Title: The Oxford Bible Commentary
Authors: Edited by John Barton and John Muddiman
Published by: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 978-
PRICE: £23.75 (Paperback)
PAGES: 1300
An essential Bible study and reference work for the 21st Century.
Title: Understanding the Bible
Author: John Scott
Published by: Scripture Union Publishing
ISBN: 978-
PRICE: £5.49
PAGES: 224
What is the Bible really all about? Why was it written and can it be trusted?
Excellence in Leadership
The Pattern of Nehemiah
John White
Inter-
Paperback
English
First published 1986 . . This edition 2001, reprinted 2003
0-
978-
£5.99 (Amazon)
125
Leadership is a privilege. True, but there are times when it feels lonely, difficult, even frightening. The challenges seem to be so great it is hard to know where to begin. Nehemiah shows all of these natural characteristics, but meets them with prayer, courage, down to earth practical planning and hard work and a faith renewed daily through God’s grace, presence and power.
In his short book, Excellence in Leadership, John White has drawn out gems of insight from the account of Nehemiah’s life and work that are relevant for anyone in a leadership role. For example, on The Leader and Prayer in which White recounts asking a prayer warrior what she did when she felt too dry to pray. “I pray just the same,” she said. “Those are the times I most need to pray.” He challenges us over the place of prayer in our church business meetings, suggesting that more might happen and the meetings hear more clearly what God is saying, if the meetings started with a longer time of prayer, rather than having a prayer time at the end.
His insight on organisation is helpful in challenging our programme driven climate of church life. “You see leadership is an interpersonal matter. People do not follow programs, but leaders who inspire them.” How true. So the qualities of a leader and not just what a leader does are important, and that comes over throughout the book.
He is down to earth in applying the lessons in Nehemiah and shows an understanding,
born not only of depth of insight of the book, but also of personal experience. Here
are lessons in reality leadership -
“The fact that he (Nehemiah) was shaped from ordinary clay to become the leader he was should surely encourage us.” John white has done us a great service in helping us to see and understand the practical outworking of the shaping of this remarkable leader, Nehemiah.
The chapter headings and sub headings are themselves informative. The chapters are short, which gives opportunity to read and have time to reflect. Each chapter has questions at the end, suitable for personal reflection or group discussion. It is 125 Pages.
Eagle’s Wings Ministries UK Ltd
Reg Charity No. 1132628
The Jesus Driven Ministry combines both depth of teaching and spiritual refreshment. Ajith Fernando earths this book in a wealth of practical experience and roots it richly in Scripture with a clear focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is refreshing to have a book written from an Asian perspective by a man who has a good knowledge, experience and understanding of the Church in the West. He writes with integrity as he shares and reflects honestly about difficult experiences in his own ministry in order that we may learn from them.
It is a book to read a chapter at a time, making space to reflect on the teaching and insights of each chapter. The first three chapters lay a vital foundation for long term ministry and mission. The third chapter, in particular, addresses an issue that, if not addressed, has the potential to wreck any ministry. Insecurity is a wide spread problem amongst ministers. Sometimes unwitting overcompensation for this leads to a brash and over confident view of one’s own gifts and abilities. Affirmed By God, draws important lesson from God’s affirmation of His Son that are relevant to our personal identity and security as ministers of the Gospel.
“Let us then go into our ministries out of the strength of the identity, security, an significance that come from the fact that we are children of God, accepted by him, and given a role to play in his eternal kingdom.” p60
Chapters on the importance of the Word of God in the life of the minister -
Fernando’s insights and experiences in leading and developing teams and discipling younger leaders are very relevant, helpful and practical. Writing about the ever increasing demands and distractions upon the leader’s time he writes about the importance of our commitment to these younger leaders. “We need to make some tough decisions to ensure that we give discipling priority. … Very high up on our priorities should be caring for the people we lead.” p165.
The chapters are manageable in length to allow time for reflection. It is good to have not only the Scripture references, but the actual quotes as well. Fernando also draws from his breadth of reading in the references he makes to other writers.
Ian Coffey is quoted on the front cover from the Foreword he wrote, “If I could afford
to buy only one book on Christian leadership -
Michael Stear (December 2009)
Chapter Headings
• Identifying with People • Empowered by The Spirit
• Affirmed By God • Retreating from Activity
• Affirming the Will of God • Saturated in The Word
• Facing Wild Animals • Bearing Good News
• Growing In A Team • Discipling Younger Leaders
• Launching Disciples Into Ministry • Ministering to
the Sick and Demon-
• Visiting Homes • Praying
Jesus Driven Ministry
Ajith Fernando
Inter-
Paperback
English
© 2002 -
0-
978-
£8.86
(Amazon)
256
Now and again one gets to read a book that has been around for sometime. At Christmas I was given a copy of The Ragamuffin Gospel. What a soul refreshing yet challenging read it has proved to be.
Brennan Manning combines honesty about his own life -
Throughout the book his passion is to unlock the wonders of what it means, not simply to be saved by grace, but to live by grace and in that amazing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. “The hookers and the swindlers … risked everything on Jesus, and knowing that they didn’t have it all together, were not too proud to accept the handout of amazing grace.” p57
Later he writes, “Living by grace inspires a growing consciousness that I am what
I am in the sight of Jesus and nothing more.” Such truths are the essence of our
freedom in Christ -
What he is addressing resonated with me, relating to my own walk with Christ. It also resonated with fundamental issues I have encountered in the lives of many Christians over the years that have held them back in their walk with the Lord.
It is a book to read and savour, like eating a meal slowly to enjoy the layers of
flavour released as you chew. Read it; pray through the issues that resonate with
you; let it bring a new gratitude for that “grace in which we stand.” Romans 5v2.
In the words Manning uses to close chapter 6, “When the final curtain falls and you
summon me home, may my last whispered word on earth be the wholehearted cry, ‘Grazie,
Signore.’” -
Mike Stear 12th February 2010
The Ragamuffin Gospel
(Authentic Classics)
Brennan Manning
Authentic Lifestyle
Paperback
English
© 1990 , first British Edition 1995 by Alpha
Reprinted 1995, 1997, 2001,
Reprinted
2003 & 2009 by Authentic Life Style
1850785937
978-
£3.89 (Amazon)
Going the Distance, subtitled, “How to stay for for a life time of ministry.”
A colleague and I worked through this book about a couple of years ago, reading two chapters at a time and then discussing some of the key issues that emerged. It was a valuable exercise, especially for me. Peter Brain writes in an accessible style. What he writes is Godly wisdom reinforced with experience from a long ministry.
What is great about this book is that it is practical and down to earth. It’s real! From my own many years in ministry, many of the issues he covers resonate with the reality of the challenges and opportunities, the joys and the pressures, the successes and failures that comprise local church ministry and mission.
Peter Brain covers a wide sweep of issues that face any of us in Christian leadership, including helpful chapters on personal and family life. He has an eye to church members too. As David Jackman rightly says, quoted on the back cover, “Every church leader and every church member would benefit from reading this book.”
The chapter entitled Stress and Adrenalin captures well the roller coaster of ministry,
helpfully pointing out that there can be “good stress”. Throughout the book Brain
gives practical and helpful pointers as to how to maintain a balance in ministry,
for example carefully managing the diary to build in something non-
Mike Stear (3rd January 2010)
Going the Distance:
How to Stay Fit for a Lifetime of Ministry
Peter Brain
Matthias Media
Paperback
English
© 1 January 2004
1876326735
978-
£10.00*
260
*Available in the UK through
The GoodBook Company
John Stott’s ministry of the last 60 years or so is well known across the world in evangelical circles. His preaching and teaching ministry in person, on tape and his many books have influenced Christians across all continents, and Time Magazine placed him as one of the top one hundred most influential people of the twentieth century. Against this backdrop at the age of 88, John Stott has written his last book, “The Radical Disciple”.This short (144 pages) but very powerful book, divided into 8 chapters, with a conclusion, John’s final postscript, ”Farewell”, tackles briefly but profoundly the key issues of being not just Christians but disciples.
The chapter titles, Non-
I was challenged throughout as to my own life in Christ, and I heartily recommend
this foundational, well-
Many of us have had the privilege of meeting and hearing John Stott expound scripture. This book will not disappoint, and although it can be read in a couple of hours, it brings to the fore lifetime challenges for all to face.
Thank God for the life of John Stott, whose commitment to lifelong discipleship, study, research, and then out of that depth to teach others simply, is a legacy which will last well beyond his lifetime.
A second book,”Inside Story, The life of John Stott” by Roger Steer (IVP 9-
Guest Reviewer
Stephen Mourant
Stephen is PARISH MISSIONER
St. Thomas Church, Fair Oak
The Radical Disciple
John Stott
IVP
Paperback
160
English
15 Jan 2010
1844744213
978-
£7.59 (Amazon)
MATTHEW
International Bible Society
and Pathway Media (using NIV) DVD
ACTS
International Bible Society
and Pathway Media (using NIV) DVD
both distributed
by International Bible Society
JOHN
The Visual Bible,
distributed by Visual Bible Society (Good News)
DVD www.visual-
It’s a book, or books, with a difference -
from the very young to the very old.
The filming is excellent and the locations, dress and scenes have an authenticity about about them. The words spoken are only those found in Scripture, NIV or Good News. Chapter and verse appear in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as the DVD runs. It is possible to have a Bible open and the DVD running and to follow exactly what is being shown on the screen in the Bible text.
The menu includes the books being divided into specific sections, each showing the text reference, the theme of the first part of the section and a picture of it. It makes it very easy to find just the section you want to watch and study.
For a Bible study with those with limited literacy skills to start with showing the clip of the passage to be studied has proved invaluable. It has also been helpful when studying another passage of Scripture to refer to something that Jesus said or did, or to some event in the life of the early church, using this visual version of the Bible. Again, if working with those who are challenged by reading and finding their way round the Bible, it is a great tool for keeping the focus on the theme of the study.
Downside -
Not withstanding that, it is an amazing resource in getting Scripture into hearts
and minds, especially of those who find reading difficult. The most memorable and
moving section of any of the DVD’s for me is the portrayal in Matthew’s Gospel of
the healing of the leper -
Mike Stear
13.06.2010
Integrity: Leading With God Watching
Jonathan Lamb
Inter-
Paperback
160
English
© Jonathan Lamb 2006
1-
978-
£8.09 (Amazon)
“Integrity.” We tend to know it when we see it and recognise when it is lacking. Jonathan Lamb opens up this quality, crucial in the life of any Christian, but especially so for anyone in Christian leadership. As John Stott writes in the Foreword, “Integrity is the quality of integrated persons, in whom there is no dichotomy between their public and their private lives, between what they profess and what they practise, between their words and their deeds.” The book unpacks this overarching need for being “integrated persons” and avoids the narrower meaning so often applied to the term. As Lamb states early in the book, integrity rightly understood and applied “can transform the work of leaders, strengthen the work of churches and organizations, and support our Christian witness.”
Sadly, the ministry of too many leaders and the witness of too many Christians has
been compromised by a lack of integrity, no matter how unwitting it has been. Lamb
points out that failure -
In this very readable book, Lamb explores the breadth of this quality and it’s practical
outworking on the life of the Christian. He is ready to spell out the challenges
and the implications and to ask searching questions in a wonderfully gracious and
non-
One of his most searching questions acts as a “one liner” summary -
Challenging, contemplative and compassionate are three words I would use to sum up the qualities of this excellent book. In his penultimate chapter, Living Consistently, Lamb writes, “So the call to live our lives in conformity with God’s standards is one which is accompanied by strong promises of his empowering presence and compassionate care.” What a great assurance.
Book reviewer: Mike Stear (May 2010)
Go to
This is one of those book titles that just catches the eye as you browse the shelves of a Christian bookshop. A very modestly priced paperback with a wealth of teaching on the names of God, but an even greater wealth of devotional reflection.
Ann Spangler covers 26 names with an introduction to each, followed by five devotional sections for Monday through Friday of each week. On each day she takes a different Scripture passage in which the name for the week occurs.
The Bible readings and the reflections are pitched at about the right length for daily use. Each week is simply structured and follows the same pattern. The name for the week is introduced with a key Scripture. Mondays focus on ‘God Reveals His Name’ with a short section on Understanding The Name followed by half a dozen questions to help the reader to study more if they wish. This is not a deep and comprehensive theological study, but a very accessible basic understanding of each name.
Tuesdays to Thursdays are entitled ‘Praying The Name’. After the Scripture text for the day the reader is invited to reflect on the passage in which the text (often several verses, not a single verse) is found; very helpful for understanding the context. Then there is a focus for praise, thanksgiving, confession and intercession.
The week’s reflections end on Friday with a focus on ‘Promises Associated With God’s Name’ and ends with suggestions for continued prayer and praise.
At the same time as focusing on the Lord, Ann Spangler seeks to earth the application in everyday living.
Using the book myself was a time of blessing and fresh insight. It leaves one encouraged to want to explore more about the wonderful names by which God has revealed himself through the pages of Scripture.
Whoever you are -
Mike Stear
August, 2010
Praying the Names of God
Ann Spangler
Zondervan
Paperback
336
English
© 2006
0-
978-
£6.99 (Amazon)
For any serious disciple today this is a ”must – read” on the subject of the Kingdom of God. Derek’s perspective from an evangelical charismatic Vineyard experience provides a breathtaking overview of a full understanding of God’s Kingdom, with an excellent couple of chapters on the history of the development of kingdom theology from the 19th century.
His explanation of the Biblical text from Genesis to Revelation gives his readers a view of God’s great rescue plan that is often unexplained in the local church; he gives an explanation of what the kingdom of God is, how to enter it, what the signs of the presence of the kingdom are, and the tensions between the presence of the kingdom now and not yet. This assists us to an understanding of healing ministry today, bringing both realism and faith.
Every preacher should read this!
Stephen Mourant
Parish Missioner St. Thomas’ Church, Fair Oak, Hampshire.
May 2011
* NOTE: At the beginning of May this book was available second-
Also it is available to download [Amazon Whispernet] to
a Kindle Reader or PC for £7.02 including UK VAT.
Breakthrough: Discovering the Kingdom
Derek Morphew
Vineyeard International Publishing
Paperback
312
English
© 2007
062023495
978-
£26.99 (New from Amazon)*
Leighton Ford spent many years at the forefront of Christian Leadership, including working as an associate of Billy Graham and as a leader and organizer of the Lusanne Congress. At the time that he wrote this book, he was particularly focused on training the next generation of evangelists and leaders.
His book Transforming Leadership is a valuable and timeless contribution to the considerable library on the subject of Christian leadership. He roots all he has to say in the life, ministries and example of Jesus, applying the lessons with an abiding relevance. His wide experience of leadership ensures the down to earth practicality of the applications.
The 14 main chapters examine the nature of Christian leadership and the importance of the character of the leader and the relationship of leaders to one another. Having had long experience as a team player he is able to draw on a wealth of experience.
The heart of the book is well summed up in the chapter on ‘The Leader As Servant’
when
he writes,
“If the kingdom is Jesus’ master thought,
then servant leadership is his master principle.”
(p154)
The essence of kingdom leadership, he writes, is first that it
“is in contrast to worldly patterns”;
second that it is
“internally consistent with the very nature of a community which seeks to live for Christ”;
and third, it
“takes seriously its ultimate model from ‘the Son of Man [who] did not come to be
served,
but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’” (p154)
This theme is woven into the whole fabric of the book. Each chapter is entitled ‘The
Leader as ....’ as Ford explores the leader as, ‘Son’, ‘Strategist’, ‘Seer’, ‘Servant’,
‘Shepherd-
Mike Stear
August 2011
Transforming Leadership
Leighton Ford
Inter-
Paperback
320
English
© 1991-
0-
978-
£7.99
