Review: How to Lead and Still Have a Life

How to Lead & Still Have a Life: The 8 Principles of Less is More Leadership, by H. Dale Burke (Harvest House Publishers, 2004)

This is one of the most influential leadership books in my life (other than the Bible). I have not mastered the principles, but this book has helped me to define what the principles are and lead better. The author states at the outset that we "must stay visionary, mission-focused, and growth-oriented as a leader. Mere management- the maintenance of what is- will not satisfy my leadership soul nor please the heart of my CEO, Jesus Christ." (p 18).

Most pastors feel: "busy, buried, and behind." (p 22). Have you ever felt that way? Perhaps it is time to evaluate your leadership and make some changes. One of my worst fears in this life is to be busy doing things that don't really matter.

Jesus is the ultimate model for leadership. He challenged His followers to dream big with vision, and think globally, and He promised them abundant life while doing so.

Burke defines leadership in three rings. The inner ring consists of the heart of the leader. This is where the leadership battle is won or lost. Christlike leaders are motivated by spiritual convictions and humility that motivates servant leadership.

The middle ring consists of the heart of leadership. This includes imagination- the power of vision; mobilization- the power of letting go; specialization- the power of unique abilities; and innovation- the power of creativity.

The outer ring consists of the heart of execution. This includes concentration- the power of focus and determination- the power of hope.

The most practical section of the book focuses on four areas of time management:

1) Rest Time- Focusing on your health, spirituality, and family.

2) Results Time- Focusing on the "main things" that advance the mission.

3) Response Time- Focusing on cleaning up and following up your "stuff."

4) Refocus Time- Focusing on, and adjusting what and how you should juggle. (p 196)

There are many suggestions offered on how to balance these and control your time rather than allowing your time to control you.

This book is scripturally sound, and very practical in application. The principles apply whether you are in vocational ministry, or in business. I would highly recommend it to anyone in this high paced world that we live in to help you focus on what really matters.

Lessons on Life from Snow Sledding

It is winter in West Virginia, big time. We have had our share of cold weather this year including below zero temperatures, snow, ice, rain and every imaginable combination thereof.

We had a nice snow earlier this week. So nice, that the ice that followed led to the fourth snow day school closing of the week. That's right, the kids have not been to school for four straight days.

One of those days we were able to get outside and go snow sledding while the snow was fresh and still coming down. It was great fun as you can see from the look on the kids' faces.

The following are some fun lessons on life that came to mind while sledding.

1) Sit down, hold on, and keep your eyes open so you know where you are going.

2) It is more fun to ride a sled in pairs or in groups. They go faster that way. It's more fun to go through life with someone else than it is to go alone.

3) Sleds go fast and they pick up speed as you go down the hill. Life comes at you fast and it seems to pick up speed the further into it you go.

4) Sometimes accidents happen. You can't prepare for all of them. When you crash, roll over, dust yourself off, and go again.

5) Smile. It's a lot of fun. Adventure is invigorating. Life doesn't have to always be serious to be real.

Happy winter!

This is Eternal Life

Focal Passage- John 17:1-5

Listen to the Message Here

Key- Verse 3 This is eternal life that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent- Jesus Christ.

Eternal life comes through repentance and faith in Jesus.

Eternal life is not something you get when you die, it is something you get when you believe.

What takes place when you receive the gift of eternal life?

1. Rescued from condemnation.

2. Reconciled to walk with God.

3. Raised to live forever with God.

John 17:15-18 I am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

Eternal life enables us to live:

- A spiritually protected life.

- A sanctified life.

- A sent life.

Book Review: Freedom of Simplicity

Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World, by Richard J. Foster (Harper One, 2005).

Richard Foster is from the Quaker tradition. He has been criticized for his leanings toward Christian mysticism and his loose affiliation with the Emerging Church movement. While I personally would not necessarily agree with everything that Richard Foster writes or believes, I have been personally blessed by many of his writings.

In a word, I would describe Freedom of Simplicity as radical. It is so countercultural that many readers would find it difficult to process. The countercultural nature of the book is what is so refreshing about it.

Foster writes, "Contemporary culture is plagued by the passion to possess. The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that more is better. . . Christian simplicity frees us from the modern mania. It allows us to see material things for what they are- goods to enhance life, not to oppress life. People once again become more important than possessions." (pg. 3)

He goes on to describe it as a "natural and necessary outflow of the Good News of the Gospel having taken root in our lives."

Christian simplicity is defined both as a grace (in that it is a gift of God) and a discipline (in that it is a chosen course of life). Christian simplicity therefore, is a disciplined grace. There is a paradox in it according to Foster. It is at the same time both easy and difficult. The only way it can be attained, is as our lives are hidden with God in Christ.

I believe the author accurately assesses our culture: "Our century thirsts for the authenticity of simplicity, the spirit of prayer, and the life of obedience." (pg. 16). Our century is not sure where to find it however. The sad thing is that for the most part it cannot be found in the church. The church is often one of the most busy and cluttered places that can be found because the culture has had more of an influence on the church than the church has on the culture.

Foster succinctly outlines the Old Testament teaching on the simplicity of life, as it relates to the Old Covenant. He succinctly outlines the New Testament teaching on the simplicity of life, as it relates to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Foster communicates something he calls the Divine Center. At first, this seems mystical and ambiguous. However, after reading his definition of it, I believe it to be thoroughly biblical. He describes it simply as the view that "God in Christ has to be the Center" of everything in our lives. (pg. 95).

We have hints that there is a way of life vastly richer and deeper than all this hurried existence, a life of unhurried serenity and peace and power. If only we could slip into that center. (Thomas Kelly)

The life of simplicity is explored relating to the inward person, the outward expression, the church and the world. According to the author we must take purposeful steps to move in the direction of simplicity.

Inwardly:

- Have a desire to know God and walk with Him

- Discipline ourselves to seek first the Kingdom of God.

- Obey God in every way you can.

- Get up quickly and keep going if you stumble and fall.

- Stop all vain talk about ourselves and others.

- Keep a journal in order to stay focused.

Outwardly:

- Combat materialism in your life.

- Identify with the poor and needy.

- Plan your spending.

- Unplug from a consumptive society.

- Develop the gift of giving, service, and sacrifice.

Foster is very critical of an overly consumptive capitalistic society. Frankly, I recoiled at some of what he states in relation to this. Then I asked myself the question, how much of my resistance is due to truth, and how much of my resistance is due to how deeply I am shaped and molded by the culture I live in? This is a challenging thread of thought that runs through the book.

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Do you have a sense that there must be more to life than getting more and more and consuming more and more? If your answer is yes to these questions, then I would highly recommend you read this book.

Galatians 2:20 and New Year's Resolutions

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

How are your New Year's resolutions coming along? "I didn't make any" you might say. You may not have made formal ones, but even the most lethargic among us tend to look at a New Year and at least consider some things in their lives that need to change and improve.

Perhaps you are doing well and keeping up with the changes you have made. Maybe you aren't doing so well and are struggling. Either way, we have almost made it through one month of the year, but there are eleven more to go!

What is the key to success and victory in your life?

The key is living an exchanged life.

Allow me to be transparent for just a moment. I have been a believer for more than thirty years now. For probably the first twenty of those thirty years, I did not understand or live an exchanged life very well. Much of my focus was on trying harder, doing better, striving in my strength to accomplish something. I had a performance based faith.

I wanted control of my life and I wanted to call the shots. Have you ever been there? It is a defeated place to live your life. It is not productive spiritually.

Then I began to understand something that profoundly changed my life. The only way to gain control over your life is to completely give up control of your life to God. The old person must be crucified with Christ so that the new person can live. We receive the new life by faith in Christ. The life which I now live indicates a past completed action that has continuing results.

The Christian life is not so much a believer's living for Christ, as Christ's living through the believer. I am indwelt by the living, powerful Son of God not because of anything I have done or could do, but because He loved me and gave Himself for me.

The motive for why I live my life must be my love for God who first loved me!

Are you living an exchanged life? If you want victory in 2009, this is the only path. I am not where I want to be, but I am on my way. Life with God is a journey and He takes us where we are but loves us too much to leave us there. His express will is that we be conformed to the image of Jesus. A.W. Tozer wrote, The purest saint at the moment of his greatest strength is as weak as he was before conversion. What has happened is that he has switched from his little human battery to infinite power in God. He has quite literally exchanged weakness for strength, but the strength is not his; it flows into him from God as long as he abides in Christ.

It's not about trying it's about trusting!

Love One Another

Scripture Passage- John 15:9-17

Listen to Sermon Here

The love of God is always first. We love because He first loved us. Our love operates in light of His love.

Key- v17 This is what I command you: love one another.

Three characteristics of love:

* Love is sacrificial. v13

* Love is personal. vv14-15

* Love is obedient. v16

Love drives us to pursue three key relationships:

- Intimacy with God.
- Intimacy with the people of God.
- Intimacy with outsiders.

How are you at sharing God's love?

Thoughts on a Culture of Life

January 18th marks the national recognition of Sanctity of Life. To realize where we are as a nation, one has to take an honest look at the statistics. Since Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion in this country in 1973, over 49 million innocent lives have been prematurely ended. You likely have heard that number before. Perhaps you have hardened your heart to the depths we have fallen to as a nation. Put the numbers in perspective. This is the equivalent of eight Holocausts. Thankfully the numbers are on the decline, but not dramatically. This remains a profound problem.

Not only are there threats to life at the beginning, there are also threats to life toward the end. Euthanasia is on the rise and the discussion has become more mainstream.

I want to share some thoughts with you on what constitutes a culture of life.

1) All human life is created in the image of God.

There is inherent worth to every life because that life is from God.

2) Life begins at conception.

When all of the DNA for life is present, life is contained in it.

3) Life is not expendable at the beginning or the end.

It is not up to man to decide who should live and who should die in terms of innocent life. It is up to God. Life should be valued.

4) To artificially end an innocent life is murder.

To call it anything else is sugarcoating the reality and attempting to make it more acceptable.

What should our response be to this problem?

1) We should repent on behalf of what is happening in our nation.

This is a national tragedy.

2) We should pray for those in positions of authority that they would have the courage to stand for life.

Pray for elected officials that they would make decisions for life. Organizations like NOW, Planned Parenthood and NARAL are proponents of murder. This is an epic spiritual battle and we must pray and cry out to God on behalf of the innocent.

3) We should work diligently to reduce and eliminate abortions.

We should utilize legislative avenues as well as alternative avenues to accomplish this, all the while working within legal boundaries.

4) We should express love and alternatives to those who are considering abortion.

This can be done through crisis pregnancy centers and adoption ministries.

5) We should express grace and forgiveness to those who have made wrong choices and provide them hope and help for healing.

You may not realize it, but we likely all know people who have had abortions. How we deal with this issue can make a profound impact on their lives.

I would also like to communicate a word to the church. Some of my contemporaries who are sometimes referred to as "new evangelicals", do not want to discuss this issue publicly or take a stand on it. Some say there are greater issues to be discussed, and all this issue does is divide.

So, my question is this. Since when did life become a secondary issue? I can assure you God doesn't see life as a secondary issue. To all who refuse to address this issue, I say shame on you. Grow a backbone. Get some courage. Be a voice for the voiceless. You don't have to be mean in how you do it, but speak the truth. I have zero tolerance for those who soft-pedal truth and refuse to speak on the issues of the day when they know better.

Almighty God, help us, heal us, restore to us a culture of life in Jesus' name!

Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well.

Book Review- Future Church

Future Church: Ministry in a Post-Seeker Age (Broadman & Holman 2004) by Jim Wilson

Jim Wilson outlines what he refers to as "fulcrum points" that will position the church to reach this generation with the Gospel. I will outline the 7 points and then provide commentary related to them.

Wilson writes that the church must:

1) Get Creative

He advocates using imagery and examples to communicate truth. According to the author, "some people are not word people- those looking for reasons to believe or principles to follow. They are image people- those who long to synchronize their souls with God's will through beauty, and rhythm. They prefer the picture to the thousand words." (p. 19)

Wilson writes, "Our culture would rather have their truth given to them in story, not in proposition." (p. 34)

2) Get Spiritual

"Future churches are not as concerned with marketing services for unbelievers or entertaining believers as they are in ushering people . . . into the presence of God." (p. 39)

3) Get Radical

"The Gospel has the explosive power to transform people's lives to make the church a radical force in culture . . . Future churches are answering a call to revolution- a call to a radical Christian lifestyle that depends on the power of the Gospel to transform lives and to propel the church." (p. 69)

4) Get Real

"Emerging generations demand straight talk and reality over platitudes and contrived, simplistic solutions. They strive for authentic community and encourage people to be real with themselves, with God and with others." (p. 97)

5) Get Truthful

"Future churches are not hedging their beliefs in the least, they are boldly proclaiming truth as they see it, but they do it without a condescending tone or without taking the expert vantage point. Instead, they allow their listeners to make up their own minds about what to believe, without compromising their own beliefs." (p. 130)

6) Get Multi

"The future church is multi-generational, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural." (p. 162)

7) Get Connected

The future church is interested in connecting people with God, with the mission, with other people in community as the Body of Christ.

Much of what Wilson writes is biblical and accurate. However, one of the major problems that I have with the book is the close connection with the Emerging Church Movement whose theology is fuzzy at best, and heretical at worst.

* The forward to the book sets the tone. In it, Sally Morgenthaler states, "From theology, anthropology, ecclesiology to praxis, nothing has escaped deconstruction." She describes the future church as an "untamed, messy genesis." (p. IX) Herein lies the major problem with the Emerging Church. It is untamed, and messy and in many ways untethered to truth.

* Wilson presents a false dichotomy between what he describes as "word" people and "image" people. It is true that different people think differently according to how they are wired. But his line of reasoning minimizes the importance of propositional truth. For a person to be saved, at some point that person has to come to the point where he or she believes propositional truth about who Jesus Christ is. If image helps to illuminate word, fine, but God has powerfully communicated through His Word.

* I think he is right on in his "Get Spiritual" section in that many people have been turned off by the church growth, marketing oriented approach of many churches. People aren't hungry for a program, they are hungry for the presence of God.

* The "call to revolution" that is referenced related to the power of the Gospel is nothing new. It is simply the New Testament Church in action.

* Wilson states that future churches are avoiding condescending tones in making their point and are allowing listeners to make up their own mind about what they believe. That sounds warm and fuzzy but truth is truth. It is not up for argument and it is not a smorgasbord from which we pick what we want to believe. This line of thinking is problematic if taken to the extreme. It is the mindset of "let's be careful so we don't offend anybody." I don't think Jesus took that approach when He called the Pharisees whitewashed tombs.

* Future churches are multi. This is biblical and a move away from the church growth movement which strongly promoted affinity groups.

This book is thought provoking. It challenges the reader to evaluate how we are doing church and why. If you can move beyond the "let's burn a candle, sing a song, and feel spiritual" mindset, it is an interesting read. But I would definitely borrow the book and not buy it.

A Life of Worship- Sermon

Scripture Focus- Psalm 92 (Listen Here)

A life of worship is God-centered and not man-centered. Worship focuses on the greatness and glory of God. Worship that is biblical has God as its source and subject. Worship that is biblical is comprehensive of all of life- whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God!

* God is faithful in love. v2

* God's works are magnificent. v5a

* God's thoughts are profound. v5b

* God's glory is eternal. v8

Benefits of living a life of worship:

- Joy in the Lord
- Security in the Lord
- Productivity in the Lord

Live a life of worship!

Review: The Road to Unafraid

The Road to Unafraid by Captain Jeff Struecker with Dean Merrill (Thomas Nelson, 2006), is a story of how the Army's Top Ranger faced his deepest fears and found courage not only to do the Army's work, but also the work of the Lord.

Jeff Struecker went into Somalia as part of an elite military force to engage the ruling warlord who was violently abusing and killing his people. What followed was a horrific battle to rescue downed soldiers. No men were ultimately left behind but the price was paid with American blood as many lives were lost. The event inspired the book and movie, Black Hawk Down.

The Road to Unafraid is about much more than a single event even though this is central to the book. It chronicles the life and service of Jeff Struecker. He has fought in every U.S. intitiative since Panama. He was commissioned as a Chaplain in 2000.

It is an account about the love of country, and the love of God. Heroism, valor, faith, determination, perseverance and more are included. It makes one thankful for the freedoms that we enjoy and are blessed with in this country and the price that has been paid for them. It is also a clear reminder of the freedom that we enjoy as children of God and the price that was paid for it.

This book carries a powerful message. It is not an easy read because of the content but it is very moving and powerful.

Perseverance Pays Off

There is an extremely expensive piece of exercise equipment that is advertised that guarantees a total body workout in only 6 minutes per day. So much for truth in advertising. Everyone wants to be healthy the quick and easy way. The problem is, there is no quick and easy way.

The gambling industry promises quick riches. Yet statistics prove this not to be the reality. I have a much better chance of being struck dead by lightning than I do of winning the lottery (if I were to play).

Most people know in their hearts that these empty promises are contradictory. You cannot get something for nothing. Worthwhile accomplishments do not usually come quickly. Perseverance in life pays off.

What are some keys to persevering?

* Keep your eyes on the goal.

When you stay focused on your goal it will encourage you to press on. As a follower of Jesus, your life goal focuses on becoming more like Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him, the author and finisher of our faith.

Luke 9:62 "No one having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

* Don't be afraid of obstacles.

Do not allow anything to hinder you from pursuing your goal. Don't allow trials or temptations to divert you.

”I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

* Depend on God for your strength.

Longsuffering/patience is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. God will empower you to keep moving forward.

When the United States Women’s Softball team won the gold medal in Atlanta’s 1996 Olympic games, they lost only one game, but from that loss came a remarkable story about perseverance. In the fifth inning against Australia, Danielle Tyler hit a home run over the center-field fence. The American third baseman floated around the bases with a rush of adrenaline. When she was greeted by a swarm of well-wishing teammates at home plate she let the excitement distract her focus and she did not touch the base.

When all of the yelling subsided, the Australian team quietly appealed to the umpire who dramatically called Tyler out. Rather than scoring a run, Tyler’s blast over the fence netted her team an out. As it ended up, had the lady slugger stepped on home plate, her team would have won 1-0. Instead, after seven innings of regulation play the game was tied at 0-0. In extra innings, Australia emerged with a 2-1 win and the U.S. team took their only loss of the Olympics.

That disaster on the diamond reminds us of an important lesson in life—it’s important that we finish. It’s not enough to hit a ball into the cheap seats; you have to touch all of the bases as well. Whether you’re talking about a day, a project, a church year, or a life, it’s important that we finish. To excel for a while is no guarantee of success. In Matthew 24:13, Jesus said, “But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.” Likewise, Paul told of his strong finish when he wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course . . .” (2 Timothy 4:7). (Houston Chronicle, July 27, 1996, p. 4B)

Serve or Be Served?

The world is full of self-serving people. "I","me", and "my" are their favorite words. Yet the highest and most virtuous goals in life are reached by those who choose to serve others.

Being a servant requires a heart of love. St. Augustine was asked, "What does love look like?" He replied, "It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That's what love looks like."

A servant desires to give rather than take. You may not be sure what you have to give. Start by giving yourself in service to the Lord out of a heart full of love. Present your body as a living sacrifice.

Consider the example of Jesus: Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

This is the heart of Christianity. This is what sets our faith apart as unique. God does not need our service. He is self-sufficient, powerful, and He glorifies himself by serving us.

He took on human nature and seeks us out. Christ meets us as our servant to carry our burdens and give us His power. Jesus does not need our help. He calls us to follow Him and empowers us to do so. We love because we have first been loved. We serve because we have first been served.

Ask God how you can better serve Him by serving others!

Living An Excellent Life

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord- you serve the Lord Christ.

To excel means "to go beyond average." I want to go beyond average in life because I am serving the Lord Christ and not men. Christ deserves my best, not my leftovers. I want to serve Christ enthusiastically as I pursue excellence.

The following are some keys to living an excellent life:

1) Do not be satisfied with average.

In whatever you are trying to accomplish, make it your personal goal to do it better than you ever have before. Give it your best rather than just getting by. Mediocrity will rot your life and it will stink.

2) Make a commitment to excellence.

People who do this are able to see the big picture of life. They have a strong sense of their purpose and calling. Know what it is that you want to contribute to the world and go for it.

3) Pursue excellence with integrity.

If you do not pass the integrity test, it will not matter what you accomplish with excellence.

4) Respect others as you pursue excellence.

Your excellence does not have to come at the expense of anyone else. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

5) Be willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.

People who excel do not take shortcuts. It takes time to establish yourself and to accomplish anything of significance. Be resilient in your pursuit and willing to do the little things that are important.

6) Be steady in your pursuit of excellence

People who desire to get rich quick fail. People who want to arrive at their destination in life quickly don't. You don't have to hit a homerun every time you step up to the plate. A single will get you on base. Following a brilliant performance, a lady told a concert pianist, "I'd give half of my life to be able to play the piano that well." The performer's response? "That is exactly what I have given."

7) Never stop growing.

Do not seek perfection, but instead seek growth. Never settle in and do it the way you have always done it just because you know how to do it!

My prayer for you is that Jesus would be glorified by your life. When that happens, you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord.

Victory in the New Year- Sermon

Listen Here

As we begin this new year, we should be compelled to think about our lives and the direction we are taking. We need to get our lives in perspective so that we can live life to the fullest for the glory of God.

I want to offer encouragement to you and some practical helps on how to have victory in your life in the New Year in serving God:

1 Corinthians 9:19-27

1) Run to win the race. v24

2) Run with self control. v25

3) Run with purpose. vv26-27

Run to win the prize! Make a renewed commitment to the Lord. When you make a commitment it helps in establishing priorities, making real changes, building character, and staying focused.

Every decision you make should be filtered through the question: Will this help me or hinder me in my goal of winning the race and gaining the prize?

How will you use your time in 2009?

We cannot create time, but we can manage it. The way you manage it profoundly affects your productivity. Every moment is valuable. How will you use your time in 2009?

Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time.

- Live for today.

You cannot change yesterday. You should not daydream about tomorrow. Life must be lived today. Goals for the future are important, but the time at hand is what has been granted to you by God. Ask God how you should use today.

- Evaluate your use of time.

Is what you are doing valuable? Is it worth spending your time on? We should eliminate the things in our lives that are not essential to the purpose that God has called us to.

- Prioritize your use of time.

Keep track of what you have to do each day. Your priority list should be comprehensive of life- personal time, family time, work time. Is your life balanced?

- Make use of all of your time.

Think in terms of being productive with blocks of time, whether small or large. Blocks of time add up to significant amounts of time when put together.

- Take charge of your time.

Do not let other people set your agenda. Obviously much of our time is not completely within in our control. We have work agendas that must be fulfilled, family expectations that must be met, etc. But don't allow other people to decide what is important for you to do.

- Do you have goals? Go after them.

Time is passing, what are you waiting for?

I have only just a minute.
Only sixty seconds in it.
Didn't seek it, didn't choose it.
But it's up to me to use it.
I must suffer if I lose it.
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute.
But eternity is in it. (Author Unknown)

Review: The Church That Prays Together

I plan to review a number of books in 2009. Books will include a broad range of Christian living as well as church ministry books. The books will not be all inclusive of my reading, but are intended instead to provide insight into various books that may or may not be useful to others.





The first book review is The Church that Prays Together: Inside the Prayer Life of 10 Dynamic Churches, by Elmer L. Towns and Daniel Henderson (Navpress 2008).

The authors clearly state their goals for the book: "If you get your church to pray more, we have accomplished all of our passion" (pg 11). They go on to clarify this further: "We want to challenge you to a deeper life of prayer" (pg 13).

Prayer is defined as "a relationship between God and His people; it's nothing more and nothing less. But the way in which God's people express prayer are many" (pg. 133).

The research in this book includes the prayer ministries of 3000 churches. The focus is more on methodology than theology. The theology of the book is communicated from a faith perspective that God hears and answers prayer. The outworking of the book however, is centered on the methodology of churches with effective prayer ministries.

Nine different case studies are included that cover a broad spectrum of prayer methodologies:

- Pastor of Prayer (Jefferson Baptist Church)
- Weekly Prayer Meeting (The Brooklyn Tabernacle)
- Total Program of Prayer (Second Baptist Houston)
- Women in Prayer (Arcade Church)
- The Prayer Room (Lakeview Wesleyan Church)
- A Healing Prayer Ministry (Christ Fellowship)
- Intercession for Leadership (Central Christian Church of East Valley)
- Evangelistic Prayer (Vietnamese Baptist Church)
- Prayer of Faith (Thomas Road Baptist Church)

There are several strengths to the book:

1) There is a clear focus on evangelism.

Towns and Henderson do a good job of focusing on the priority of prayer in evangelism. Vonette Bright, widow of Campus Crusade for Christ founder, Bill Bright wrote the foreward. She wrote, "I love this book because it places prayer in the proper priority- Number 1- for growing healthy churches. Too often modern church growth books emphasize visitation evangelism, preaching evangelism, or TV evangelism. All of these methods are important, but none is as imperative as prayer. Without prayer, evangelism isn't possible."

2) There is a central emphasis on depending on God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

3) There are many aspects of prayer included.

There is not just one aspect to prayer. There are instead many aspects to effective prayer. The churches profiled inspire and teach by example.

4) There are numerous denominations represented in the research.

God is not impressed with denominations and divisions. He is impressed with faithfulness.

5) There are many practical helps.

There is not one methodology presented as the right one, but there are many practical helps offered. There is also a glossary of prayer terms that may be helpful to some readers.

There are a couple of weaknesses to the book:

1) There is no explanation of research methodology.

It is stated that there are 3000 churches included in the research for the book. Yet the book focuses on nine case studies. There is no discussion of the other 2991churches, or of trends that may or may not have been discovered in those churches regarding prayer.

2) There is very little discussion of the difficulties in prayer.

Each of the case studies reflect tremendous results, reportedly from prayer. These results include large numeric gains in the membership of the churches represented. Is that consistent in every church that prays? What about churches that pray and do not experience those same results? It is implied that if a church prays, it will see significant tangible results.

Overall I would definitely recommend this book to the church that has a heart for prayer. It is encouraging and offers significant practical suggestions on how to implement prayer ministries.

Great Expectations for 2009

Hebrews 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

Are you expecting great things for 2009? If you listen to the news, you would think the sky is falling and we are doomed. It is true these are troubling times. I think every era, every time has been troubling in one way or the other. There is currently uncertainty all over the world. Yet God is unchanging. His will is certain and I believe there has never been a more exciting time to be a follower of Jesus!

The story is told of an oustanding swimmer who attempted to cross the choppy waters of the English Channel. Mile after mile she swam the cold, rough waters. Toward the end of her swim, a dense fog set in that limited her visibility almost to zero. She made it within a half mile of her goal, and quit. She called for the lifeboat. Looking back on her experience she said, "If I could just have seen the land, I would not have given up." Limited visibility caused her to give up, and fail in her quest.

Many people have limited visibility in their lives. They see world events, and their own circumstances. They listen to negative thinking and speaking from people around them and call for the boat, and stop swimming. Be careful not to focus on yourself in this new year. Instead focus on God. With God all things are possible!

I think if we are paying attention, God uses our children to keep us fresh. I reflect on my own children who are constantly growing, discovering, dreaming, and hoping. Their view of the world is not yet tainted by cynicism and limitations. They are doing their own original research of the world around them. They are not constantly looking in the rearview mirror of life. I want to live my life that way.

Challenge yourself to grow in your faith in God. Keep looking ahead with anticipation. Refuse to be overwhelmed by what is happening around you. Run strong in 2009.

Happy New Year! Live it for the glory of God.