our church is one of them. However, the old guard who consist of modern thinkers may want to receive the input of us younger ones. So what do we do? Do we still want to be members of a place whereby we are called to submit to leadership and not cause division? There is after all, so many other churches that we can go to!

In its brevity, Thom's book provides a quick snapshot of what a truly wonderful community would all commit to, and what a beautiful place it would part of. Church leaders who are mulling introducing membership or thinking of how to communicate the reasons for membership to their up-and-coming postmodern youngsters may find this as a helpful resource. It will definitely have to be used in conjunction together with the apologetic of the fifth gospel, the Christian, and in this context, the Christian leader. One who does not demand without first modelling himself, one who seeks to disciple and build up, one who is interested more in the spiritual and personal growth of those under his care than in their worth to the church's ministry activities.

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Review: Taking Your Church to the Next Level: What Got You Here Won't Get You There

Taking Your Church to the Next Level: What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Gary L. McIntosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After having read the book, I felt like I had just stepped into a time warp machine and had journeyed with a small church plant all the way to when it became a decentralized church (McIntosh's preferred term to the more commonly used megachurch). Only a few pastors would have had the privilege to have embarked on that voyage, and so it was a very surreal experience for me.

While I'm no church pastor (I'm just a student in bible college), I found the book immensely helpful. McIntosh dedicates a chapter each to different sized churches, discussing the characteristics, key points of transition and proposed action plans to be considered. That's the second part of the book. The first part, was much gloomier, but oh so very necessary for the many stagnating churches who are oblivious that they may be soon die off. Part One dedicates entire chapters to each type of congregational life cycle of a church. The content is easy to comprehend and highly relatable - any church pastor (even member) should be able to identify which stage their church is presently in.

If I could borrow a star wars reference, I felt that McIntosh is like the wise Jedi Master - leaving us young padawans, as the new leaders of the next generation of the resistance, with this wonderful tome of knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and heartily recommend it to all pastors and lay believers who love their church.

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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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