Book Report-- Directing Christian Education

Directing Christian Education L
by Michael S. Lawson, Robert J. Choun Jr.

Non-Fiction

This is a uniquely formatted book outlining the concept of a Christian Education specialist. I'm not particularly in favor of a compartmentalization of the education in our church, but the need exists to administer the ministries that educated well.
I also appreciated the essays following every chapter, written by pastors in different-sized churches around the country. It's helpful to read of their strategies (albeit somewhat outdated) in administration.

Book Report-- Models of Religious Education

Models of Religious Education M
by Harold Burgess

Non-fiction

Burgess offers a very deep, very thorough look at different models of education. Not exactly a page-turner, but it is very informational.

Book Report-- Improving Your Sunday School

Improving Your Sunday School M
by Don Anderson

Non-fiction


Another book I got to read by someone I know. And even thought I just had a class with Mr. Anderson on basically the same topic, I did enjoy reading this and reviewing his vast experience.

The content is sourced from Mr. Anderson's many years in Sunday School teaching and administration. This is very timely and profitable for me as a teacher and administrator.

Asking Questions

I had a professor this past semester that was difficult to understand. The questions that he asked to make us think were incredibly hard to understand. Well, they were easy to understand, but what he wanted for an answer was murky. It seemed (I use seem to avoid accusing him of soemthing I don't know) that he wanted answers that were essentially the next thought in his thought process. And it seemed like he wanted that thought process to be our, or, rather, ours to be like his. And it seemed he thought that his lectures were accomplishing just that, so that when asked a question, our minds that were now aligned with his would naturally supply the answer.

It opened my eyes to the plight of my wife and students. I assume they feel much the same as I when at the answering end of such questions. I'm sure that my prof wasn't actually thinking all that I wrote above, and neither am I when I teach. But there may be some expectation of that in some of my thinking, yet to be clarified or rationalized.

Book Report-- Dispensationalism

Dispensationalism M
by Charles Ryrie

Non-fiction

A thorough explanation of Dispensationalism, from a very smart man. While deep, I appreciate Ryrie's ability to speak in easy terms.

While still understanding that I don't know everything (and neither does Ryrie) and still holding great respect for many men who disagree with dispensationalism, I must say that after reading this I am more sure of my agreement with dispensationalism than ever before.

Book Report-- The Cross and Christian Ministry

The Cross and Christian Ministry B
by D.A. Carson

Non-Fiction

This was one of the best books I read all semester. I am thankful I got to count it for collateral reading.

For one, I loved that it was only 137 pages long. A book can be so much more profitable the more readable it is, and by readable I mean, not 400 pages just to understand the premise.

More importantly, though, the truth Carson was able to communicate herein was simply... well... truth. I don't mean inspired, but very illuminating. The cross has rarely been as evident in all of life as in this book.

Book Report-- There Really is a Difference

There Really is A Difference M
by Renald E. Showers

Non-Fiction


For the second time in my college career, I was required to read this book. The first time, I retained very little because I was speed-reading. This time, I was speed-reading but I enjoyed reading about what I have come to know since the first reading.

This is a thorough discussion of the difference between Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism. For the serious scholar, I highly recommend it.

Book Report-- A Short History of the Baptists

A Short History of the Baptists M

by Henry C. Vedder

Non-fiction

This short history is 300+ pages, but it is one of the more interesting books I read for school this semester.

Though this author does not subscribe to a succesionist (Baptist churches can be traced back to the apostolic church) perspective of Baptist history, he does begin in the early church identifying Baptistic theology. The whole of A.D. history is spanned in this overview, up to the early 1900s when this book was published.

Vedder's writing is simply entertaining. I could read his history of anything.

Book Report-- Christian Education

Christian Education L

by tons of people

Non-fiction

A compendium of everything you would ever need to know about Christian Education. I didn't agree with some of it, but some of it was and will be very useful in various Christian Ed. ministries, like Sunday School and Youth group.

Book Report-- Why Small Groups?

Why Small Groups? B
edited by C.J. Maheny

Non-fiction

A simple, concise (not 300pgs, yay!) discussion of why a church should employ small group meetings. I am not sure yet if I would be as gung-ho about small groups as these authors seem to be, but I agree with them in principle.

I truly appreciated the final chapter. It was a solid discussion of the centrality of the local church and served to put the concept of small groups in perspective. I am excited about the church and its always good to read others who think the same.

Book Report-- The Doctrine and Administration of the Church

The Doctrine and Administration of the Church M
by Paul R. Jackson

Just a quick blip- a good, thorough outline of fundamental Baptist ecclesiology and some comments on church practice. Not terribly exciting, but pretty good.

Book Report- A Portrait of Obedience

A Portrait of Obedience B
by J. Murray Murdoch


Non-Fiction

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Something about three hundred pages of church history and biography didn't excite me much, but it was truly a good read.

The title does justice the the character of the man it depicts. Robert Ketcham, though surely not perfect, was certainly wise, eager, passionate, and nearly single-minded in his pursuit of Christ.

It was interesting, too, to see the history of the fellowship to which my church belongs. The fight against modernism in Baptist churches was far more overt then than now and such a fellowship was used, despite its flaws, by God as a refuge for biblical teaching.

Creation Conference

Our regular annual Bible Conference this year focused on Creation. It's not that I don't like Dispensationalism or the History of Fundamentalism, but Creation is just exciting.

I was unfortunately unable to attend but 4 of the sessions. The topics ranged from Dinosaurs and Men to the Big Bang Theory to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.

I held myself back duing the Q &A time, yearning to hear answers to my questions from the mind of such a man as John Whitcomb. My questions, however, are still hardly clarified in my own mind and would require more of a dialogue format.

Of the plethora of good information, a few specific bits stood out:

Dr. John Meyer revealed a convincing diagram showing the amount of land actually above sea level and the amount of water in the ocean. It was entirely clear how a rearranging of the heights and depths could allow a worldwide flood and then contain all the same water.

From D. Mortensen's lecture on the big bang, I was able to see the glaring inconsistency of progressive creationists more than I ever have before. He pointed out that these progressive creationists choose to believe that evolutionists, as scientists, have gotten it right with the big bang and millions of years and work to make the Bible say the same thing. However, the ignore what the same scientists are saying about the future of a big bang-originated, billion-year-old universe-- that it will end in heat death, or a complete frozen state. In this case, the progressive creationists choose unwaveringly to believe the end prescribed by Scripture, the exact opposite.

Book Report-- Pastors and Deacons

Pastors and Deacons M
by John Hartog II

Non-fiction

One of two books I own written by Dr. Hartog II, my professor of OT and NT surveys. There's something kinda neat about reading a book by someone you know.
In fashion similar to his lecturing, he is clear, well organized, and thoroughly Biblical in addressing everything Scripture says about Pastors and Deacons. Both (and multiple) sides of every issue are presented, if they exist. For instance, he explores the requirement of being "husband of one wife" from multiple arguments and explains his own belief solidly and succinctly. Extra bonus: not long-winded.

Book Report-- Family-Based Youth Ministry

Family Based Youth Ministry M
by Mark DeVries

Non-Fiction

I tried really hard to be optimistic (to reverse a trend of negativism in response to past books) going into this book. The title even excited me. But I was disappointed.

When the 11th Chapter begins by stating that we must think theologically about the ministry but the previous 10 chapters contain only two Scripture references (and the 11th only 4), I wonder what this book has to offer me.

I did appreciate that the concept of the family being involved in and even primarily responsible for discipling children was presented. I definitely agree. He did well portray the effects of poor youth ministry, as well. This was his basis for the necessity of the family-based approach and he did further explain that it is a foundational concept, not just a program to add to the existing youth ministry.

This book affirmed what, by God's grace, I have been led to believe about Youth ministry- that the family is the best arena for instruction and discipleship and the youth ministry is a partner, a supplement. I wish I didn't have to read 160pgs to agree with that.

Book Report-- 200 Years and Still Counting

200 Years and Still Counting L

by Wesley Willis

Non-fiction

Admittedly, another book that was on the speed-read list. It details the history of the Sunday School movement through a sort-of collective biography of the major proponents. It also concludes with the author's philosophy of Sunday School.

It was interesting to note that "Sunday School", even by this author's definition can mean a wide range of things. As such, there is nothing inherent in "Sunday School" that makes it glorifying to God. Its a matter of how a church uses the tool. And, thankfully, the church has adapted the tool to use very well in recent years.

Book Report-- The Disciple-Making Pastor

The Disciple-Making Pastor M
by Bill Hull

Non-fiction

The title of this book grabbed my attention. Apparently, the author and I share an understanding of the need for discipling in the church (not to say that others don't).

Though I will not limit my definition of the church to a disciple-making factory, I will say that he does well describe why a church must act as a factory (to put it crudely) of disciples rather than of church-attenders. It need not be massive in numbers- the "megachurch" represents only %0.35 of the churches in America. The Kingdom (I would use "universal church") can grow in more ways than just numbers and can grow as a whole while individual churches don't.

While I agree with his principles, I hesitate put too much trust in a man-made system. Much of the concept of discipleship is based on the examples of Jesus and of Paul, but we cannot draw to many absolutes from examples. We should be flexible, and not just focused on a process or the product. Both must bring glory to God.

Book Report-- Purpose Driven Youth Ministry (LONG)

Summary of the Message of the Book
As expressed quite fully in the title, the message of Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry by Doug Fields is that youth ministry at its best is that which is driven by a purpose. It contends that the purpose that drives this ministry cannot be just any purpose but must be ultimately the glory of God.
The book also sets out to present the strategies and tactics the author has used to accomplish this goal in his ministry experience. He presents the five goals of his church and youth ministry and the nine components that his ministry functions in.

Memorable Thoughts and Quotes
Fields filled his book with several thoughts and quotes that stand out. They may stand out for good or bad reasons, but their distinction is irrefutable.
Of the good that was found in the book, of specific note was the challenge right off the bat in Chapter 1. The first challenge to having a healthy youth ministry is to have spiritually healthy youth leaders. Indeed, as youth ministry is more than mere communication of information, the youth leader(s) will need to have legitimate, substantial spiritual lives with which to influence and set examples for the teens.
Also of note was the warning on pg. 85 that any given event or program cannot accomplish every goal that you have for the youth ministry. It may effective achieve fellowship and instruction, but to also include evangelism, worship, service, and whatever else would be a definite stretch.
The categorical perspective of youth presented in Chapter five was a profitable concept as well. As it is presented as an “adaptable principle” and not absolute truth, it has potential as a tool for viewing my potential audience.
That youth should not be perceived as the “future church” but as “today’s church,” just as much as adults are “today’s church” is a memorable truism that shakes the core of many faulty youth ministry philosophies. Though his application of this truth may differ from my own, I was certainly grateful that he brought it to light.
Of the disagreeable content, worth noting were such statements and thoughts as “Purpose-driven youth ministry is not derived from a way youth ministry was done or should be done, but from how it is being done,” that unbelievers were encouraged to participate in ministry teams, and Scripturally baseless standards for worship environments.

Questions the Book Raised
While much of the book’s content was profitable on a practical level, many questions did arise during the reading. The majority of the questions were generated in the vacuum of Biblical basis for the ministry ideals presented.
Primarily, one must ask if the necessity for, formation and conveyance of, and adherence to the purpose is as important as the purpose itself. If the purpose for the youth ministry’s existence is the glory of God, why is so little mentioned of it?
Second, why is such a “comprehensive” work on youth ministry devoid of the biblical underpinnings of the practical truths it dwells on?
Third, if the type of youth ministry advocated in this book is not supposed to be an entity separate from the church itself (pg. 352), how is it integrated? The picture of a purpose-driven youth ministry presented in the book seemed to be entirely self-sufficient and independent from the church as a whole.

Practical Application
The impact of the book thus far mentioned is not mere acknowledgement of truth. The truths are immediately applicable to my ministry. My philosophy of youth ministry was affected to a degree in the absence of specific comment on Biblical philosophy.
My Biblical philosophy was affected primarily in regards to the concept of the youth ministry within the framework of the church as a whole. As Fields commented late in the book, the youth ministry is not a separate entity from the church, but one part of the overall mission of the church. Much of the teaching of the rest of the book, however, seems to encourage such a separate entity. I was forced to combat such narcissistic philosophies germinating in these pages as I have against the same growing trend in churches all around. I must, rather, perceive ministering to youth in a more restrained role more consistent with the efforts of the church. I believe this will result in a de-emphasis of a youth ministry, but not a de-valuing. It will, at the same time, alleviate many superfluous, man-made issues in youth ministry that this book find necessary to address.
With that work accomplished in the ground work of my philosophy, I am excited to employ specific practical changes. For starters, I will benefit in my lesson plans by evaluating my potential audience against his suggested categories. I can prepare lessons that can be better used by God for a wide spectrum of students, from the biblically illiterate to the knowledgeable but unmotivated.
At the same time, I am learning that it is impossible to accomplish every goal or reach every type of student in a single lesson or event. In the planning stages, a clear concept of who, what, and why will hopefully refine my execution much better.

Evaluation and Recommendation
As with anything uninspired, there is truth to take from this book as there is information to discard. That which proves profitable is primarily practical suggestion for administering a youth ministry while that which is worth discarding is that which is so practical that it exceeds any Biblical realm of actual ministry.
To be fair, though, the concept of a purpose-driven youth ministry is the most Biblical point made in the book. A pointless, wandering youth (or any other) ministry does not bring much glory to God or much fruit. I agree that my youth ministry must be driven by a passion for the glory of God and a desire for Biblically defined growth and fruit.
From this central point flow many helpful suggestions for formation, organization, and administration of the youth ministry. As aforementioned, such a practical suggestion as categorization of audience is constructive to a naïve beginner as myself. I am certain that as I progress in ministry, I will find the myriad of practical suggestions more and more helpful, to the degree that they bring glory to God in their application.
While the purpose-driven concept is its most Biblical point, it attracts unbiblical application. The focus on a unifying purpose quickly evolved into a business-like strategy for success. While the author clearly intends to speak from his practical experience as opposed to developing a biblical philosophy of ministry, I believe the dichotomy was too great. Beyond a foundational Biblical philosophy, the practical means of ministry must also be guided by Scriptural principles. I am not certain how a ministry so driven by such a high purpose as the glory of God can operate without consideration of Biblical principles that are sufficient for all matters of life and godliness.
In summary, I would recommend this book for many of its beneficial, practical suggestions that can be adaptable to the individual youth ministry. I would yet caution the reader to avoid the pitfall seemingly allowed by this book to focus on the means of the purpose more than the purpose, God’s glory.

Book Report-- The Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry

The Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry M
by Doug Fields

Non-fiction

As I will be writing a four-page review of this book for class, I will keep this short.

I will estimate that I agree with %50 of the book and disagree with the other %50. Because it still contains and promotes Biblical truth, it is a tool I can use.

Book Report- The Church Staff Handbook

The Church Staff Handbook M
by Harold J. Westing

Non-fiction

Before reading, I decided that this book was one of those required by my professors that was not as high of a priority. Because of the severe competition among my myriad priorities, this deserved speed-reading. Thus the shorter report.

The basic theme I picked up was that a church staff can and should operate much the same as a marriage and/or a family. Many concepts were explored- teamwork, balance, job description, role clarification, etc.

Though most of the information was stuff I had never thought of before, my basic impression was that there was a lot said about how to run a church without much being said from Scripture. I am sure that there are many factors in church staff life that are not directly spoken of in the Bible, but I would love to see Biblical principles filling in.