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2007:
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2006:
January  February  March  April  May  June  July  August  September  October  November  December

2005:
January  February  March  April  May  June/June  July  August  September  October  November  December
 

2004:
January  February  March  April  May  June  July  August  September  October  November  December
 

May 2007

Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality

Donald Miller

Thomas Nelson Publishers 2003

    OK … I finally read it—the much-mentioned Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller. It seems as though many of my friends got to it before I did, and it’s possible that others of you are behind the reading curve like me.
    Donald Miller writes well. He’s a good story teller, perceptive, and has a way of turning a phrase just regularly enough to keep the “aha” moments coming. While there’s nothing difficult here, Miller can be profound in a simple kind of way that will be appealing for many readers. His honesty about his struggles is commendable, although possibly more overt than will be comfortable for many Baptists.
    Blue Like Jazz is typical of many volumes in a similar vein: a search for spiritual authenticity with a skepticism about institutionally-derived faith that seeks to offer some hope for a culturally-attuned reconstructed relationship with the church. (If that description makes sense to you, you’re likely already familiar with this kind of soul-bearing. If not, this book might a good place to begin.) BLJ is considered essential reading by many; it appears on more than a few blogs as a “must” for anyone who wants to know more about the emergent congregation movement.
    For the most part I like this book, although I’m not exactly certain why. I’ll spend some more time with it in the coming days; this is the kind of book the ultimate meaning of which may be discovered later rather than sooner (I call it “marinating”). If you’re not sure you’re interested, borrow it. It’s likely someone in your congregation or one of your friends has a copy lying around.

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April 2007

With One Voice: Discovering Christ’s Song in Our Worship

Reggie M. Kidd

Baker Books 2005

    We should always be grateful for those who help us have conversations about what it means to be and do “church” more faithfully. One of the more recent conversations that has produced a good bit more heat than light is that regarding the content and character of the church’s song. My hat is off to Reggie Kidd, whose book With One Voice: Discovering Christ’s Song in Our Worship has broadened and deepened that conversation in some surprising and meaningful ways.

    With One Voice is more than just another book about music in church, and certainly more than single chapters that appear in many volumes on the topic. Kidd manages to create a viable matrix for considering the church’s song by treating biblical themes, cultural influences, and musical styles in a creative and holistic manner. I found myself wishing he (or someone) had written this book twenty—or even thirty—years ago. Perhaps, however, it took time for the season to be right for this message to make such perfect sense. For many, I suspect, Kidd’s articulation of these concepts will indeed be music of the sweetest sort.
    While provocative and instructive, this book is well written and accessible for all readers—certainly for those who choose and lead the church’s music, but also for those who sing, play, and hear it. The Notes, Subject Index, and Scripture Index enhance that accessibility.
    Ultimately, With One Voice will remind readers that the church’s song is not merely about Jesus. The notion of discovering Christ’s song in worship is a way of calling the church to attend to the things that Jesus did—the fullness of God’s magnificent creating and redemptive narrative. It is a call to faithfulness that will free the church to sing and make music more expansively than it has in many places in its more recent history.

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March 2007

The Great Giveaway: Reclaiming the Mission of the Church from Big Business, Parachurch Organizations, Psychotherapy, Consumer Capitalism, and Other Modern Maladies

David E. Fitch

Baker Books 2005

    The voices that entice the church away from its true self are myriad, and nearly deafening at times in their constancy. That has been true in every era, yet probably never more so than in recent modern (and even postmodern) history and in the U.S. in particular. Truth be told, the church has a mixed record in dealing with such voices.
    David Fitch offers his own critique of this record in The Great Giveaway: Reclaiming the Mission of the Church from Big Business, Parachurch Organizations, Psychotherapy, Consumer Capitalism, and Other Modern Maladies. With a title that long, the reader would expect a good bit of “bang for the buck.” Fitch doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The Great Giveaway offers a valuable—and even prophetic—word for the church today in this country.
    The maladies which Fitch identifies are not the sort that challenge the validity of the church and the gospel. They are, rather, the kinds of influences that appear to resonate with the church’s purpose yet actually serve different ends. They trade on the church’s influence and in so doing actually reshape the church in their own image. His critique is not of the maladies themselves. Fitch lays the issues at the feet of the church which, in his opinion, has not done enough to resist the enticements and has, in effect, given away its identity.
    Fitch’s target audience is evangelical congregations, an audience he knows quite well. He gets right to the heart of each concern with clarity and force. I appreciate authors who write convincingly, even if I don’t like or agree with what they have to say. If you choose to read The Great Giveaway, beware: Whether you like or agree with Fitch, you will have to contend with the truthfulness of his message. It is one the church needs to hear—now more than ever.

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February 2007

The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath

Mark Buchanan

W Publishing Group 2006
 

    The very first book review I wrote for ABN (January 2004) was of Mark Buchanan’s book, Your God is Too Safe. This month I return to Buchanan and his newest book, The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath.
    Who has time for Sabbath? Today’s world presses its every need and desire into every nook and cranny of our living moments. Sabbath seems appealing (what little we probably know about it), but it just doesn’t seem practical. And that’s part of Buchanan’s point in this book; it’s not practical. It’s actually a whole lot more important than that.
    Sabbath is a concept with a rich heritage in our faith. Buchanan avoids the trap of making readers feel guilty for what they don’t do, or for what they should do. He makes a tenderly insistent case for Sabbath as a day, as well as Sabbath as an attitude for every-day life. This author does more than tell us, though, what we’re missing if we don’t observe the sacred possibilities spent intimately with God and self. He invites us to a soul-rest that only the satisfaction of the rhythms of life according to God’s measure can bring.
    Each of the chapters takes on an element of life poised to rob us of this precious practice. Each chapter ends with a way to respond to the robber, a “Sabbath Liturgy” he calls them, designed to encourage the active pursuit of Sabbath. Easily done? Not hardly. Worth the effort? I believe so. I hope I can get there sooner rather than later.
    The Rest of God is calling. Will you answer?

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January 2007

The Good Book on Leadership: Case Studies from the Bible

John Borek, Danny Lovett, and Elmer Towns

Broadman & Holman Publishers 2005

    Leadership continues to be a popular topic, and it probably always will be. The challenge lies not in finding resources but rather in choosing well; the variety of perspectives are as numerous as the authors and their ideas. This month’s book is another in that long shelf’s worth of titles.
    The Good Book on Leadership: Case Studies from the Bible was written by John Borek, Danny Lovett, and Elmer Towns. It was prepared from materials used by the trio in a course on leadership they have taught at Liberty University. The text focuses on twenty three “expressions” of leadership, highlighted through a study of seventeen different persons in scripture. The expressions of leadership are also viewed through anecdotes from the lives of extra-biblical persons, various individuals from the realms of commerce, education, politics, ministry, and the like.
    There is little radically new or different in the pages of this book. This reviewer has encountered virtually all of the book’s concepts in other publications. If you already own more than a few books on leadership, this one may only reinforce what you have already seen.

    What is valuable here, though, is the span of concepts gathered into one volume. The authors’ summary of approaches to leadership in the first chapter sets the stage well for all that follows. Their writing has a good rhythm to it, creating an engaging momentum. It is also worth noting that Borek, Lovett, and Towns avoid suggesting that readers find one or a few of the noted expressions of leadership to claim as their own. In fact, they specifically suggest that there are viable lessons to be learned from all of them. Given the breadth of The Good Book on Leadership, there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone to learn something.

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December 2006

American Idols: The Worship of the American Dream

Bob Hostetler

Broadman & Holman Publishers 2006
 

    Idolatry? “Surely not me,” you protest. “Surely not us,” we proclaim. Yet that question faces Christians in America everyday. Can we be so sure that we’re not participating in an eons-old practice of worshiping someone or something that is not God?

    Bob Hostelter proposes just that in American Idols: The Worship of the America Dream. Beginning with the premise of what has become an annually televised talent contest this author makes short work of our protests of complete innocence. This book is not a critique, however, of the television show.

    Hostetler quickly turns his (and our) attention to idols of a much more seductive sort—those embedded into American lifestyle and culture. He sets the stage with a summary of ideas from Exodus 32, where the record of Aaron’s production and the Israelites worship of a golden calf is found. Hostetler calls it the “oldest competition” since false gods have always vied with the true God for peoples’ veneration.

    There are fourteen chapters, each of which identify a specific idolatrous practice which face believers in the U.S. None of these fourteen would catch any of us by surprise; other authors have identified them as well, though not quite as cleverly as Hostetler since he gives each of them a name (consumerism is “The eBay Attitude,” and “The Lexus Nexus” is success, for examples). His attention to biblical examples of all fourteen idolatries is a strength of this book, along with suggestions for repentance and renewal.

    The hard part about reading this book is the likelihood that readers may discover something of their own lack of faithfulness at some point within its pages. That’s precisely why it’s a valuable read. Naming the idolatries in one’s life is an ongoing necessity for full fellowship with a holy and worthy God.

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November 2006

Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement: Confessions of a Former Worship Leader

Dan Lucarini

Evangelical Press 2002

Selling Worship: How What We Sing has Changed the Church

Pete Ward

Paternoster 2005

    The decades-long conversation regarding musical style in worship continues. (Actually, the discussion has been ongoing since the early days of the church, but in more recent times it has become a rather vigorous struggle within the church.) While new talking points seem few and far between at this juncture, two books of recent vintage offer some valuable perspectives.

    One book is Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement: Confessions of a Former Worship Leader by Dan Lucarini. The title is pointed, but somewhat misleading. The author’s writing here takes on the character of a personal journal. Yet he does a commendable job of raising issues and making inquiries that are necessary for discernment regarding musical choices in worship for all congregations and their leaders—regardless of the musical choices they typically make.

    The other book is Selling Worship: How What We Sing has Changed the Church by Pete Ward. Again, the title is somewhat misleading since the author values contact between the church and contemporary culture, and uses the notion of “selling” to describe that interchange. Ward is British, and his analysis of the changes in musical worship reflect that environment (the various collections of songs to which he refers may be unfamiliar; that doesn’t negate the value of his ideas). The author’s perceptions regarding the forces that have created change, the church’s response to those forces, and the results (positive and negative) are accurate and timely.

    Readers from all perspectives are likely to find something to celebrate as well as something irritating in both. These two books, either separately or even taken together, fail to address all of the issues with the church has wrestled (and continues to do so); they attempt no final solutions. Yet for the part of the saga of the church and its music that we are experiencing today, these writers have much to offer.

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October 2006

Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples

Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger

Broadman & Holman Publishers 2006

    When was the last time it crossed your mind to use the words “church” and “simple” together in the same sentence? Would it be recently, in your vague memory, or maybe even never? More than a few of us, I suspect, have wondered if “church life” was just way more complicated these days than it should be.

    Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger would agree. In fact, they have joined the two terms mentioned above for the title of a book—Simple Church. With the subtitle Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples, these two author-observer-leaders have offered a look at church as it ought to be by focusing on elemental activity.

    Rainer is a familiar name to anyone who has kept up with Southern Baptist leadership and literature on congregational study and effectiveness. If you’ve read any of Rainer’s fifteen other volumes, you’ll find a familiar format. Case studies and insightful interpretations of their implications are presented in clear, forthright language. With Geiger (pastor of a multicultural congregation in Florida) adding his voice, the passion for disciple-making in a local context becomes evident.

    At the heart of the authors’ message is a desire for the church to be what it was originally intended to be prior to taking on other agendas that, over time, have over time, clouded that vision. They are insistent that readers not see this as another new church model to be practiced then replaced by next year’s newer version.

    Simple Church is very readable. Yet “simple church” is not easily attained. As Rainer and Geiger point out, the church will have to break itself of old habits (you know, the kind that die hard), and “say no to just about everything.” Jesus’ call to his followers is like that, though; it’s simple—make disciples—but not always easy. Is Simple Church for you and your congregation? I don’t know . . . read the book and find out.

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September 2006

The Seven Minute Difference: Small Steps to Big Changes

Allyson Lewis

Kaplan Publishing 2006

    It’s always good to encounter authors with Arkansas Baptist ties. Allyson Lewis, from Jonesboro, has a recent publication that is worth your attention. The Seven Minute Difference: Small Steps to Big Changes reflects Lewis’ skill and experience as a corporate coach and adviser to businesses and their leaders around the nation.
    Anyone who has read books in the genres of professional development, goal setting, and creativity will find The Seven Minute Difference to be familiar territory. A glance at the Contents page reveals terms that might appear in books of the aforementioned categories; purpose, passion, possibilities, success, expectations, momentum, peak performance, life-changing decisions, and life-changing actions are a few of them.
    Lewis’ writing is highly engaging and nigh unto conversational. Her ability to weave supportive concepts with stories and examples creates an appealing tapestry. The book is coherent without being heavy-handed. Lewis is convincing; she obviously believes her theme, and invites readers to join her in putting the concepts to work. And who couldn’t use a bit of practical advice when making decisions and attempting to sustain the momentum of change?
    There are plenty of small steps (micro-actions) suggested in order to set the bigger changes into motion in the life of the reader. The book also provides diagrams and worksheets to enhance the process. The Appendix includes recommended resources and a guide to the micro-actions. While The Seven Minute Difference is primarily oriented toward the business community, it will appeal to anyone who has regular contact with the public and/or seeks to be intentional about life.

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July 2006

Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers

Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton

Oxford University Press 2005

    Recent research brought this month’s book to my attention. Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers is by Christian Smith with Melinda Lundquist Denton. It details the findings of the National Study of Youth and Religion conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2001 to 2005.

    It’s not often one would recommend a book that represents the results of a survey and interview process—in other words a data and statistical study. Soul Searching is an exceptional book, hence my very strong recommendation that you read it. On first impression, what you’ll be reading is a very well researched, very well written analysis of responses from a properly conducted study. The anecdotal and statistical information used to support the authors’ conclusions is well documented.

    On second impression, however, you’ll find yourself confronted with an all-too accurate portrait of major American religious traditions and two minority religious traditions. The implications of what the teenagers represented by this survey believe and don’t believe, and how they behave in light of their beliefs and unbelief is telling. One of the primary findings of this study is that American teenagers are more religious and more active in religious bodies than one would suspect. What is telling, however, is the disparity between what these teenagers say they believe and what those of us who are parents, teachers, and leaders seem to think teenagers are learning from us and our religious heritages.

    My suggestion to you is that before you read anything else in the book read chapter 4, “God, Religion, Whatever: On Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.” If that chapter doesn’t capture your attention, then you can probably put the book down and walk away. I suspect, however, that you will be gripped by Smith and Denton’s suggestions and decide the study bears more attention. Be brave . . . read Soul Searching.

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June 2006

The Gospel According to America: A Meditation on a God-blessed, Christ-haunted Idea

David Dark

Westminster John Knox Press 2005

    Mark this month’s book as a “must read,” yet do not make the mistake of marking it as an “easy read.” The Gospel According to America: A Meditation on a God-blessed, Christ-haunted Idea by David Dark is the kind of book that can be taken casually only at the risk giving up too early and not considering the author’s invaluable proposals.

    David Dark brings an unusual ability to grasp the inter-connectedness of various dimensions of past and current culture in this country to create space for a necessary conversation. He takes on the question of what it means to be a Christian in America in what he calls this “weird moment” in which we find ourselves living.

    The Gospel According to America is neither strict defense or denial of the issue of church-state separation that continues to garner so much attention in the public eye. Dark’s premises are much more subtle and nuanced than that. This is not a consideration of how to interpret the gospel in light of the American experience. Neither is it even merely a consideration of the American experience through the lens of the gospel. Its sophistication (and I chose this term on purpose) is found in the author’s challenge to what we may encounter as reality based on American culture and myth in light of the ultimate reality that will transcend all worldly constructions—the kingdom of God.

    David Dark has done us a great service. He challenges readers to engage their imaginations before deciding, practice a deliberate silence before speaking, and to consider the ways of Jesus carefully before acting. In the midst of this very intelligent book’s pages you’re likely to some things with which to disagree, some things to gladden your heart, and some things over which to repent. This book is well worth the attention of any follower of Christ living in America today.

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May 2006

The McDonaldization of the Church: Spirituality, Creativity, and the Future of the Church

John Drane

Smyth & Helwys Publishing 2002
 

    I remember hearing about John Drane’s book, The McDonaldization of the Church when it was first released (the original copyright was 2000). A friend of mine mentioned it not too long ago, spurring me to order it. It has been reprinted several times, this latest edition appearing in 2005.

    Subtitled Spirituality, Creativity, and the Future of the Church, this book is quite intriguing. The author, originally from Scotland, also spent several years in the U.S. teaching at Fuller Theological Seminary. His perspective is unique and has been enriched by research and study in both contexts.

    Drawing on the concept of ‘McDonaldization’ originally forwarded by sociologist George Ritzer, Drane critiques the influence of the four primary characteristics of Ritzer’s model on the church. The four are efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control. The same drive toward regulations, procedures, and bureaucratic systems that have made the hamburger chain a world-wide entity has spread to other societies and organizations around the globe. Drane believes these forces have also influenced the church, making it difficult for the church to communicate the gospel in authentic ways.

    While there’s rich reading here for anyone who holds a commitment to the gospel’s vitality in culturally meaningful ways, Drane offers a particular focus on worship. He calls for creativity and flexibility in service to the biblical narrative in the church’s ordered gathering, making the point that any pre-packaged, standardized, one-size-fits-all worship is just one more example of McDonaldization.

    John Drane makes his case. He also calls us to a solid, biblical stewardship of all that the church is called to be and do. The McDonaldization of the Church definitely has my attention. It makes me just uncomfortable enough to imagine that I’ll learn a lot if I’ll keep reading and considering its many facets. I suspect it might do the very same for you.

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April 2006

Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking About Christian Worship Today

Cornelius Plantinga Jr. and Sue A. Rozeboom

William B. Eerdmans Publishing 2003

     My shelves hold a wide spectrum of books on the never-weary topic of Christian worship. Among the many, I have a great appreciation for a particular type of book, the kind that includes the perspectives of multiple authors. Several months ago, I reviewed one of these books, Exploring the Worship Spectrum: 6 Views, edited by Paul A. Basden. This month join me in considering another: Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking About Christian Worship Today by Cornelius Plantinga Jr. and Sue A. Rozeboom.
    Discerning the Spirits is the result of a collaborative research project of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary. In addition to the two primary authors, sixteen others have made contributions to the book, some from previously published material and some appearing for the first time in print here. These writers are all well-experienced practitioners and are committed to the church at worship and on mission. Their perspectives are well worth our attention.
    Discerning the Spirits (and books like it) is valuable for at least three reasons. First, the participation of multiple authors creates a richly instructive mosaic of concepts. Second, the various voices of these authors bound to each other in one book teaches us to speak with one another about worship, rather than at one another. Finally, we discover that God is inclined to honor faithful worship, even when it may look and sound a bit different than the practice within our own congregation or tradition.
    Discerning the Spirits is not an overtly how to book, neither is it a particularly pointed why to book. Its best gift is its sensitivity to God’s call for us to worship in spirit and truth through culturally appropriate acts grounded in uncompromisingly biblical elements of Christian devotion.

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March 2006

God’s Name in Vain: the Wrongs and Rights of Religion in Politics

Stephen L. Carter

Basic Books 2000

    They say there are two topics you shouldn’t discuss in polite company: religion and politics. To bring up one of these topics is to invite at least a vigorous conversation. To bring them up together is to invite spirited and even unpleasant debate. Yet among important issues on the minds of many Americans today are these two themes and, more importantly, the interfacing of the two.

    Among my own recent project-related reading is a book that deals with this very matter. Stephen L. Carter’s God’s Name in Vain: The Wrongs and Rights of Religion in Politics is a well-reasoned exploration of great importance to all of us. The author is a professor of law at Yale University whose several books are all highly respected. He is also a faithful and professing Christian. His examination of the dynamic tension created by our constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom in a democratic society is valuable for anyone interested in either or both of the two dimensions of this topic.

    God’s Name in Vain will take the reader through more than a few intricate nuances of our nation’s political dynamics, about which Carter writes with knowledge and clarity. He writes with equal accuracy about religion in general in public life; yet his perspective is unmistakably Christian, which he openly acknowledges at various points.
    Regardless of your own political inclinations, this book is informative and challenging. The reader will be faced with the necessity for reflection and assessment about life in this country as faithful followers of Christ and participants in our nation’s governing process. While God’s Name in Vain was published in 2000, it is vibrant for today and well worth your time.

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February 2006

Announcing the Kingdom: The Story of God’s Mission in the Bible

Arthur F. Glasser, Charles E. Van Engen, Dean S. Gilliland and Shawn B. Redford

Baker Academic Books 2003

    Jesus came proclaiming the Kingdom of God. While we can readily acknowledge this truth from the gospels, this Kingdom still seems something of a mystery. What is the Kingdom, what is its character, and how can we recognize it? What does it mean for the Kingdom to be already present, yet not fully? And how does the Kingdom figure into God’s grand narrative sweep recorded for us in scripture?

    Announcing the Kingdom: The Story of God’s Mission in the Bible takes this topic on in an especially vigorous manner. Four authors, all faculty members at Fuller Theological Seminary, have offered their well-studied perspectives in this dynamic volume. Arthur F. Glasser, Charles E. Van Engen, Dean S. Gilliland, and Shawn B. Redford draw readers fully into this vital vision of God’s global missionary enterprise.

    Little in the biblical narrative escapes the notice of the writers. While Jesus stands at the center of the missionary nature of his Father’s Kingdom, the story of this Kingdom extends from the earliest moments of creation to the Eschaton and into the far reaches of eternity. Encountering the patriarchs, Israel, Jesus, the church, and the fullness of salvation through the lens of God’s Kingdom activity is truly a majestic and expansive experience.

    At four hundred pages (including Works Cited, Scripture Index, and Subject Index) Announcing the Kingdom is no easy weekend read. It is, however, immensely readable, and remarkably engaging. Its encyclopedic scope makes it an excellent reference for scripture study. While this book’s values are numerous, its best gift is its forthright focus on God who redeems and reigns as sovereign over all time and eternity and creation.

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January 2006

Call Waiting: God’s Invitation to Youth

Larry L. McSwain and Kay Wilson Shurden

Judson Press 2005

    The wisest among us spend an entire lifetime—from whenever that moment of first faith begins—following the unfolding narrative of God’s call in our life. God calls with purposes that transcend time and space, yet they engage us in the Master’s grand narrative very deeply and personally. While God calls persons of all ages, those in the teen years of life are particularly prime for learning to listen and discern that unique call.

    Larry McSwain and Kay Wilson Shurden have brought their personal experiences with God’s call together with their passion for working with young people in a very timely and succinct guide titled Call Waiting: God’s Invitation to Youth. This is big stuff in a small package—just 82 pages. It includes an “Appendix for Leaders,” an outline of “Guiding Principles,” hints for “Using Call Waiting with Groups,” and lists of resources and notes. There is plenty of space for journaling and responding to the thought-provoking questions and assessments provided by the authors.

    The authors’ written manner is very approachable, even conversational. This is not a technical treatise; it’s practical and down-to-earth. Shurden and McSwain know their intended audience, and communicate exactly what they want to accomplish for their readers. Youth are challenged to look inward—know who you are and how God made you, look outward—see the world and its needs, and then to look toward eternity—to a God who is active in the world and looking for persons who will respond to his call.
    The focus of Call Waiting is not merely vocational ministry—this is for all persons who are willing to follow Christ faithfully in every arena of life. It can be valuable for personal study or for groups. This is a tool for helping anyone gain some understanding of how God works to draw people into his kingdom mission. This is crucial for all of us, but especially for people on the verge of adulthood. Call Waiting … who will respond?

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December 2005
C. Marvin Pate and Sheryl L. Pate, Crucified in the Media: Finding the Real Jesus Amidst Today’s Headlines
Baker Books, 2005.
   
    Is it possible, really, to have too much information about Jesus? I would suggest it is if some of that information is simply imprecise or, more dangerously, profoundly deceptive. While Jesus continues to be a somewhat fashionable subject these days, biblical accuracy is not always a faithful companion of those who offer their thoughts in print. In addition to that, our cultural preoccupation with spirituality has only intensified the treatment of faith themes as a commodity. If that is true, how can followers of Christ sharpen their discrimination for the truth?
    In Crucified in the Media: Finding the Real Jesus Amidst Today’s Headlines Marvin and Sheryl Pate offer their collected critiques on a variety of books and what-ifs making the cultural circuit in recent years. Among the issues highlighted are the Gospel of Thomas, The Da Vinci Code, the shroud of Turin, and even The Lord of Rings. The popularity of these and other media and historical attention grabbers has no doubt piqued the curiosity of more than a few faithful Christians.
    Given the power of various media in today’s world, the Pates’ persuasive analysis in the light of scripture is timely. Their perspectives are well informed and their summaries of the material in question are highly accessible whether you are familiar with the material or not. The book’s format is interactive with appropriately pointed and provocative questions included at the end of each chapter. Much of the value of Crucified in the Media lies in its critical method, reminding us that cultural engagement requires faithfulness to the gospel, which in turn requires the discipline of discernment.
    The Pates live in Arkadelphia where he teaches on OBU’s Christian Studies faculty and she is part of the staff of the school’s Elrod Center. I will gladly accept the risks involved in recommending something written by my colleagues—especially a book like this one. It is well worth your time and study.

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November 2005
Timothy L. Carson, Transforming Worship
Chalice Press, 2003.

    Books regarding worship continue to abound. It’s a vital concern for the church worthy of our paramount attention and supreme effort. Not all books on Christian worship speak with authority, not all published resources make valid contributions. That theme is too significant and our time and resources are too precious to read just any book regarding worship.
    That said, can any book on worship which is merely one hundred pages in length be worth your and my attention? Yes. One such volume which offers some unique and valuable perspectives is Timothy Carson’s Transforming Worship.
    Carson draws on the richness of the church’s heritage and existing cultural dynamics without an over-reliance on either and, similarly, without demeaning either. He makes proposals for corporate worship with a transcultural character which honors both context and tradition. Accordingly, Carson seeks to offer principles for integrating “experience with explanation … sense with thought … image with words … creativity with form … silence with sound” and “confession with praise.” (40)
    One of this book’s strengths is also a weakness. Carson loads this space with intriguing concepts and insightful analysis. At various points, he hints at application; readers who desire practical suggestions with every concept will find Transforming Worship a bit wanting. Anyone, however, who is willing to look at this volume as a refresher course on one hand and as exploration of familiar territory in new light on the other will be rewarded.
    Carson’s audience is those who have responsibility for helping their congregation to worship well. He plays the title of this book two ways—seeking to offer his thoughts on ways we can transform worship, which in turn will then transform worshipers for faithful living. On these two counts I find Transforming Worship worthy of my attention, and yours.

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October 2005
Rodney Reeves, A Genuine Faith: How to Follow Jesus Today
Baker Books, 2005

    Following Jesus is not a complicated endeavor. Or is it? Is it as simple as some propose, or as difficult as others surmise? One thing is certain: being a disciple of Jesus requires more—much more—than a small measure of courage.
    According to Rodney Reeves, it seems it takes a lot of nerve to follow Jesus—especially today, and if you’re going to get it right. Getting it right requires cutting through the hype of our present day and getting back to the basics, in particular as recorded by individuals whose physical (as well as spiritual) lives were intertwined with Jesus on this earth.
    In A Genuine Faith: How to Follow Jesus Today, Reeves draws lessons from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Using unique images from each, he makes a powerful case for what it means to follow Jesus today. A particular strength of Reeves’ approach involves the idea that discipleship is most accurately practiced in community, as demonstrated by Jesus in relating to his twelve closest earthly associates.
    Rodney Reeves spent several fairly recent years in Arkansas; he taught at Williams Baptist College and pastored Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro. His writing is passionately pastoral while also exhibiting fine scholarship, things those of us who know Rodney would expect. Beyond that, the best gift wrapped in this book from our friend is a lively journal-like offering from the experiences of a fellow-traveler on the journey with Jesus.
    A Genuine Faith is not a workbook, at least not in the way that many studies are designed for helping people be disciples. It is, however, definitely a book about the work of following Jesus, work well worth the effort. It is remarkable, too, for its ability to help readers hear for themselves those eternity changing words from Jesus “Come, follow me.”

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September 2005
Leonard Sweet, Brian D. McLaren, and Jerry Haselmayer, A is for Abductive: The Language of the Emerging Church
Zondervan, 2003

    Primers are books of beginning. They give us the basics, teach us what we need to know to get started, and give us a good foundation for more learning. A is for Abductive: The Language of the Emerging Church is described by its authors as a “primer with a mission.” This primer is chock full of words—some familiar, some not—arranged in ABC order (a favorite of many primers) representing concepts about the church from some forward-thinking individuals.
    The authors, Leonard Sweet, Brian D. McLaren, and Jerry Haselmayer, are familiar names for many folks. Sweet and McLaren in particular have quite a few books to their individual credit through which they’ve staked a claim on stimulating ways of thinking about the church and ministry. This volume is no exception.
    Their aim? These gentlemen responded to what they sensed was a need for a means of communicating a lot of ideas about postmodern ministry in an accessible format. With A is for Abductive they have accomplished that in a big way.
    Allow me to use two or three words that aren’t highlighted in the book. Is this book provocative? Yep. Is it instructive? Indeed. Confrontational? At points. Valuable? I think so (at least I’m glad I’ve got a copy)
    Should you have a copy? Only if you’re interested in knowing more about terms like “double ring,” “image-rich,” “nonlocalism,” and a long list of others, some of which may surprise you. Oh, and yes, you can also read about “abductive!”

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August 2005
Mark D. Baker, Religious No More: Building Communities of Grace & Freedom
Originally published by InterVarsity Press; now distributed by Wipf and Stock Publishers

    I plucked this month’s book from the half-price table in the bookstore area of a conference I attended earlier this summer. How could I resist a book provocatively titled Religious No More?
    Mark D. Baker brings together three strands of knowledge to create a unique look at a concept often mishandled by many congregations. As a Mennonite missionary, Baker worked closely with congregations in Honduras. As a product of the North American church experience, his perspective will be familiar to most American readers. As a theologian, he draws deeply from Paul’s letter to the church at Galatia. What’s the focus? As a follower of Christ, he shows great concern for the development of what, in the book’s subtitle, he calls “communities of grace & freedom.”
    Baker’s primary concern grew from a lack of authentic Christian community in the churches encountered over ten years on the mission field. In Religious No More, he seeks to identify sources of barriers to true community (community as described in his illuminating study of Galatians) found in the churches of North American as well as Honduras.
    Ultimately, Baker makes a fine and forceful distinction between what it means to be merely religious and truly Christian. Religion, he argues, is born of an individualistic piety unsupported by scriptural teaching. Only in authentic community is Christian faith realized as genuine. Other authors have certainly made the same point; I doubt any have done it more convincingly.
    Many books loose their appeal six years after their first publication date; this one, however, has lost none of its value. Baker’s writing is accessible, and his central thesis is likely to create a hunger for church at its best. I vote with Mark Baker: let’s get beyond mere religion and discover the grace and freedom that comes from bona fide unity in Christ.

July 2005
Kenneth J. Collins, The Evangelical Moment: The Promise of An American Religion
Baker Academic Books, 2005

    Christianity finds itself in the midst of interesting, if not intriguing, times. Followers of Christ are confronted with decisions about how to be the church in the midst of a swelling tide of hotly debated cultural and political issues. This is especially true for that group of Christians called evangelicals, and particularly so in the United States. It seems that part of the challenge lies in knowing exactly how evangelical believers are to be identified.
    Kenneth J. Collins has made a bold attempt at clarifying the matter in his recently published book, The Evangelical Moment: The Promise of an American Religion. This thoroughly engaging and well-researched book has plenty to offer any reader; yet one need not be a scholastic theologian to garner a great number of insights. Collins makes a broad range of doctrinal and practical considerations accessible, including a range of potentially misunderstood philosophical and cultural concepts.
    In addition to his work in defining various strains of evangelicalism and outlining evangelical distinctives, the author calls evangelicalism to account regarding its theology, its intersection with politics, feminism, and ecumenism. The final chapter, “Looking Back and Going Forward” provides a challenge for holding fast to what is best about evangelicalism—what has brought it to this day—while extending its influence into the important days ahead.
    Collins teaches at Asbury Seminary with a particular focus on Wesleyan studies, so his chapter on “The Wesleyan Leavening of Evangelicalism” will be of particular note. This book is a gem for many reasons, not the least of which is Collins’ passionate zeal for bringing the evangel—the gospel story—to this country, in this moment.

June 2005 (b)
Reggie McNeal, A Work of Heart: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders
San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2000.

    Leadership continues to be a hot topic; just check the shelves of most bookstores—including those specializing in materials for the church. Most of these books are at least intriguing, some are worth reading, and a few offer real wisdom and guidance. The challenge for congregational leaders lies in finding material that balances personal and spiritual authenticity with relational and organizational integrity.
    Reggie McNeal’s A Work of Heart: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders is one such book. McNeal’s approach in this volume is pastoral as well as practical, prophetic as well as principled.
    The imagery of being shaped for leadership is well-articulated in A Work of Heart. The author correctly reminds his readers that leading from the heart is a dynamic and on-going process. He first draws lessons from God’s shaping influence in the lives of four biblical leaders: Moses, David, Paul, and Jesus. Then McNeal encourages readers to recognize how God shapes our lives in like manner by acknowledging six influences: culture, call, community, communion, conflict, and the commonplace. The application of the leader’s shape into the church context is a present, though secondary, focus in this book.
    The book’s introduction sets the stage well. McNeal reminds leaders that the first step in learning to lead well is “Looking for God in All the Right Places.” Congregational leaders who look for God in all the wrong places (or look for God not at all) set themselves up for failure, and create havoc for those around them. A Work of Heart offers a path for life-long leadership, and deserves a place on the reading list of any church leader.

June 2005 (a)
Michael L. Budde and Robert Brimlow, Christianity Incorporated: How Big Business is Buying the Church
Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2002.

    There are plenty of books in print offering views on how to be and do church in the 21^st century. Among those meriting our attention is Christianity Incorporated: How Big Business is Buying the Church.
    Michael Budde and Robert Brimlow have crafted an insightful critique of capitalism and the media rich environment engulfing the world today. Their central thesis is two-fold: First, that the powerful institutions and culture industries of the global marketplace are increasingly co-opting Christian symbols and images for ends unrelated to their true meanings; second, that the church faces unprecedented temptations to adopt the strategies of those institutions and industries in order to compete.
    This book is not only interesting, it is significant. The authors are both Roman Catholic and both are professors, one of philosophy and the other of political science. Their grasp of the forces they’ve sought to name is impressive. Their analysis is chilling. Their passion for the radical and counter-cultural nature of Christianity is pertinent for all who seek to be faithful followers of Jesus.
    Brimlow and Budde have sounded a clarion call, and we would be wise to listen. Christianity Incorporated is dense beyond its 178 pages of text, providing indispensable guidance for navigating the milieu in which the church currently finds itself.
    It’s safe to offer two guarantees if you read this book. One is that you’re likely to find yourself uncomfortable with some of Budde and Brimlow’s points. The other is that you’ll be forced to think deeply about the issues involved. Beyond that, you’ll also come to some reinforced understandings about what it means for the church to be in the world but not of it. That always merits our time and effort.

May 2005
C. Randall Bradley,  From Prelude to Postlude: Music Ministry’s Other Six Days
St. Louis, MO.: MorningStar Music Publishers, 2004.

    Being a minister-musician obviously has its visible dimensions. Platform responsibilities make for familiarity with the public side of folks who serve the church through music. Is that all these folks do, however? There’s more—much more—behind the scenes for these skilled, dedicated, servant leaders. This “much more” is the focus of C. Randall Bradley’s From Postlude to Prelude: Music Ministry’s Other Six Days.   
    There are more than a few books available directed toward the goal of worship and ministry leadership for musicians. From Postlude to Prelude focuses on what happens in the between times, when one Sunday’s worship services are done and the next ones begin.
    Bradley is well-versed in all dimensions of the music ministry by virtue of his experience as a student, teacher, and practicing church musician. His writing is clear and succinct. He offers an excellent overview of the music ministry that is nigh unto encyclopedic.
    An experienced minister of music will be familiar with the topics addressed in this book, although they would be hard-pressed to find a more well-organized and broad identification of these matters. Non music ministers would likely experience more than a few “gee, I didn’t know that” moments in reading this book. It could be an invaluable resource for a music minister search committee; indeed, Bradley addresses such groups specifically at some points in the text.
    The sheer number of topics included means that none of them are treated in depth. Yet Bradley’s vast knowledge and experience is also reflected in the two appendixes and bibliography contained at the end of the book. These provide plenty of resources (websites, periodicals, and books) to cover any and all topics raised in From Postlude to Prelude in depth.

April 2005
Marva Dawn and Eugene Peterson, The Unnecessary Pastor: Rediscovering the Call
Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2000.

    Is that really the title to this book—The Unnecessary Pastor? It’s possible that the adjective “unnecessary” caught you attention. Don’t stop there, however. Catch the whole title: The Unnecessary Pastor: Rediscovering the Call.
    Eugene Peterson and Marva Dawn have numerous books to their credit individually. Peterson is long noted for his vibrant encouragement to pastors, as well as bringing the scriptures to us in The Message. Dawn is a theologian and teacher who exhibits a unique enthusiasm for the biblical, historical, and cultural dimensions of worship and ministry. Their combined insights in this book are principally meaningful for anyone involved in ministry.
    Peterson and Dawn call their readers back to what is most necessary about pastoral ministry: equipping followers of Christ to live and serve faithfully. They attempt to cut through much of the culturally mandated clutter that distracts pastors from their true calling, and they do it well. Their theme is clear: many forces conspire to engage pastors in a variety of unnecessary activities. Drawing on the writings of Paul—particularly Ephesians—these authors call ministers back to the essentials, back to the necessities of biblically defined pastoral ministry.
    Anyone who has read books by Dawn and Peterson will discover familiar concepts in this book. Anyone who has not read books by these two might find this to be a good introduction to their work. In either case, any minister will find support here. Readers are also likely to discover the courage to step away from the pressure to be necessary and move toward a more vital, scriptural pastoral identity.

March 2005
Spencer Burke with Colleen Pepper, Making Sense of Church: Eavesdropping on Emerging Conversations about God, Community, and Culture
Grand Rapids, Mich.: emergentYS / Zondervan, 2003.

    Are you willing to do some “step-off-the-edge” reading about church and ministry in the 21^st century? Does the thought of knowing what people who are thinking outside the box about these issues intrigue you? Can you open yourself for some engaging, yet potentially intimidating, learning about what is referred to as the emerging church?
    The book?  Making Sense of Church: Eavesdropping on Emerging Conversations about God, Community, and Culture. Spencer Burke is the author, and creator of TheOoze.com, a website dedicated to conversations about issues facing the church in today’s world.
    Burke has combined his years of ministry experience with a passion for creating stimulating learning environments and the on-line contributions of more than a few wise and very frank people to TheOoze.com. He collaborated with Colleen Pepper (founder of the communications firm Pepper Creative) in crafting an immensely readable book in print format very much akin to blogging.
    Burke and Pepper offer their own perspectives along with those individuals who posted their frustrations and hopes about the church on the web. All of these comments are founded in personal experience and some very pointed (and at times even blunt) comprehensions of reality in post-modern culture. It’s filled with the language of metaphor and journey. Hints for application follow each section.
    When you get your hands on a copy, you’ll notice that even the look of the pages matches the sometimes gritty nature of the contents. Making Sense of Church will be an over-the-top joyful experience for some readers; quite a risk for others. All who read, however, will be drawn into a most necessary conversation—one in which we all have a stake.

February 2005
Duane Elmer, Cross-Cultural Connections: Stepping Out and Fitting In Around the World
Downers Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 2002.

    For most of us, the phrase “cross-cultural experience” may conjure up the idea of a trip to a foreign country. To be sure, travel to distant places puts us in cultural settings distinct from our own. Truth be told, however, most of us—if not all of us—face cultural boundaries every day; just because we don’t recognize the fact doesn’t mean it isn’t so. 21^st century life in a pluralistic society with increasing multi-ethnic dimensions and a two-way street of global realities has brought cultural encounter to our front door with an especially fresh vigor.
    Duane Elmer is a specialist in building cross-cultural relationships. He has brought this expertise to us in his book, Cross-Cultural Connections: Stepping Out and Fitting In Around the World. What a gift this book is, an important one at that.   
    Elmer’s personal journey has taken him from the mission field to the classroom and to corporate training centers. Thus he writes from practical experience founded in a world of understanding. This volume, less than 200 pages in length, is not a compendium of information about other cultures. Rather it is a handbook for learning how to listen, watch and adapt. At heart, its message is about comprehending the forces of culture that shape life everywhere. The book’s impact is heightened by provocative questions, which could be used for group study.
    Even more deeply, however, Cross-Cultural Connections is a valuable read for anyone, whether travel is in your future or not. It makes sense to know how to understand culture as an everyday experience for everyone. We all live in a world where crossing into other cultures can be as close as a drive across town, a moment during a phone call, or even answering an email message. If you’re interested in meeting people and building relationships, especially in mission or ministry, this book is definitely for you.

January 2005
Guy Greenfield, The Wounded Minister: Healing from and Preventing Personal Attacks
Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2001.

    Conflict within groups of people is a normal dynamic of life. While it can be healthy, even invigorating, all of us would acknowledge that it can also be destructive. While many folks would like to think otherwise, this is just as true of congregations as any other group. The residual impact of destructive conflict in a church can be revealed in a variety of ways, not the least of which is in the lives of people, including ministers.
    Guy Greenfield’s book The Wounded Minister: Healing from and Preventing Personal Attacks offers a wise and practical response to the abuse of ministers from an individual with personal knowledge. Greenfield’s experiences as one who has assisted wounded ministers and one who has survived the battle himself validate his message.
    In The Wounded Minister the author wants to give ministers, lay leaders, and congregations some practical help for identifying the sources and symptoms of abusive situations. While aimed primarily at ministers (he uses this term broadly to reference all ministers, not just lead pastors), Greenfield also offers perspectives for lay leaders and other staff members who find themselves dealing with ministers who themselves are abusive.
    Guy Greenfield’s presentation here is intense and direct; his vigor and clarity heighten the book’s significance. This book is immensely readable—not because it deals with a pleasant topic, but because tackles a necessary topic. Every minister should own a copy of this book, read it, and keep it handy. Lay leaders can also find value here, especially those with influence, those who can guide their congregation and its minister(s) toward health.

December 2004
Voddie Baucham, The Ever-Loving Truth: Can Faith Thrive in a Post-Christian Culture?
Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2004

    If you’ve ever heard Voddie Baucham speak, you’ve experienced an articulate, passionate, vigorous declaration of the unconditional nature of absolute truth in the midst of a culture that not only denies the reality of such truth, but is generally hostile to the Christian faith. If you take the time to read Baucham’s book The Ever-Loving Truth, you’ll encounter his assertions, well written and immensely engaging.
    The subtitle offers a glimpse into the book, Can Faith Thrive in a Post-Christian Culture? It’s a valid question, one that seems to lie deeply in the heart of this popular preacher-evangelist. He has a message for the church in this 21^st century, set forth in two questions found, actually, at the end of the book: “Will we bow before the god of culture? Or will we plant our feet, square our shoulders, lift our heads, and give an account to all those who ask us not just what we believe but why?”
    Baucham cuts through theory and supposition about how to be in the world but not of the world. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, and his call to followers of Christ to be faithful in this current day hits home accurately. Baucham isn’t naïve; he acknowledges the challenge of living up to the standard of God’s truth. This book represents an invitation to make a stand; it’s an invitation he backs up with his own life.
    I appreciated the author’s notes and sources in the back of the book. Some readers of this review will be interested in the study guide and video series available for use with groups.
    Baucham communicates his central premises with clarity; he’s neutral on very few issues. The reader is then left to decide and act: Are we willing to do what is necessary for our own faith to thrive in this day?

November 2004
Taylor Field, A Church Called Graffiti: Finding Grace on the Lower East Side
Nashville, Tenn.: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001.

    If you enjoy reading missionary stories, or personal accounts revealing God at work in unusual places, or just gaining perspective on the incredible diversity that exists among the peoples of this earth, then you’re likely to appreciate A Church Called Graffiti: Finding Grace on the Lower East Side by Taylor Field.
    Field has been the pastor/director of East Seventh Baptist Church and Graffiti Community Ministries since 1986. By all accounts, both in the book itself and from information gathered at www.graffitichurch.org, the Lower East Side of New York City is one of those places where the extremes of life co-exist; persons capable of affording high end housing make their homes among those for whom life is difficult if not downright desperate.
    A Church Called Graffiti is quickly read. Yet this story represents no simple walk in the park. In an era when ministry appears, in many quarters, to have taken on an affluent edge, Graffiti Community Ministries thrives in one of the very hard places in North America. This story reinforces the powerful lesson that the gospel is most designed for the places where, on the surface, it seems least welcome.
    My favorite line from this missionary is found on page 8, where Field writes, “I have learned that weakness is the envelope for God’s power.” This is a potent image, as well as a fresh rendering of an idea from Paul’s letter to the Christians at Corinth (II Corinthians 12:7-10).
    I also really like the title of the epilogue, “Loser-Friendly Christianity.” It seems these folks have discovered something essential about the gospel that cannot be taught or even understood through reading. True incarnational ministry and mission are most genuinely experienced by immersion in the neediest venues of life, and that reminder to all of us is this book’s best gift.

October 2004
Richard J. Foster, Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith
New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 1998.

    For most of us, Christianity has been enriched through the timelessness and diversity of faith traditions. Understanding these multi-varied influences can add an incomparable richness to the depth and breadth of our own experience with the faith.
    Richard J. Foster offers an expansive view of six foundational traditions of our spiritual heritage in Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith. Author of the classic Celebration of Discipline, Foster invites his readers to explore these traditions, all of which can enhance the life of any follower of Christ. These traditions, in order of presentation in the book, are the Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical, and Incarnational traditions.
    Foster’s writing, as in his other volumes, is immensely engaging. He not only describes each of these traditions in detail, he draws his readers into the stories of biblical and historical heroes of the faith whose lives demonstrate the character of each. These help the reader personalize the traditions, identifying sources of various dimensions of one’s own experience.
    Two appendixes increase the value of this book as a reference. One is titled “Critical Turning Points in Church History” and the other “Notable Figures and Significant Movements in Church History.” These materials support the text, heightening both the spiritually invigorating and intellectually stimulating nature of the volume.
    Reading this book is a journey—a long one. While I believe you will be encouraged, moved, and challenged as I was by this book, it is not a quick read. Foster’s research is deep and comprehensive; his thoroughness is enlightening yet nearly overwhelming for anyone who chooses to read Streams. The rewards are many, however, and well worth the effort.

September 2004
Paul A. Basden, ed., Exploring the Worship Spectrum
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004.

    Books are good, and so are conversations. Incorporate the latter into the former and you have an unusual approach for dealing with a crucial topic. Exploring the Worship Spectrum makes effective use of a simple idea, creating a highly valuable 270 page resource.
    This book identifies six prominent approaches to corporate worship. Each is given voice by a different author who offers an exploration of their assigned view of worship. The other authors then offer a response from their perspective, each representing one of the other views. The result is six chapters packed with assessment and analysis, one for each of the styles. Essentially, the reader hears six articulate voices of six respected authors on six vivid outlooks on this always crucial theme.
    Some of these authors are familiar—others not so—including Paul Zahl, Harold Best, Joe Horness, Don Williams, Robert Webber, and Sally Morgenthaler. These folks know their stuff and their concise, authoritative writing makes for persuasive reading. I am grateful that the forum for this conversation is print rather than around a table at a conference somewhere; I found something to savor on virtually every page.
    I tend to be a bit wary of attempts to categorize worship styles. Unless we’re cautious we tend to use them to categorize people and congregations, creating an "us and them" mentality. Exploring the Worship Spectrum, however, values all and offers an enriching balance of gracious support with calls for active discernment.
    Editor Paul Basden frames this conversation with essential insights in the book’s Introduction and Conclusion. Taken as a whole, this volume honors biblical principles as well as the Church’s past, present, and future. Leaders and congregations who are having conversations about worship should invite these six voices to join by reading Exploring the Worship Spectrum.

August 2004
J. Daniel Hays and C. Marvin Pate, Apocalypse
Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 2004.

    Let’s get two things on the table. First, the authors of the book in this month’s review are colleagues of mine at OBU. J. Daniel Hays and C. Marvin Pate are persons of deep faith and biblical scholarship who each embody a passion for helping Christians understand the scriptures. Second, I don’t read much Christian fiction. In reading this book I have discovered anew, however, that fiction can do more than simply entertain. It can also instruct and encourage.
    Apocalypse was released earlier this year and is, according to the cover, "a stirring tale of mystery, romance, and persecution." Antonius, a young Laodicean Christian, becomes a key participant in the dissemination of the written account of all that was revealed to John the apostle in exile. Set in the late first century A.D., Antonius’ encounters with Jewish friends and Roman authorities are intertwined with family and personal concerns. The enigma contained in the scroll becomes a jarring reality for the many persons encompassed within the plot.
    Apocalypse reminds us that a prime task in comprehending biblical material is studying the people for whom a text was originally written and the context within which they lived. The meaning of John’s prophetic witness has been much debated, generally with great vigor. Yet any interpretation of the final book in the canon of scripture is deficient apart from an understanding of its original contextual significance. Although the authors have not sought to provide an exhaustive exposition, they have faithfully offered readers assistance in deciphering a necessary text for the church in any day, including our own.
    What messages are contained in the scroll for you and me? For one, it is clear that every decision we make as followers of Christ has temporal as well as eternal consequences, and profoundly so in apocalyptic living. Some hint of the complex days that may lie ahead can be found in Apocalypse. This engaging book is well worth your attention.

July 2004
Robert E. Webber, The Younger Evangelicals: Facing Challenges in the New World
Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 2002.

    Do you really need to read a book about generational issues and the church? Yes you do, if the one you choose is The Younger Evangelicals: Facing Challenges in the New World by Robert E. Webber.
    The Younger Evangelicals is an essential book by a highly respected author, teacher, and voice for worship renewal. Webber has quite a number of books in print; the bookshelves of most evangelical ministers probably hold at least one of his titles. He has brought his unique comprehension of church history, worship, evangelism, and the church’s mission in today’s world together in a volume describing the changing face of Christianity. One bold element of that change is represented by young leaders who are taking up the mantle of leadership in congregations in this twenty-first century culture.
    The transition from the twentieth to the twenty-first centuries has been made complex by the rise of post-modernism. While certainly just one of the dynamics shaping life in the world today, post-modernism requires our attention and Webber offers rich insights for all church leaders.
    The Younger Evangelicals is a fresh word because, while Webber’s analysis of the cultural upheaval is finely drawn, his greater focus is on people—those younger leaders who understand the dynamics of this day so well they are creating a movement that offers bright promise through the emerging church.
    One of this book’s best gifts to every reader, regardless of age, is the invitation to join the momentum. While age is one factor in identifying these young leaders, attitude is the more daring characteristic. Writing in a language that vibrantly balances well-documented study with an urgent, practical message Webber creates an engaging framework for considering his theses. Anyone who is willing to look and listen can learn and be changed.

June 2004
Richard R. Gaillardetz, Transforming Our Days: Spirituality, Community and Liturgy in a Technological Culture
New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 2000.

    Few of us doubt the influence of technology. Whether considering our daily lives, personal relationships, congregations, or societies in the world at large, the impact of the new technological reality into which we have grown is vast. While we would probably not argue the influence itself, we might differ on its significance and value, especially in the church.
    Transforming Our Days: Spirituality, Community and Liturgy in a Technological Culture explores the meaning of technology—particularly as it relates to the Christian church. The author, Richard R. Gaillardetz, acknowledges that technology has reshaped our lives, our homes, and our faith communities, and not always in the most constructive ways. Technology has cultivated an increasing level of disconnection among us all, in spite of its promise to do otherwise.
    Gaillardetz relies on the thoughts of social philosopher Albert Borgmann for some basic concepts, expanding on those ideas as he reflects on the nature of community and spirituality in the church. Of the four chapters, the first, second, and third are the strongest, and well worth your time.
    The author’s commentary is penetrating. He asks provocative questions and offers relevant perspective without dictating simplistic solutions. Transforming Our Days is compelling reading, and its aspirations toward true Christian spirituality and community in the midst of today’s technological environment is inviting. This book is best when taken as one catalyst for your own thinking, not as a stand-alone volume on the issues it investigates.
    This recommendation comes with one caveat: the author is Roman Catholic, and at various points you will find it necessary to read around some doctrinal points. You may not quite agree with him on every count, but you will be forced to deal with some significant and crucial concerns facing us all.

May 2004
Richard J. Mouw, The Smell of Sawdust: What Evangelicals Can Learn from Their Fundamentalist Heritage
Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 2000.

    Back in the fall of last year, a copy of Richard J. Mouw’s book The Smell of Sawdust: What Evangelicals Can Learn from Their Fundamentalist Heritage came into my possession. It came by way of the generosity of friends, the kind of friends for whom you’re thankful because they’re interested in what you think and what you know. What I know and what I think were both challenged and enriched by reading this text.
    Mouw is president of Fuller Theological Seminary, and The Smell of Sawdust chronicles his spiritual and ecclesial life journey. His early life recollections of tent revivals with sawdust spread across the floor provide the backdrop for the learning experiences of his college and graduate school years. These set the stage for a career spent teaching and speaking. The author’s lively manner of writing allows the book to be engaging well beyond its autobiographical nature.
    Mouw also deals effectively with some of the distinctions and commonalities between evangelicalism and fundamentalism; his ideas are presented clearly and concisely. Sawdust is not a detailed essay on these topics, but it is highly informative. Along the way, Mouw touches on ecumenical issues, dispensationalism, and evangelism, among other related themes. The breadth of his experiences combined with the depth of his consideration of each matter is compelling. Mouw’s approach to what some may consider to be difficult concerns is keen yet respectful.
    The Smell of Sawdust is a convincing, heartening, and easily-read book. The title alone is fairly intriguing; it seems to deliver what it implies, and more. Your reward for reading it? A greater understanding of the healthy interplay of these influences that have shaped Christianity in the North American 20^th century is yours for the time and effort.

April 2004
Jerry Sittser, A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.

    There are times when a book from a required reading list distinguishes itself from others on the list, making its mark on the reader in ways that surpass the intention of the list. A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss is one such remarkable book.
    Jerry Sittser wrote this book following a catastrophic loss in his own life. In that regard it is somewhat personal, yet he also includes anecdotal narrative from the lives of other individuals. Significant loss changes a person’s life; unanticipated death, devastating divorce, and sudden unemployment only begin the list. Sittser’s main thesis is that while such loss in life can diminish a person, one’s soul can experience vitality and an expansiveness we might not otherwise know. The journey through the seemingly unbearable pain of loss to well being all depends upon our individual response to the loss.
    If you have ever experienced dramatic loss in your life, you need to read this book. It matters not that the loss is recent or in the distant past. I have already found new strength in regard to such a loss nearly twenty five years ago in my own life.
    And, if you have never experienced dramatic loss, you need to read this book. None of us is immune; loss will touch every life. While loss is inevitable, being permanently crippled spiritually and emotionally is not the only possible outcome. Sittser’s wisdom charts a course for one’s soul to ultimately thrive beyond the loss itself.
    A Grace Disguised is not a book about the grief process, although he describes the soul-wrenching pain in ways with which many can identify. This book’s best gift is in showing us how to live—both after the experience of shattering loss, and even before it as well. A Grace Disguised speaks to the deepest part of our humanity, offering hope and grace. Read it for your own sake, and for the sake of those you love.

March 2004
Philip Jenkins, The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity
New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.

    Anyone who has ever participated in an overseas mission endeavor knows that even among Baptists "church" doesn’t always look and sound the same as within your home context. At best, those experiences are a mere glimpse of Christianity as it appears across the worldwide stage.
    The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity by Philip Jenkins is a challenging read, not so much for its length (only 258 pages including notes) as for its underlying thesis. Jenkins’ historical summary narrative of the spread of Christianity is articulate and well researched. His analysis of the gospel’s expansion in relation to the world’s changing demographics is intriguing. The implications of these dynamics for the influence of European and Western expressions of Christianity are provocative.
    God is at work, to be sure, and Jenkins is clear on this point; there is reason to rejoice and be encouraged. However, another culture’s interpretation of belief naturally takes shape in ways that are foreign in various respects to our own, and The Next Christendom is a clarion call to be acutely attentive. According to Jenkins, the growing edge for the gospel is in the global South, and the results are likely to be vibrant manifestations of the Christian faith revealed in unexpected ways.
    By all means, read this book. Jenkins provides a clear view of the vast face of Christianity around the globe. I suggest reading the last chapter first. "Seeing Christianity Again for the First Time" is more than simply a summation of the book’s premises—it will whet your appetite for all that precedes it. Your comprehension of the gospel’s future impact and the kingdom of God will be far richer for exploring this book.

February 2004
Samuel D. Rima, Rethinking the Successful Church: Finding Serenity in God’s Sovereignty
Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002.

    Samuel Rima’s book Rethinking the Successful Church first came to my attention two years ago. Since then, it has been on and off my bookshelf numerous times; it continues to draw me to its themes.
    This isn’t primarily a book about the church, though it contains distinct implications for the church and its mission. It is neither critique nor apologetic for the church growth movement. Rima is supportive and encouraging on this count while offering wise caution about strategies and formulas.
    The focus here is people who serve as congregational leaders, particularly pastors and staff. Rima describes the struggles of ministry leaders seeking success, clearly identifying healthy as well as suspect dimensions of that search. He names the dangers of misplaced motivations.
    Even more so, however, this is a book about the sovereignty of God as the basis of all true achievement for congregations and their leaders. The author’s descriptions of God at work and our participation in God’s grand designs are refreshing and invigorating.
    Rima has woven these themes together along with twin threads regarding trust and serenity in the midst of ministry. Still, Rethinking the Successful Church is convicting as well as challenging. It should be on the reading list of every pastor and staff member—those who are new to ministry as well as those who are experienced. For all readers, Rima’s message is well articulated, biblical, practical, and spiritually engaging.

January 2004
Mark Buchanan, Your God Is Too Safe: Rediscovering the Wonder of a God You Can’t Control
Sisters, Oreg.: Multnomah Publishers, 2001.

    Rarely have I encountered a book with such meaning that I felt as though my life was the open book rather than the ink-upon-paper before my eyes. It’s astounding to read one’s life so candidly in someone else’s words.
    So it was with Mark Buchanan’s Your God Is Too Safe. On its face, this is a book about God, an especially vigorous one at that. The author writes very personally and engagingly in a way that calls the reader intensely into his central proposals. Buchanan acknowledges his "affliction with chronic spiritual fatigue," and being "spiritually stalled." From the moment I read those statements, this book was about me as well.
    Buchanan uses the image of borderland to describe an experience where we seek to know God on our own terms, to shape our relationship with God based on our needs, and to keep God close, yet with just enough distance not to disturb our lives. We wish for God to be predictable and manageable, creating a safe god who is not the God of scripture at all.
    What follows is an invitation to leave borderland to enter what Buchanan calls the holy wild, where God is anything but conventional, or merely convenient. We’re encouraged to walk away from plenty of worn notions about what it’s like to be a Christian. In the holy wild, the reader is asked to step well beyond self-imposed limits to discover an experience with God that’s marked with awe, splendor, and even danger.
    Each chapter is on point, and this book is worth extended time spent drawing deeply from its substance. Read Your God Is Too Safe only if you’re willing to risk the disruption of the status quo of your Christian faith. If you do, I believe you’ll be grateful, as am I.