Category: Reviews

[rating:3.0]

(Kingsford, New South Wales, Australia: Matthias Media, 2009.)

196 pgs

This book is about discipleship. It offers an interesting perspective on why the church is doing such a poor job of training Christians to mature spiritually. The authors are Australian, and minister from that context, yet they raise important issues that are extremely relevant to the North American, as well as the international church.

The framework for this book is the analogy of a trellis with a vine growing on it. For a vine to grow fully, it needs a trellis to sustain it. But, a trellis cannot produce fruit. Only a vine can do that. Structure is helpful, but it can never take the place of the vine. The authors suggest that most churches are a mixture of trellis and vine. There is usually plenty of structure and programming, while there is typically vine work occurring as well (8). The problem is that trellis work tends to take over from vine work (9). In part, trellis work is more visible and can appear more impressive (9). They suggest that, “The concentration on trellis work that is so common in many churches derives from an institutional view of Christian ministry” (10). They note that as we get older, “We start to tire of vine work, and take on more and more organizational responsibilities” (10).

The authors suggest that the Great Commission mandate to “make disciples” is “the normal agenda and priority of every church and every Christian disciple” (13). They argue” It is binding on all Jesus’ disciples to make others what they themselves are—disciples of Jesus Christ” (13). The thrust of the book is this: “structures don’t grow ministry any more than trellises grow vines, and that most churches need to make a conscious shift—away from erecting and maintaining structures, and towards growing people who are disciple-making disciples of Christ” (17).

Throughout the book, the authors point out how the church needs to adjust its efforts directly into growing people, rather than programs. They are not opposed to programs that are effective, but they argue that far too much effort is put into “trellis” work, while the vines are neglected and producing far less fruit than they might have, had they been properly tended. They point out that the church focuses on holding “events” in which it is hoped people will attend. But events do not necessarily grow people in their Christian maturity (18). The church also tends to use people rather than growing its people (19). The church often focuses on filling gaps in its program staffing rather than training new people to serve where God is calling them (20). The church also gives inordinate attention to solving people’s problems rather than helping them make progress spiritually (22). The church also focuses its efforts around the work of ordained clergy rather than on developing teams ministry (22).

The authors suggest that, while there may be limited seats around the board table or on the church staff, “if the real work of God is people work—the prayerful speaking of his word by one person to another—then the jobs are never all taken. The opportunities for Christians to minister personally to others is limitless” (27). It is here that the book makes a significant contribution. If churches could train their people to minister to those around them and to meet whatever need presented itself, the impact of the church would be explosive. However, simply recruiting people to help the church run its programs will never turn the world upside down.

The authors make the curious claim that “it’s interesting how little the New testament talks about church growth” (37). They also note: “It is somewhat surprising that the New testament contains relatively few exhortations for ordinary believers to speak the gospel to others” (49). However, they also note: “The Christian without a missionary heart is an anomaly” (52).

The heart of the book occurs as the authors discuss “training.” They claim: “The heart of training is not to impart a skill, but to impart sound doctrine” (71). They explain that, “a right understanding of the gospel always leads to a changed life” (74). They explain that, “training is parenting” (75). As we disciple, or train other believers, we are functioning in their life much like a parent would raise up and train a child. They posit that trainees need to “see into the heart of their trainers (76).

The authors suggest there are four stages in the growth of the gospel in someone’s life. These are: outreach, follow-up, growth, and training (84). The book provides a helpful chart where the reader can plot where people are in their Christian growth (87). They argue that, rather than focusing on maintaining the trellis, Christian leaders need to be investing directly into the training of others. They suggest that, “training is the engine of gospel growth” (90).

The authors make the noteworthy claim that sermons are “necessary but not sufficient” (93). They note that as pastors have assumed the role of CEO, they have forsaken their primary call to make disciples (96). They claim: “Churches don’t make disciples; disciples make disciples” (117). The authors argue that if pastors would strategically invest their time in training others, over time, those they trained would then train others and the ongoing impact would do far more to expand the church than if the pastor invested himself in church administration. They offer suggestions on how to be on the look out for those who are prepared to be trained. They call these, “people worth watching” (127). They make the interesting observation that in the Bible, we do not generally find references to people “feeling called” into the ministry (133). They point out that typically it was the elders in the church who observed people in the church who showed promise for church leadership and they invited that individual into greater service (133). They claim that people are not “called” into ministry or secular vocations, rather, “God calls us to himself” (130). They argue that every disciple is called to make other disciples. They acknowledge that, while God may lead some into secular work, our highest calling is to make disciples (139). The authors advocate “ministry apprenticeship” where, before ministerial candidates are sent to seminary, they serve in an apprentice role in the church where church leaders can train them and give them valuable experience (143). At this juncture the authors tap into the extensive materials and programs they have developed for such a purpose so that the book seems to veer into some self promotion. However, they conclude by making the case that the goal is not to grow churches but to make disciples (151). They point out that training must be relational and that it takes time (151).

Overall I found this book made some helpful observations in the field of discipleship. I am not sure that I agree that the heart of training is teaching “sound doctrine.” While that certainly is important, I think it also includes correct living. When Jesus called His disciples, they did not simply sit around discussing sound doctrine. He lived among them and taught them how to live, to relate to others, and to preach and teach. While it is true that sound doctrine can lead to godly living, it often requires good role modeling as well.

I liked the concept of pastors taking on a select group of people and training them, even if it meant setting aside other administrative duties. Too many people have discarded their calling to disciple in their embracing of administrative roles. We too often take no notice of those around us who would thrive spiritually if we would take time to train them.

While I do not necessarily agree with everything said in this book, it will make you think about how you are doing discipleship and how you are personally investing in the lives of others.

by Richard Blackaby

[rating:4.0]

(Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2012)

320 pgs

This is a great book. It brings a much needed focus and it offers fresh insights into “doing” church. If you are a pastor or a Bible teacher/preacher, you should consider this a “must read” (and I don’t consider all that many books as such).

James MacDonald planted Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago in 1988 with 18 other people. Today it has a weekly attendance of over 13,000 with an extensive radio ministry and church planting network. What makes MacDonald’s book compelling reading, however, is that he is not just another celebrity megachurch pastor telling you how he did it. Rather, he is promoting a radically God-centered approach to church ministry.

MacDonald argues that the church growth movement has been focused on horizontal relationships: connecting with seekers and developing ministries that attract people to attend. He argues that churches ought to focus on their horizontal relationship to God with their primary concern not being attracting larger numbers of people to their services, but bringing glory to God.

MacDonald argues: “A real encounter with God changes everything” (18). He explains: “Church was never intended to be a place where we serve God to the exclusion of meeting with Him” (18-19). Vertical Churches seek to bring people into a fresh encounter with the risen Christ each week. “Our job is to get people to Jesus Christ and to get them back to Him in profound, life altering ways each week. . . and it’s about time we stopped accepting substitutes” (20).

MacDonald argues that, “apart from the revealed presence of God in the midst of the church, we are just a rotary club with music, or the Boy Scouts without fire” (21). He notes: “The problem is you can’t fake glory” (21). He asks: “Can you honestly say you have been a part of a hell-shattering, culture-conquering, Christ-exalting church, where petty disagreements and pathetic protection of preferences are eclipsed by the manifest glory of God? God is not safe and he will not be squeezed into some neat, respectable Sunday School discussion” (22-23).

MacDonald argues that people have an innate need to connect with eternity, with something beyond themselves. He also argues that it is God’s manifest presence that transforms church services into life-changing divine encounters, noting: “The manifest presence of God is the only water that can replenish the parched land of the North American church” (70). He also states: “I experience transcendence when something infinite reminds me I am finite” (52). He cautions; “In making God our buddy, we find Him nice for cuddling but not much help when the hurricane comes” (55). He also notes that asking church members “what they want” simply plays into their self-centered idolatry (59).

MacDonald also asks readers how much they desire or depend upon God’s manifest presence in their own ministry. He asks: “Am I that terrified to walk a mile in ministry without the manifest presence of God? Does the thought of a weekend service or a counseling appointment or a meeting of the board—apart from God’s abiding presence—put you in meltdown mode?” (73). He also challenges: “Stop hiding behind omnipresence and assuming it’s the same as manifest presence” (76).

MacDonald has some great thoughts on God’s glory and transcendence. Speaking of Moses wanting to look at God’s glory, he notes: “If you look at the sun for five seconds, your eyes burn out. Do you know I made more than fifty billion suns by a single word of My mouth?” (83). He also comments: “Glory is the supernatural signature when God has been at work. And it shouldn’t take a Sherlock Holmes to find His fingerprints all over everything that happens in your church” (83). MacDonald asserts: “It is the responsibility of all church leaders to be jealous for the glory of God in their church” (84). He makes this interesting comment: “Mountains do not receive glory from dirt piles. Do you understand? Oceans do not receive glory from bird baths. Redwoods do not receive glory from shrubbery, and Jesus Christ does not receive glory from people” (102). MacDonald argues that if a church is focused on reaching people or serving a community, church members will grow disheartened when trials come. But if your focus is on glorifying God, then “far from retreating, we want them to relish the opportunity to reveal the glory of God” (109). MacDonald argues that increased attendance is no more proof of God’s blessing than decreased attendance is evidence of God’s displeasure. He claims it is what happens when people come to church that demonstrates the validity of the experience (120). He states: “We must stop assuming God’s involvement and start inviting it” (127).

MacDonald argues that the church cannot replace “doxology” with “soteriology” (143). He claims: “Trust me in this; God is never watching in appreciation when we make His word palatable to pagans” (210). He argues that we should learn to see who it is God is drawing to Himself and spend less time trying to “convince” people who are unwilling to come to Christ at that time (214).

MacDonald places great emphasis on preaching in his ministry. He offers some strong counsel on preaching in his book. Interestingly, he points out something I have long maintained. He encourages preachers to stick with one text and not to use numerous passages during their sermon. He suggests that using many Scripture verses in a sermon tends to magnify the preacher more than the message (228). He challenges: “Unless you are willing to be the aroma of death to those who are perishing, you will never be the aroma of life to those who are being saved” (243). He suggests that God uses the circumstances of life to “ripen” people for the Gospel. The minister’s role is to watch for “ripened” sinners seeking a Savior.

MacDonald has a final chapter on the role of prayer in the church. He offers some great comments and shares how in his own ministry he had to do more than give prayer a token nod of appreciation and instead, make it central to all they did as a church. He claims: “Prayer is the process by which God makes us spiritually fit to receive what He is willing to do” (278).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. MacDonald has a number of catchy ways of saying things that keep your attention. He shares plenty of his own struggles so you do not feel as if he is simply bragging about the size he has grown his church. I am not sure if I’d completely agree with him when he claims that the only place the glory of God is to be found is in the church (112). But I do greatly appreciate his emphasis on the glory of God and on transcendence. I appreciate his challenge that the church has used sociology long enough and must return to the glory of God.

I have no doubt that this book will exert a profound influence on the church in the coming days. It would be well worth your while to become familiar with it.

by Richard Blackaby

[rating:3.0]

(Boise, Idaho: Russell Media, 2011)

263 pgs

This is a different kind of book but one that is certainly relevant for the time in which we live. Two authors, from different political perspectives spar off over controversial subjects such as same sex marriage, abortion, and the role of government in people’s lives. Lisa Harper comes from an African American, Native American, Jewish, and Puerto Rico background. She is a Democrat. Throughout the book, she argues from the “Left” on social issues. For many people today, it seems impossible to be a Christian, and be a Democrat. Harper strives to make the case that you can. David Innes grew up in Canada. He immigrated to the United States as a graduate student and never left. He also embraced the Republican Party and is a staunch conservative. He argues the case for the political Right.

In an age when American society is so polarized, this is an interesting book. It raises the question: “Is there a political party that American Christians should naturally embrace?” Innes will argue “Yes.” He believes that, while not perfect, the Republican Party embraces those values and positions that are most Christian. Harper argues that “Left” and “Right” are not Christian categories and we must be careful we do not use secular terms to identify ourselves. Hence “Christ” in the title of the book.

I have to say that, although I naturally identify with the “Right,” I was at times put off by Innes, and at the same time I was challenged by Harper to look at the other side of arguments than I am used to focusing on. I suppose that is the purpose of books like this. Innes at times seems like a starry-eyed Canadian immigrant who idolizes the American colossus. He comments that when he first visited Boston he said, “Wow. This is where it all happened. These are Americans, the people who transformed the world” (21). He also seems to idealize the Republican Party, claiming, “This respect for America as a country of noble liberty, of surprising innovation, and of unapologetic, world-transforming energy made the Republican Party, where those sentiments are the norm, a natural political home for me” (22).

He is not very complimentary of his Canadian roots. He compares them to “Gauls” coming to study the Romans (21). As someone who has lived a good part of his life in Canada myself, I was offended at the broad strokes he used to characterize the nation. He notes: “North of our border there is only the political correctness of the left, and everything else is thoughtcrime. If anyone expresses any doubts about the liberal social agenda, he is labeled a Nazi and other standard epithets” (28). I have always been suspicious of those who felt the need to overstate their case. As Innes makes Canada out to be an out of control socialist state, he also seems to idealize the USA. The truth is that Canada has actually managed its fiscal affairs far more prudently than has the US in recent years.

Lisa Harper shares her upbringing as being from a working class family of mixed race. She notes that there did not use to be a deep divide between political parties before 1964. It was at that time that the Democrats passed the Civil Rights Act and then the Voting Rights Act (32). From that watershed moment, the two parties began to follow different trajectories. Harper describes how her mother taught her that the Democratic Party was like Robin Hood, “they take back money from the rich and give it to the poor” (34). There is no doubt that both authors are sincere Christians. Their differences lie in their political perspective. Innes, as do his Republican friends, focus on freedom and lack of intervention by the government. Harper has a more compassionate focus on the poor and oppressed. Certainly a case can (and is) made that genuine Christians ought to be concerned with both issues. Throughout the remainder of the book, the authors strive to find the right balance.

The first major section deals with the role of government. Harper argues that, “The liberal/conservative polemic is a product of the modern era—an era shaped by the tyranny of ‘either/or’ constructs” (52). She also argues that, “Freedom is not for the sake of ‘me’ in Scripture. It is always for the sake of ‘we’ (52). She also points out that “People, not God, established our Constitution. Therefore, unlike the Ten Commandments, our Constitution is fallible, incomplete and expected to be amended as our nation matures” (54).

Innis makes a case that Scripture assigns government two primary tasks: to punish evil and to praise good. I am not as convinced with the second one. At times his argument can sound a little barren as he argues that if it isn’t in the Bible, then government shouldn’t do it!

The authors then take on the issue of government and poverty. Innes argues: “Just as we can cure diseases through understanding the way creation works, in the same way He has given us the means to alleviate poverty” (68). Innes argues that the government is not obligated to provide for everyone who is poor and, in fact, when it tries to, it only makes matters worse. He also criticizes the numerous government services such as school lunches or student loans and complains that only 10% of the population is actually paying for them (74).

Harper has far less confidence in the benevolence of the market. She concludes: “The market is not God. God is God” (86). She challenges that there is no biblical expectation that wealth will increase unbounded. Rather, there is always a social expectation that the wealthy will care for the poor. She points out that in ancient Israel, land could not be permanently sold. It reverted back to the original owners after a set number of years. This prevented generational poverty and it also prevented the development of enormous conglomerates.

The authors then take on health care. Harper highlights the 42% of Americans who are uninsured or underinsured. Many of these people cannot afford proper health care. She traces how various presidents, Democrat, as well as Republican, attempted to develop some form of basic health coverage. Yet it has always been vehemently opposed by the health care industry. She argues that proper health care ought to be a right for Americans.

Innes argues that God has not given the government the responsibility for providing medical services (99). He points out that in 2009, Americans on average paid 17.6% of their GDP on health care, the highest percentage of any industrialized nation (102). He believes this is because of government intervention. He argues that competition and peoples’ ability to shop around for their own plans would dramatically reduce costs. But anything the government runs is chronically inefficient and expensive. Innes argues that, “They try to shrink the sphere of private liberty by expanding the sphere of public action” (107). He claims that the more government does, the less people feel obligated to attempt. He argues: “As usual, what is best on every level is liberty, personal responsibility, and generous charity, three traditions that are uniquely Christian and historically American” (107). It is certainly true that private citizens can rise to the occasion to help others when called upon, yet it might be naïve to think that corporate America, on its own volition, will choose to care for the poor.

The authors then aim their sights at abortion. Innes claims that the “pro-life” position is “synonymous with being Evangelical” (113). He also charges that “Since 1973, Democrats have gone beyond a mere defense of a woman’s right to an abortion to supporting an ever-widening range of abortion options and opposing even the mildest restrictions” (116).

Harper challenges some of the presuppositions of Innes. She argues that government cannot function based on certain people’s religious beliefs (121). She argues: “Thus, the religious definition of the beginning of life cannot be the criteria used to decide at what point gestation becomes ‘life’” (121). She also claims it was not the abortion issue in 1973 that awakened Evangelicals, but the ability for institutions to practice race discrimination (125). Harper also argues that abortion is fundamentally a poverty issue (127). While she is certainly against abortion, Harper says, “I reject the manipulative and artificial dividing line between ‘Pro-life’ and ‘Pro-choice.’ As this is a line drawn by political strategists, not by Jesus” (129).

The authors then proceed to tackle the issues of same sex marriage, immigration, and national defense. Innes highlights the dangers of an increasing secularization of American society. Citing the removal of prayer from public schools, he notes: “ At stake was the secularization of six intensely instructive hours in every child’s weekday” (134). He claims that by redefining marriage, Christian foundations of society are continuing to crumble.

Harper admits that this is a tough issue for her to find the proper Christian position for. She does point out, however, that divorce is also frowned upon in Scripture, yet no one is introducing legislation to outlaw it from society (144). While she does not condone same sex marriage, Harper does appeal for love for people. She notes that there are 1,138 rights and protections that come with married couples that are unavailable to same sex relationships (146). She argues that society’s views on marriage have changed over the years. She notes that rape was legal within marriage until the first state outlawed it in 1973 (149). She suggests that modernizing our views on things like marriage is not always bad. In the end, she argues that Christians often strive to dehumanize homosexual people rather than to reach out to them.

Overall I found this book to be an interesting read. I also discovered that I did not always agree with either author, while at times I had to concede certain points to both. This type of book will not be easy for everyone to read. For many Americans today, we only read books that agree with our views. It can seem like heresy to even read what the other “side” is saying. But, as this book highlights, there are thoughtful believers in both camps. And, as they argue, perhaps Christians ought to be careful not to be categorized by secular, political terms. As in many cases, there is more than one way to look at an issue. Typically there is the law (The Bible condemns that behavior!) and there is grace (but God loves those people!).

The interesting thing about this book is that it is not a debate between a believer and an atheist. It is a thoughtful discussion between two believers. If you are interested in a survey of some of the most controversial political issues that are currently dividing believers, you might want to check this book out.

by Richard Blackaby

[rating:4.0]

( Colorado Springs:Multnomah Press, 2012)

257 pgs

You understand that I will have to be careful how I review this book as my job could be in jeopardy! Nonetheless, after reading this book in two sittings, I feel an honest report of my reactions for this website would be helpful to the members. Please feel free to share your opinions as well when you have a chance.

First of all, looking at the title, I was not sure I was ready to read about how I should be winding down my ministry in the twilight years of my life, thinking that at 50, perhaps my best contributions may have already been made, and I was now heading into the slow decline of winter. But it quickly became clear that this book is not about four seasons in a person’s life (regardless of their vocation or age), it is about a constant cycle of seasons that are a natural part of our life at every level. There are seasons with our children, with our jobs, with our interests, in our marriage, and in our ministry. We may have worked at one job for several years, then find we have lost interest or need a new challenge – that job may have come full circle for us going through the excitement of new beginnings, growth, plateau, and stable predictability, and now it is time for a Spring time in a new job with a new challenge. Our children move from dependent toddlers to independent teenagers – another season in our life ends, and a new relationship with our children is now required.

The point that stood out most clearly to me was that many people are not aware that there are seasons in the various aspects of our life. Nor are they able to necessarily identify which season they may be in at the time. Thinking you are in a winter time of rest and recuperation when you really are in a summer time of growth and great expenditure of energy could be disastrous. I have worked with leaders over the years who took off for an extended vacation just at the wrong time every year and came back having to play catch up in ministry finding many frustrated people demanding their attention. They thought they needed the break just before the mayhem began, but the truth is they would not have had mayhem in the first place had they done better planning ahead of time and done the hard work necessary to have things running smoothly when they returned.

Other leaders wonder why their church or business is not growing like they think it should, but they have just come through a major growth spurt and the body needs time to regroup, retool, and refocus before moving ahead to another level. Constant growth without rejuvenation leads to instability and  burnout.

Another point that caught my attention is that things actually need to die, to rest, to have quiet, reflective times in order for there to be another Spring. Those who never do self-reflection and evaluation are doomed to burn out and struggle through life always fighting against themselves and their inadequacies rather than dealing with them, growing through them and moving on. Sometimes ministries need to die if they have served their purposes well and accomplished what they were designed to do. Those who keep certain programs year after year after year for the sake of tradition miss this point. Let the program die. Start up something new and exciting rather than flogging something old and past its time.

Richard also points out that not everyone is going to be at the same place in their life that you are, and particularly within a church body, there are those in every stage. The challenge is helping those in their Spring time looking for something new to respect and honor those who are in the winter of their life who need something familiar and comforting to hold on to.

Richard shares great perspectives from his many travels and interactions with leaders around the world. His insights are on target and his advice is sage to those who will listen. The writing is filled with anecdotes and stories as well as honest, clear observations of life the way God intended it to be.

The Seasons of God shows the natural order of things and is a book we should embrace and a tool we should use now so that we can truly enjoy the one life we were given. We do have the option to fight against God’s design, gnarl our teeth at the inevitable, or struggle to hold on to things that we should have let go of years before, and many do that, perhaps out of fear of the future. But others embrace the future, look to the new things with excitement and anticipation, and get the most out of what God has provided each day, not waiting for the “one day” that may never come.

Buy the book. Sit down with a cup of tea or coffee, kick off your shoes, relax, and enjoy a thoughtful read that will surely cause you to take pause and reflect, and offer perspectives on your own life and ministry that you may not have ever considered before.

by Tom Blackaby

[rating:4.0]

( Boise: Russell Media, 2012)

267 pgs

I have been looking forward to this book! I have known Jeff since we were both youth (In other words, a long time!). He has always been somewhat unconventional. As a church planter, I watched him mature. I listened as he evaluated the current way “church” was being done. I also saw him “take one for the team” when he had the courage to try things others wanted to do, but didn’t yet have the courage to do. This book is about being a kingdom minded Christian and about being a church that is kingdom-focused rather than self (or brand) focused.

Jeff lays out the problem up front: “Sure, we may now have more large churches than any other time in Christian history, but if you dig a little deeper you discover there are fewer people attending church today than before the church growth movement began discipling our leaders en masse thirty years ago. We are working hard. What is wrong?” (17). He asks: “What about the disciple? Maybe that’s the wrong descriptor. How about “church member” or “church attendee” or, perhaps, consumer?” (17).

Jeff was reared under men like my father and my father’s first mission pastor, Jack Conner. So it is not a surprise he stays God-focused. Throughout the book, Christopherson challenges the church growth movement assumptions. He claims: “He (God) assumes the entire responsibility for His kingdom plans” (18). In the first chapter, Jeff tells a marvelous story about his father Alan (19-23). The book is worth the purchase price for this story alone. He tells about an ordinary businessman who sought to invest in God’s kingdom. Yet it took him over 40 years before he learned about how much his investment had paid off.

The first section of the book addresses “Deconstructing Christian Mythology” (25ff). In the following pages Jeff challenges common assumptions by the church that have been crippling its effectiveness. These include: The myth of the third kingdom, the myth of church growth, and the myth of kingdom turf.

Jeff has never been very “wishy washy” in his opinions! Concerning the “third kingdom” he states: “At any given moment I am either expanding the Kingdom of God or the Dominion of Darkness. Period” (27) He adds: “Every decision we make is inspired by, and advances the agenda of one of these two Kingdoms. There is no neutral territory” (28).

Concerning the “myth of church growth,” he notes: “It is possible to participate in church expansion and unintentionally be an agent for shrinking the Kingdom of God” (43). He offers a devastating critique on those pastors, driven by ego, who focus on the numbers sitting in their pews, while they are actually harming God’s kingdom instead of expanding it. Jeff was the lead pastor at The Sanctuary, a church planting network in the Toronto area. In his first year, his team simultaneously planted four churches (49). They built it into their DNA to give themselves away. He understood that the local church was not meant to be the “goal” but the “tool” (50). He takes the customary swipe at Constantine and notes that “Hell’s solution to the problem of the Christian revolution was consolidation. In 313 A.D. we became a world-class religion. The movement was over in one edict of preservation” (64).

Throughout the book, Jeff uses charts and systems (hence the term “Matrix”). For some like me, who like ideas, the charts can at times seem a bit much. But Jeff balances those with his sardonic wit and withering critique of the status quo. He has a number of thought-provoking comments such as; “Prayer is a channel, not a source. I don’t believe in the power of prayer. I believe in the power of our omnipotent God who spoke a universe into existence” (97). Jeff also challenges the simplistic “sinner’s prayer.” He notes: “In all of our evangelical fervor, we have made a costly error in our theology; for many, we have reduced the cost of discipleship to a mere rehearsing of a magical prayer” (99).

Once Christopherson deconstructs current church practices, he seeks to construct it in a more biblical model. He uses four quadrants for his “kingdom matrix (109 ff). He lists two kingdoms: The Dominion of Darkness, and The Kingdom of God. He then has two additional categories of “Sacred” and “Secular.” He then shows how these four categories intersect. He discusses what a “Kingdom Seeker” is (118). He also claims that the church needs both “orthodoxy” as well as “orthopraxy” (124-125). I also naturally appreciated his references to my father, Jack Conner, and Experiencing God (150-151). Jeff witnessed Henry Blackaby and Jack Conner freely giving themselves and their resources away, and dramatically impacting God’s kingdom in the process!

Jeff tells some great stories throughout the book. His story of his church giving its last $5,000 to another church, even though they could not make their own payroll, will challenge readers to consider how “radical” they are about giving themselves away (158). He argues: “Individualism is much too self-centered of an aspiration to be fanned by a Kingdom Source” (193).

Once Christopherson has presented a better way, he notes: “Like emaciated prisoners of war, our churches too often lack spiritual fortitude to be a healing agent to its own constituency let alone a preserving force to the communities it claims to serve” (230-231). But then he concludes: “How can we experience the Power of this Truth?” (231). He offers several suggestions including: “We must toss our plans in order to know God’s plan” (231). “We must resist the dark temptation of Good Stewardship” (231). “We must cooperate with the spiritual reality of death ushering life” (232).

Jeff offers a number of suggestions on healthy, kingdom focused, churches. He notes that there are four marks of a “Kingdomcentric church” (264). These are: New believers, new disciple-makers, new communities of faith, and transforming communities.”

This is a great read. If you have grown up in the traditional “church culture” of the Bible belt, you will feel pushed and pulled throughout the book. You might even be offended by this Yankee meddling in your church affairs! If you have been functioning in a more post-church culture, then you will find that his comments resonate with your experience and you will be grateful that someone has stated what you have experienced so clearly and compellingly. But for every Christian who is legitimately concerned with the expansion of God’s kingdom, this is a book you need to read!

by Richard Blackaby

[rating:2.0]

( Denver: Outskirts Press, 2008)

199 pgs

First of all, I had difficulty keeping this author separate in my mind from Michael Hyatt! But that aside, this book is primarily about business leadership. Mike Myatt runs his own consulting company and previously served as an officer in the military as well as an executive in corporate America. He writes, not as an academic (whom he critiques), but as a practitioner. He directs this book to CEOs and those who aspire to one day become one. He seeks to offer practical advice he has learned from years of successful leadership himself.

This book is not an exhaustive treatise on business leadership, but key truths Myatt has found to be crucial for executive leadership. As a result, the book does not always flow systematically from one topic to the next, but rather it highlights issues the author considers most important. Perhaps as a result, there is some repetition. The author also writes as a practitioner rather than a detached observer. As a result, there are plenty of personal observations and opinions. Perhaps because of the nature of the book, there are not as many business examples as you might expect. There are some, but often Myatt defaults to his own experience. At times when he does cite another example, it is imprecise. In one case he attributes to Peter Drucker a quote by Warren Bennis (Though when in doubt on a leadership quote, it is never a bad move to guess Drucker). There are times when Myatt “guesses” at the author of a quote, such as Shakespeare, rather than having done the research to make sure.

That said, Myatt does have some helpful observations. Myatt notes that there is no tougher job than that of CEO, yet there are surprisingly few resources for them (8). I am not sure of the veracity of this statement but it certainly is convenient for someone writing a helpful book for CEOs! Myatt does note that every action by a CEO is a “cultural statement” (11). He challenges leaders to strive to devote at least 50% of their time in areas of their greatest productivity (18). He contends that if you do, you will be in the top 10% of CEOs.

Myatt gives a list of 15 characteristics that define top CEOs (25ff). These could generally describe any effective leader. He does make a strong point that “There is no perfect leader only the right leader for a given situation” (34). He argues that leaders must “think contextually” (39). In this regard, he takes on Jim Collins and his book Good to Great where Collins describes the “Level 5 Leader.” Myatt argues that there is no complete profile of what an effective leader is like. He argues that leadership is always done in context. It is impossible to garner an exhaustive list of leadership traits and then insist that CEOs must have them.

Myatt also dislikes the term “try.” He argues that using “try” simply reflects an avoidance of doing what is necessary to accomplish your goal (47). Myatt also wades into the strengths versus weakness debate. He notes that while it is important for leaders to be constantly working on personal growth and development, often leaders find themselves focusing on the wrong things at the wrong time (51). He does note, as so many leadership authors do that “Great leaders are almost always great story tellers” (55). He also repeatedly emphasizes that leaders have a “bias” toward action. He notes that speed is crucial (71). Often great opportunities are lost due to an inability to respond quickly to fleeting opportunities. He quotes Will Rogers who observed: ‘Chaotic action is preferable to orderly inaction” (64).

Myatt also discusses the importance of passion in a leader. He suggests, “Passion is the essence of being a great leader” (94). He notes that no great leader lacked passion. He also offers practical advice such as: “Hire slow, fire fast” (98). He also takes on several popular practices such as team building. He believes that team building is not about equality, but about every member clearly understanding his or her role (108). Myatt also has a helpful discussion on branding, a subject that is becoming increasingly prominent these days (117). He argues that developing the brand is one of the crucial roles of a CEO.

Myatt also has some good advice on conducting meetings. He recommends never holding them in “prime time” but in off hours so you do not pull your key people away from their work at the most productive time of the day (179). He also recommends not inviting people to meetings who do not have something specific to contribute. Warm bodies are unnecessary. He also suggests rescheduling meetings so key contributors can be present.

Myatt is not afraid to tackle sacred cows such as “Best Practices” which he believes are a fallacy (183). Because leadership is contextual, it is ludicrous to assume that a behavior that worked for one company can be copied, wholesale by another. He therefore warns against following after trends (188). He also has some very politically incorrect opinions about striving to be politically correct! (193).

There were moments when Myatt’s experience-based advice rang true and would be helpful, particularly for business leaders. However, at other times he seemed to be self-promoting. At one point he claimed that he gets more accomplished in a day than some get done in a month (175). There were times when it seemed his primary objective was to promote his company’s services more than to enlighten his readers. His writing style at times is also a little weak. He repeats his points at times. He uses himself and his company as an example a little too often. At times his writing style seems just a little too “homespun.” As a result I would only rate this book at a 2. While this book has some good things to say, there are probably other books you should read first.

by Richard Blackaby

[rating:4.0]

( Birmingham, AL: New Hope Publishers, 2012)

237 pgs

Norman Blackaby and Gene Wilkes are experienced Bible teachers. Norman is a professor at Dallas Baptist University and Gene Wilkes is the pastor of Legacy Church in Texas. Norman has previously written several books including: Experiencing Prayer with Jesus and Called and Accountable. Wilkes has also been prolific, writing books such as Jesus on Leadership.

In their book, the authors address a critical issue both for leaders as well as Christians in general: character. They note that even secular media has recognized the crucial need for character in leaders. Blackaby and Wilkes note that for Christians, character is more than just a collection of admirable qualities. Rather, “character is defined by the quality of our intimate fellowship with God” (19). It is also seen as “an ongoing process of relating to our Lord, walking with Him and honoring Him in our daily lives” (19).

The book is divided into three sections. Part One discusses “How God Develops Character. Part Two examines the difference character makes. The final concluding chapters offer a challenge to the reader to allow God to work on their character so they experience the maximum usefulness to God.

These are good Bible teachers and they use their skills to great advantage. In the first section, the authors conduct biblical case studies of Moses, Joshua, Nicodemus, Jonah, Mary, John Mark, Jesus’s disciples, and Mary and Martha to see how God developed peoples’ character. In part two, the authors look at the servant girl and Naaman, Hannah, Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father), Barnabas, Stephen, Paul and Timothy, Philemon, and Ruth.

I found this study refreshing. While the issue of character is certainly a basic one, it often goes assumed without carefully addressing it in detail. When it is written about, the discussion is generally driven from a psychological perspective rather than from solid Bible study. These men have taught the Bible for years, and it shows. They offer numerous “nuggets” of insight into the Bible characters they examine. For anyone who teaches the Bible or who is studying leadership, I think you’ll find this book stimulating to your thinking.

I generally thought the biblical presentation was very solid. There are only one or two places I might have worded things slightly differently. For example, the authors suggest that asking God questions is a part authentic faith (83). I wholeheartedly agree. But Moses is cited as an example (Ex. 3-4). However, the text seems to indicate that Moses’ questions were driven as much by reluctance to embrace God’s assignment as it was by his desire to know God’s mind on the matter. God eventually became angry with Moses (Ex. 4:14), which doesn’t indicate God appreciated Moses’ line of questions! This book does not have many extra-biblical illustrations. However, I found this to generally be a plus. It invites you to do in-depth Bible study on an important subject, and so too many illustrations not drawn from Scripture might have been distracting.

Overall I enjoyed this book and believe it makes a good contribution to the field of discipleship.

by Richard Blackaby

[rating:4.0]

( Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2012)

261 pgs

This is a helpful book for people trying to do their best in a complex, technology-driven world. Whether you are tech savvy and comfortable with Tweeting and posting on Facebook, or whether the thought of an Online “friend request” gives you a fright, this book can provide some helpful counsel!

Michael Hyatt has worked most of his professional career in the literary, publishing world. He was the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and is currently the chairman of its board. What has made Hyatt an authority is the way he has successfully leveraged social media to build a platform from which to share his thoughts and ideas. According to his own calculations, he presently has over 400,000 people view his blog site each month, 100,000 followers on Twitter, and over 15,000 friends on Facebook. He has also written a New York Times bestseller (This book will probably find its way there too). What makes his book so intriguing is that Michael Hyatt is an ordinary person. Of course he’s bright and entrepreneurial, but he never made a famous movie, or played professional sports, or held government office. He simply decided to purposefully build his own audience by effectively utilizing social media. His point is that we can do that too.

Why should we bother to build a following? Hyatt notes: “It’s not about ego or being the center of attention. It is about having something of value to others and finding the most powerful way of getting that message to others who can benefit from it” (xv). He suggests that just as a physical platform enabled people to be visible and heard as they spoke to an audience, so today, a platform is “built of people. Contacts. Connections. Followers” (xvi). He argues that it is not enough merely to have a good product. Many good products languish in obscurity. He argues that today, with the ubiquitous nature of media, there has never been so much competition for people’s attention, nor have people ever been as distracted. The answer is to build a loyal tribe of followers who can provide you the basis to promote your ideas and products.

Hyatt has a great chapter on “Bake in the Wow.” He says in light of the intense competition for people’s attention today, we have to develop messages and products that catch people’s attention and impress them with their quality. He notes: “The truth is, mediocrity is natural” (21). He also posits that we must ultimately be our own Chief Marketing Officer” (35). We have to take control of our image, or brand, and we must leverage the tools available to do it the most effectively.

I won’t provide a summary here of all the helpful advice Hyatt provides the reader. Hyatt earns his bread and butter by writing blogs Monday through Friday. He offers plentiful tips on how to get started blogging and how to build a following. He shares the various software and Internet programs he utilizes himself and also relates ways he has learned to make money by marketing on the Internet. He also provides counsel on how to build a Twitter following and also has comments about Facebook. Being a novice myself, I found some of the technical information beyond my experience. Nevertheless, I found much material I intend to make use of, soon. Hyatt also has insightful advice on promoting yourself as a speaker and making it as easy as possible for organizations to find you and to request you as a speaker at one of their events.

Hyatt uses a classic example from his days as a book publisher. He notes that many publishers as well as literary agents won’t even touch an author unless they already have thousands of followers in social media outlets. Some authors assume that if they just come up with a “killer idea” that they just need to write their book and then let it go viral. But that is rarely the case any more. Now, if something goes viral, it may well be because the author was well connected on the Internet.

I have experienced first hand much of what Hyatt is talking about. That is why this year I jumped in to Twitter @richardblackaby as well as Facebook drrichardblackaby. Some purists may feel like it somehow adulterates the Gospel if we make use of modern technologies to let people know we, and our message, exist. The truth is, that just as a preacher would rehearse his sermon or review it to polish it and make it more appealing, so today communicators must become well versed in social media.

This book is crammed with helpful suggestions and insights on a crucial subject for anyone who wants to spread ideas. I will strongly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about doing ministry in today’s social media driven world.

by Richard Blackaby

[rating:2.0]

( New York: McGraw Hill, 2010)

251 pgs

Harrison Monarth is the Founder and President of Guru Maker – School of Professional Speaking. He provides executive coaching for Fortune 500 CEOs, high-level professionals, and political candidates across the United States and in Europe. His first book, The Confident Speaker, became a New York Times best-seller.

Monarth addresses two particular issues in his book that are becoming extremely popular in current discussions of leadership. The first is the process of leadership coaching. In the past, we tended to assume that if you were a leader, you didn’t need anyone to help you know what you should do. If you needed a coach, you weren’t a leader! However, it is becoming clear that in our increasingly complex and challenging world, even the best leaders need help in staying at the top of their game. Our ministry, BMI, has developed executive coaching so we can help people attain their maximum, God-given potential.

The second issue is branding. In the past, we assumed only narcissists were concerned with their public image. But today, with so many ways for people to view your life and organization through social media outlets, it is crucial that leaders manage their own image as well as the image of their organization.

To begin with, it must be clear that this book addresses these issues from a thoroughly secular perspective. The greatest means for spiritual leaders to experience success is when God’s hand is upon them (something secular leadership coaches can’t orchestrate!). The motives for self-promotion in this book can also appear quite secular and, essentially, self-promoting. It is basically presenting the world’s way of becoming successful at what you do. Nevertheless, it does offer some practical advice for anyone who depends on a good reputation to get their work done.

Monarth’s thesis is straightforward: “It’s not that people lack intelligence or skill or even ambition, but they haven’t learned how to leverage their assets by effectively representing themselves or communicating with others to the best of their abilities’ (1). He goes on to argue: “. . . the reality is that being skilled at one’s chosen profession isn’t enough. Toiling away in obscurity and hoping the world will notice has never been a sound strategy” (2). Of course, this leaves God and HIS marketing of us out of the picture, but the truth is that there are many talented Christians and Christian organizations that do quality work but are languishing in obscurity.

Monarth suggests that “We are at our core a society of pitchers” (7). “We are pitching when we sell, when we lobby, when we complain, and when we seek to be heard and understood, which for most of us happens each and every day” (7). He argues that wise leaders will be intentional about influencing how people perceive them. He argues “Even if we are simply commiserating or analyzing, there is an agenda in play, at the heart of which is the desire to be understood and taken seriously by those who can help us along our career path” (8). We have probably all known people who desperately wanted to be taken seriously but they were their own worst press agents. These are the people who often do the most talking in meetings, yet no one heeds their counsel or embraces their ideas. This is fundamentally because people do not take them seriously.

This book is all about doing what you can so people take you seriously. Monarth argues that wise leaders understand that people are viewing them and their ideas through their own lenses. These perspectives may not be accurate or fair, but it is the way people are seeing you (12). While you cannot necessarily change peoples’ values or perspectives, you can take them into account when presenting yourself and your ideas to them. Monarth discusses the laws of “deletion, distortion, and generalization (16).

Monarth also presents a discussion of emotional versus social intelligence (22). He argues that emotional intelligence is more inward focused while social intelligence is more outward. I am not sure Daniel Goleman would agree with his presentation. I have always understood emotional intelligence to be related to having empathy for other people’s feelings. Nevertheless, he offers “Seven Keys to Social Intelligence” (27). He even provides exercises where you can enhance your social intelligence in only seven days (28).

Monarth has an interesting chapter entitled, “How to Read People and Predict Behavior.” He notes that we cannot necessarily change peoples’ viewpoints, but if we understand them, we can better work with people to obtain the results we desire. He notes: “The whole point is to optimize an outcome rather than to judge others” (39). He identifies four key steps in understanding people which are: establishing a baseline, recognizing patterns, refining your assumptions, and drawing a conclusion” (42). He cautions that a common trap is to notice and over-weigh negative observations about others (43).

He also has an interesting chapter on “How to master the art of storytelling for personal and professional success.” He notes that people generally aren’t good at remembering facts. They need context. And “story is context, all the time” (65). He also notes: “When listeners have a difficult time comprehending your message, they will not blame themselves for not getting it; they’ll blame you” (78). Monarth gives a number of ways in which to build credibility with listeners. These can at times sound manipulative, but in reality they are simply recognizing how people perceive information and the messengers who relate it to them. Wise communicators always take these factors into account.

The author also has an interesting section in his book entitled, “A brand is a promise: what does your personal brand say? (125). Much of this material is presented in an effort to help the reader “”separate yourself from the crowd” (133). Again, this is taken strictly from a secular perspective. Personal branding, however, is a huge issue in modern times. People are wise to consider what they have purposefully or inadvertently led their personal “brand” to become. Monarth also gives much advice on how to improve your image if it has been tarnished either in reality by your own actions, of through the malicious efforts of others. With Google and the universality of the Internet, people can post a negative blog about you that remains at the top of peoples’ searches when they investigate you. Monarth gives practical tips on how to make your Internet image more positive. I found the final chapters a bit tedious. Monarth provides a lot of technical suggestions on improving your image and damage control wen you collect bad press. I suppose if you NEED his suggestions, however, you might find his material quite compelling!

Overall I found this book to be average. It does provide some practical suggestions that can be helpful. It offers some stories that create some interest. Overall the book just didn’t really grip me. Perhaps it contained a few too may lists, which always tend to lose my interest. Nevertheless, it does address some pressing issues for today’s leader. It wouldn’t be the first book I would send you to next, but if you are trying to think through developing your personal brand or you want to “make over” your current image, this book could provide you some great thoughts to get you going.

by Richard Blackaby

[rating:1.0]

(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic Publishers 2004)

171 pgs

Reviewing Leadership is an interesting concept, surveying current approaches from a Christian perspective. The two authors, Robert Banks (Ph.D., Cambridge, director a d dean of Macquarie Christian Studies Institute) and Bernice Ledbetter (Ed.D, Pepperdine, former director of the De Pree Leadership Center at Fuller Seminary), present a reasoned and thoughtful approach to their understanding of leadership.

Chapters include:

1. The Growing Interest in Leadership Today: Definitions, Causes, and Issues

2. Biblical, Historical, and Contemporary Perspectives on Leadership

3. The Emerging Spiritual and Religious Dimensions of Leadership

4. Popular and More Substantial Faith-based Approaches to Leadership

5. Practicing Leadership Through Integrity, Faithfulness, and Service

6. Christian Leadership in Action: Some Exemplary Case Studies

This book takes a very traditional approach in discussing the differences between managers and leaders, various definitions and characteristics of leadership, role of women in leadership, role of faith in business, distinctions between denominational leadership models, and offers a few historical examples of various types of leadership in the Christian arena. Sadly, most of the examples are seriously dated, and much of the discussion about leadership comes from the past rather than the present or even what the future may require of leaders. Many of the leadership models cited are from denominations in serious decline who are in search of better models than they are currently using.

Not being a particularly academic person (yes I will admit it), I found the book reading like a dissertation, or an anthology of leadership issues rather than an engaging discussion of current leadership styles and issues that we face today (just look at the chapter titles). This book may be appealing to those who enjoy research and traditional approaches to discussions on leadership, but I found reading it to be not much different from trying to get a car to run with a bad starter: the key was turned, the gas pedal pressed and engine kept trying to turn over, but it just never got going.

Much deference was given to their mentor Max Du Pree throughout the book (who also wrote a fairly non-committal forward). I have no doubt of the author’s credentials, nor of their intentions for writing the book. However, in a fast-paced, technologically advanced, and ever—changing world, tired illustrations (geese flying in a V formation) and a discussion about the Apostle Pau’s various leadership styles in the newly developing church just does not seem very helpful to the contemporary mind. I certainly welcome looking at biblical models, but these principles need clear and present application to our culture and current challenges face. It would be far more helpful to read the leadership books the authors cite rather than this summary book, and to look at contemporary leadership books that demonstrate actual real life events and situations than to read this review. I feel like a good editor could have done much to help this book relate to people and issues of this decade, but that step was not taken. I feel bad to give this book a less than stellar review, and I am sure that there are many people who would enjoy reading this, but in terms of helpfulness to current leadership issues, and to holding my attention, I rate this book 1 out of 5 stars.

by Tom Blackaby