Reviews (8)

What every church should know!!!
If your church has too many programs, ministries and events that is causing a sense of disconnect, then you must read this book and implement the ideas in it.This book will truly make your life and the life of the church much simpler, focused and effective in being the church rather than doing church.

Mixed feelings for the "simple church" movement
I have read the book, and can say that the idea given is a wonderful idea from which all churches can gain insight.I agree that a cluttered church cannot be as effective as a focused church, but not all focused churches fall into this model.I have not done the statistical work, but I believe there are many churches in this world who are focused to bring its membership through a process of spiritual maturity that does not look like the processes given in the book.
Much needed in the church today
This is a clarion call for the church to return to its original purpose--making disciples. Based on a research project, the authors insist that the church will make disciples when it reduces programming complexity and develops and focuses on a simple disciplemaking process that creates spiritual growth and movement in its members. A must read for today's church that keeps its members busy, but fails to develop their spiritual maturity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Church Administration - General    3. Christianity - Discipleship    4. Christianity - Evangelism    5. Church And Society    6. Church growth    7. Evangelicalism    8. Evangelism    9. Religion    10. Religion - Christian Life   

Reviews (77)

anonymous
This book is amazing! I honestly can't speak highly enough about it. I heard Brother Yun preach last night, and he is completely authentic, real and in love with Jesus. Mostly what strikes me is that hearing the life story of this man makes me realize that God is all-powerful and trustworthy, and a victorious Christian life is possible!

The Heavenly Man
Read it in one day. I couldn't put it down. I had to stop half way through and pray about my spiritual life! I'm buying 10 copies for all the men I know who are serious about their relationship with Jesus Christ. It is like reading the book of Acts but it took place in the last quarter century. I checked to see if anyone could verify some of the incredible miracles mentioned in the book and found statements from people who are closest to Brother Yun and vouch for his integrity. The author checked with witnesses of the events to confirm their accuracy. God help us get as serious as Brother Yun about our relationship with Christ Jesus!

The Heavenly Man
If you feel that you are complaining too much about your life you need to read this book because you will find nothing in your life to complain about. This book is really life changing, it made me examine my own life. AWESOME BOOK, couldnt put it down. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Missions & Missionary Work    4. Religion    5. Religious    6. Biography & Autobiography / Religious   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (111)

This book does not need ANOTHER review but...
Forget all the hub bub, take the book at face value, and you'll find this is a great book with a lot of practical ideas for churches.
A Good Aid to Help Your Church Grow
Whatever you believe about Pastor Warren, in my humble opinion, he has written an excellent book on how to help your church grow.Whether or not you agree with Warren's conservative theology, there is no doubt that what he has practiced at Saddleback Community Church has been very successful in reaching unbelievers for Jesus Christ.
Much better than I expected
Rick Warren is founding pastor of Saddleback Community Church, the fastest-growing Baptist church in American history. This book not only tells their story, but offers a paradigm for how to claim (or reclaim) a purpose for your church. I approached this book very skeptically, expecting to have significant issues with this book because I do have significant issues with Warren's theology. (I am not a fan of Warren's other book, The Purpose-Driven Life.)I was pleasantly surprised to discover a depth to this book that I was not expecting to find.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Church Administration - Church Growth    3. Church growth    4. Evangelism    5. Evangelistic work    6. Parish And Church Management    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church Life & Growth    9. Christian Interest    10. Christian spiritual & Church leaders    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (6)

Not what I expect from the author
I was so excited to receive this book. I loved the author's previous books, especially the O'Malley series. Unfortunately, this book was just plain bad. The story was poorly written, the dialog was choppy, the characters lacked the depth and emotional buy-in of her previous work.
Incomplete Storyline
This book is not up to pare to other Dee Henderson books.I was so disappointed that I actually wasted my time reading it - of course, you don't realize it until the end.I had to keep reading the ending over and over to see if I missed something, unfortunately I didn't.

Disappointed
While the other three reviewers have given this book glowing reviews, I'm afraid that I have to disagree.Things jumped aroung too much and didn't tie together very well.She also ended the book so abruptly that I thought pages might have been left out of my book.There is nothing at the end to let the reader know whether or not the book will be continued.To me, this does not stack up to the O'Malley series or the Uncommon Heros series by any stretch of the imagination.Buyer beware! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Illinois    4. Religious - General    5. Religious - Romance/Contemporary    6. Women private investigators   

Subjects:  1. Adult Religious Education    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Education - Adult    4. Christianity - Evangelism    5. Christianity - Evangelism - Personal Witnessing    6. Evangelism    7. Faith    8. Religion    9. Religion - Church Life    10. Witness bearing (Christianity)    11. Christian Interest    12. Christian mission & evangelism    13. Christian spirituality    14. Religion / Evangelism   

Reviews (15)

What a pleaure
Having this provides one with a fine translation and solid opportunity for interpretation and application.
Spirituality
The Spiritual Formation Bible is enlightening - with tons of insights, prayer suggestions etc.A great Bible for your study or for just reading.

It's ok..but
The notes are good, the material is good, but I don't know, I felt like I was still lacking something.
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Reference - General    3. Bible Study Guide    4. Bibles    5. Bibles - Evangelical    6. Bibles - Other    7. Criticism, interpretation, etc    8. Religion    9. Spiritual formation    10. Christian Interest    11. Religion / Bibles / New Revised Standard    12. Religion / Bibles / Other    13. The Bible   

Reviews (175)

The Mark of the Lion
This series is by far the best I have ever read. Every time I re-read them they bring me to tears- they are that good. The first two in the series are the best but they are all wonderful. Read them, you won't be disappointed!!!!

The Best Christian Fiction Yet!
This series, particularly the first book, has been life-changing and is the best written Christian fiction I've ever read! It is terrific historical fiction, and while I think women are Francine Rivers' main audience, even my husband read this series and recommends it to his male friends. The reading is not difficult, but it's a powerful story! Be warned - there is a description of the seige of Jerusalem at the beginning where a few of my friends have stopped reading, but do read on! The story continues to build, until the end where I was telling myself "O my gosh!!" over and over for hours when I finished. (Don't read the end ahead of time!) I also strongly suggest that you avoid reading the introduction for the second book that is in some later versions of the first novel! Enjoy!

Good enough to steal
I teach at a jail; I purchase many books for my students there.If a book is particularly good, someone steals it.The better it is, the faster it gets stolen.This whole set went missing as soon asword got out that it had to do with early Christianity, The Coliseum, soldiers, man-eating lions, etc.Truly it is a great series, and I hope it is still circulating in one of the jail pods.I like the lessons the books teach, plus they're exciting to read.(All of Francine Rivers' Christian-based books are well-done.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - General    4. Religious - Romance/Historical    5. Christianity   

Reviews (17)

A message for our time
I only have one thing to add to the other reviews about this book and it is this; I really believe that this is a message the Holy Spirit is sending out to the Church in different ways these days. I hope we will have ears to hear.
Good News (For a Change)
In The Myth of a Christian Nation, Boyd makes a direct challenge to those who call themselves Christians but have adopted Caesar (worldly) attitudes and tactics in a wrongheaded and tragic attempt to bring about the kingdom of God in America.The attempt is wrongheaded because, "[Christian] power to speak into people's lives and into the culture has never been given by Caesar, and it therefore can't be taken away by Caesar.Civil religion worries about such things, but not the kingdom of God."182."You can no more have a Christian worldly government than you can have a Christian petunia or aardvark."54
Underdeveloped
In starting, I'd like to say that I really wanted to like this book.The title itself its appealing, and to an extent, I agree with some of Boyd's comments.But as much as I would have liked to nod my head in agreement through and through as I read the book, it turned out that I simply could not do so.
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Subjects:  1. Christian conservatism    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Political Issues    4. Christianity - Evangelism    5. Evangelicalism    6. Kingdom of God    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religion And Politics    10. Religion, Politics & State    11. United States    12. Christian Interest    13. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (7)

How To Communicate
This is not exclusively for preachers - anyone looking to communicate effectively could benefit - but it definitely is for preachers.Amidst all of the preaching books, theologies, theories etc., a book like this would have been most welcome in my seminary experience.Some excellent food for thought, such as, if I can't remember my message or name my point, why should I anticipate that anyone will remember what I said or be able to articulate what I was trying to communicate.The style may not work for you - the approach may not ultimately work for you, but if you are going to be doing any preaching (or public speaking of any sort for that matter) you will find something of use in this book.

Warning to Christian Communicators...
I feel compelled to warn fellow Christian Communicators. This book may make you angry. It just might inspire you to change the way you communicate the life-change message of hope.
Great for pasters and youth communicators
This book encourages communicators to have a single point when they go to present a sermon.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Communication    3. Homiletics    4. Preaching    5. Religion    6. Religion - Worship - Preaching    7. Religious aspects    8. Sermons - Christian    9. CHURCH & MINISTRY / MINISTRY RESOURCES / TEACHING HELPS    10. Religion / Leadership   

Reviews (23)

Life Changing
Being a member of a "discipleship movement", I have deep convictions about world evangelism.Without a doubt, Jesus Christ has been the most influential/impacting man to ever live.How did one man change the whole world? Answer: Discipleship.
This is the Master's plan!!!
This is the best work on evangelism and discipleship that I have ever read and I have read a lot.Virtually every sentence in the book is alive with truth that will impact the reader and leave a lasting impression on how Jesus intended to evangelize the world.

Simple yet Lifechanging
This book changed my outlook on life in just a few hours.It is about Jesus' life and method of reaching out to people.In our day and age many think that conversion is enough, but Jesus made it clear thatdiscipleship is vital.Coleman continually points back to the Bible, referencing the way Jesus lived his life as a model for believers today.This book is amazing.you should read it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - General    2. Christianity - Pentecostalism    3. Evangelistic methods    4. General    5. Jesus Christ    6. Missions & Missionary Work    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church Life    9. Religion / Evangelism   

Reviews (9)

The Shaping of Things to Come
I really enjoyed what the writers had to say concerning the topic. I did think some of their vocabulary was a bit difficult at times. I think the normal reader would like words that are easier to pronounce. They made very good points concerning our culture and reaching them with a differnet approach.

Rock The Boat
You will need some time to read this book.The authors present a new paradigm for doing church and missions in our time.They show us something we already know, that the current model (they call Christendom) is failing - and that attempts to maintain the status quo are costing us ground.I will resist the urge to tell you what I found in this book - it would take too long and others have done this well.If you are tired of the current model of pastoral/teacher, bring the lost to church, sing, give, preach, do it again next Sunday...then read this book.Let's rock the boat and start a revolution - let's be bold and creative about how we do Christianity.Let the Holy Spirit work in us today so that we can be couragous like the followers of Jesus were in the early days of the church!

Excellent
Excellent!An in-depth look and analysis of the success of the post-modern church and trends for the future of the Christian religion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Church    2. Church work    3. General    4. Missions & Missionary Work    5. Religion    6. Religion - Church Life    7. 21st century    8. Christian life & practice    9. Christian mission & evangelism   

Reviews (9)

WTF?
If God were truly wise he wouldn't ask his children
Where Is The Proof
I give this item three stars because it is a good primer on Christianity.However, Ray and Kirk indicate that modern evangelical methods produce 80-90% backsliders.Where are the stats to prove that the Way of the Master method gets better results than modern methods?Have they even collected any data? If so, where is it published?Come on Ray and Kirk...I'm from Missouri.Show me.

JoeBubbit
This book, along with Way Of The Master has caused an epiphany in my spiritual life. Following the examples of Christ and quotes by great men like Spurgeon, Edwards, Luther and more, these books are the most revolutionary I've read in my life. I finally get what GRACE is all about thanks to the law (10 commandments) opening my eyes to the near hopeless condition man is in. Until the conviction of my soul, I've not known what true grace meant. I suggest to every professing christian to buy The Way Of The Master and Biblical Evangelism and check out the website. It will slap you out of complacency and change your life! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Evangelism    2. Christianity - Presbyterianism    3. Evangelistic work    4. Religion    5. Religion - Evangelism    6. Study and teaching   

Reviews (16)

Great critique, good points, keep the baby
Neil Cole sees something that many of us see.The church is shrinking and in trouble.The way we do church now, for the most part, is not growing God's kingdom in any significant way.We are wrapped up in programs and neglecting people.What should we do?
A Challenge to Open Our Minds to a New Paradigm of Church
As other reviews have stated this book lays out some basic principles of the simple church movement which Neil Cole is a part of. We read this book as a part of a leadership discussion/discipleship group of our church. We were all challenged.
Thrilling as an idea, lacking as a book
I could not tell from reading this book the extent to which Neil Cole is really a practitioner of organic church planting or if he is mainly a writer for Leadership Network resources.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Church Administration - Church Growth    3. Christianity and culture    4. Church renewal    5. Evangelistic work    6. Institutions & Organizations    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church Life & Growth    9. Christian mission & evangelism    10. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (3)

Excellent, comprehensive contemporary tool
After completing the share Jesus without fear study, I purchased this Bible for personal use.I marked the Bible as the front area suggests and was able to use this in a personal witnessing situation while on board a flight.I particularly like this Bible version because of the contemporary langage - it speaks English for today.Additionally, the back section of this edition address in Q&A format, typical rejections to the presentation of the gospel message.For example, you are given the typical statement with a guided response and scriptural reference. If you had just one tool, this Bible edition, the Holman Christian Standard, is the most comprehensive tool I have found.It combines the initial five questions (of the share Jesus without fear plan) with the follow up questions in an easy to use format.While it is designed to be used as a witnessing tool, it is a great personal reference or gift for a new believer as well.

Wonderful witnessing tool!
This is an extrememly portable Bible that's great for street ministry.I serve in NYC, and whenever I have someone interested in the tract I've given to them, I ask the questions from the front (I printed them on business cards and made my own pocket for them in the back of the Bible)and lead them through the selected Scriptures.I had the NIV for a few years, but bought the KJV as soon as it was printed.I love it and can't stress enought that this takes away all fear from witnessing.You just step back and let the Word of God work mightily!

Finally - Sharing Your Faith, WITHOUT Fear
This Bible through it's "preface" simplifies sharing your faith.It teaches you 5 diagnostic non-threatening questions to ask regarding the current spiritual beliefs of the individual you are sharing with.Itprovides step-by-step directions regarding "How to Share Your FaithWITHOUT Fear", and outlines scriptures to use with the key being tohave the individual read the scriptures him/herself out loud because"Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God".Thenfinally the entire process is wrapped up with 5 more questions that leadright into salvation.If you have always wanted a "Step-by-Step"nearly fool-proof guide to witnessing, like I have, this Bible and it'stechniques are for you.I have used it 5 different times now and lead 5different individuals to Christ through it.If you are serious aboutwitnessing, evangelizing and sharing your faith,this is the simplest,non-threatening method yet!Just try it once, you'll be amazed at how Godblesses it!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - General    2. Bibles    3. Bibles - New International    4. Christianity - Evangelism    5. Religion   

Subjects:  1. Christian Church    2. Christianity - Evangelism    3. Evangelism    4. Faith    5. Institutions & Organizations    6. Missions & Missionary Work    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church Life    9. Religion - Evangelism    10. CHURCH & MINISTRY / CHURCH LIFE / EVANGELISM & OUTREACH    11. Religion / Evangelism   

Reviews (5)

Good Practical Addition to the Missional Church literature
Minitrea provides a good overview and a few examples of the patterns and practices of missional churches. If you're looking for a pragmatic resource to help your church understand and move toward a missional outlook, this is the book to use. It's not perfect, but it is very useful for a leadership team. I hope others will take from Minatrea's lead and produce more material on the practices of missional churches.

A great summary
I have been looking for a single book to give to church leaders that explains what it means to be Missionsal.I have found it in this book.I'm ordering some additional copies to give away.

useful, but limited
Minatrea proposes to show us what missional churches look like.While his characteristics seem to be useful and would make a good sermon series or introduction to leadership class, he largely draws on 3 or 4 Baptist churches for examples, with an occasional nod to Adam Hamilton @ the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and Brian McLaren and the emergent conversation.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Church Administration - Church Growth    2. Christianity - Pastoral Ministry    3. Mission of the church    4. Missions    5. Missions & Missionary Work    6. Pastoral Theology    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church Life    9. Religion & Beliefs    10. Religion / General   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Church Administration - General    3. Christianity - Evangelism    4. Church    5. Church growth    6. Mission of the church    7. Missions    8. Missions & Missionary Work    9. Parish And Church Management    10. Religion    11. Religion - Christian Life    12. Religion - Church Life    13. Christian mission & evangelism    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (6)

A Home Run
Combining studies on theology, ecclesiology and missiology with a vast array of quotes and insights, this book is a very important book for pastors attempting to transition churches from programmatic to missional or for planters seeking to learn the "code" of the culture where they are planting.
WoW!
This book is recommended to every pastor and their staff who wants to reach their community with the 'real' gospel.Every church staff should read this book, and go through it in honesty...

Breaking the Missional Code
This was one of the best books I have read for a new church planter today! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Church Administration - General    2. Christianity - Pastoral Ministry    3. Missions    4. Missions & Missionary Work    5. Religion    6. Religion - Church Administration    7. Religion - Ministry & Pastoral Resources    8. Social Theology   

Reviews (23)

Thinkers Beware
If you have already concluded that a Christian Republican is an oxymoron, that conclusory statements supported only by anecdotal evidence constitutes a pursuasive argument, that debate is about who can shout and complain the loudest, then this book may be for you.Otherwise, do not waste your time with this book.
What's Wrong with the Right
True to his word, Balmer writes as a jilted lover.He wastes no time in launching into an account the Religious Right's fixation on abortion and homosexuality, which he sees as paradigmatic of what is wrong with the Religious Right.According to Balmer, their fixation is not a function of religious or moral conviction so much as a result of political expediency.
Bush republicans will not appreciate this book
Mr Balmer explains very well the connections between the Religious Right and the current administration/conservative republicans. They make use of the Old Testament to justify their policies on the environment and torture. Mr Balmer 's perspective comes from the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament. I tend to agree with him, although I am not a great believer/follower of organized Christianity. A good book if you disagree with legislated morality and government involvement in your daily life. If you need someone to tell you what to do, who to follow and what to believe, you will not appreciate this book. I see a few of these people have read and reviewed the book already. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. Evangelicalism    3. General    4. History - General History    5. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    6. Political Process - Political Parties    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Religion    9. Religion And Politics    10. Religion, Politics & State    11. Religious right    12. United States    13. Conservatism & right-of-centre democratic ideologies    14. Political parties    15. USA   

Reviews (9)

An informative ethnography
Judging by the blurbs on the back cover of this book, it is directed toward secularists.Sam Harris, author of "The End Of Faith," says of this book, "Our children are gleefully preparing a bright future of ignorance and religious fascism for us all.If you have any doubt that there is a culture war that must be waged and won by secularists in America, read this book."Kevin Phillips, author of "American Theocracy," describes the book as "a frightening portrait."Michael D'Antonio says, "Read this book and you will understand this Disciple Generation and the challenge it poses to a civil society."