Pace and Shaddix’s “Expositional Leadership� argues that the most important aspect of a pastor’s leadership is his preaching ministry. The book navigaPace and Shaddix’s “Expositional Leadership� argues that the most important aspect of a pastor’s leadership is his preaching ministry. The book navigates scriptural, spiritual, strategic, servant, situational, and sensible leadership. The book gets stronger as it moves along and the best chapter is the last, in my estimation.
What disappointed me most was that Pace and Shaddix at times set up unnecessary dichotomies, for instance, preaching v. leadership (they argue leadership is overemphasized today). I wanted to see a stronger emphasis of the pastor’s Eph 4 role of equipping the flock (it is mentioned once, but downplayed throughout).
While there is a lot to appreciate here, there are some blind spots that, if addressed, could have strengthened the book. ...more
John Mark Comer is sort of a modern rabbi with an outsized impact on Millennials and Gen Z, so I think it's important to listen well to a man that manJohn Mark Comer is sort of a modern rabbi with an outsized impact on Millennials and Gen Z, so I think it's important to listen well to a man that many look to for spiritual guidance. Comer's "Practicing the Way" won't be a surprise for any Comer reader. Comer charges us to consider who we are being discipled by and to choose to be discipled by Jesus.
Having challenged the reader to not be a mere Christian, but an apprentice of Jesus, Comer then suggests that apprentices of Jesus have three goals: to be with Jesus, to become like him, and to do as he did. Comer then closes with the most impactful section of the book: how to implement a rule of life. He explains, "The practices are disciplines based on the lifestyle of Jesus that create time and space for us to access the presence and power of the Spirit and, in doing so, be transformed from the inside out."
While the first four sections of the book are good, it's this fifth section that I believe is the most important. Many are convinced they want to be disciples of Jesus, but far fewer actually structure their lives in such a way as to live that out. For those who have read Justin Whitmel Earley's "The Common Rule," you'll spot a lot of similarities between the two.
I'm grateful for Comer and others in helping revive spiritual practices for a new generation. While Richard Foster's "The Celebration of Discipline" remains the gold standard, I think these newer books have a lot to offer. Comer's book does a much better job setting up the "why" than Foster's book does (as well as framing it in terms of grace) and Comer and Whitmel Earley do a good job of situating these practices in the modern world.
Some of Comer's best advice is to think of disciplines in terms of subtraction, not addition. "Following Jesus is not about doing more, but doing less," Comer says. He also urges us to take a balanced approach that involves disciplines of being alone, of abstinence, of engaging in community, and of engaging with God. Finally, I appreciated how Comer considers taking our own personality and spiritual temperament into account in regards to our spiritual disciplines.
Comer does remain a bit of a challenging figure to follow. He is a leader I am inspired by and respect, but he also lives such a different life than the rest of us, it can be hard at times to leap those hurdles to what the rest of our ordinary lives look like. But if you are interested in spiritual practices, this is a great place to start.
I confess I know so little about this subject that it is very hard to evaluate Ari Shavit’s book on the last one hundred years of Israel’s history. I I confess I know so little about this subject that it is very hard to evaluate Ari Shavit’s book on the last one hundred years of Israel’s history. I found him a credible narrator, demonstrating devotion to Israel while also having empathy for the Palestinians and self-critique of the Israel government. ...more
Lots of layers to this fun world-building adventure by Sanderson. There is even some surprising depth that comes out from time to time. And the protagLots of layers to this fun world-building adventure by Sanderson. There is even some surprising depth that comes out from time to time. And the protagonist is unforgettable....more
"The Wrong Side of Goodbye" is another strong Bosch novel by Michael Connelly. Connelly weaves two cases together in this novel for a satisfying concl"The Wrong Side of Goodbye" is another strong Bosch novel by Michael Connelly. Connelly weaves two cases together in this novel for a satisfying conclusion....more
Clarence Thomas's "My Grandfather's Son" is a powerful autobiography focusing on Thomas's early life. It's a book that deserves wide reading, no matteClarence Thomas's "My Grandfather's Son" is a powerful autobiography focusing on Thomas's early life. It's a book that deserves wide reading, no matter what political leaning you have. Thomas owns his own baggage: years of alcoholism--and gives the reader insight into his fascinating childhood and intellectual development. He's an overcomer with a remarkable story.
The only disappointment for me (and I understand why this is the case) is that the story ends when he is inaugurated as a Supreme Court justice. There are so many stories I would love to hear from Thomas during his service as a justice.
Mike McKinley's "Friendship with God" brings John Owen's monumental work "Communion with God" into the contemporary world. It's clear and accessible aMike McKinley's "Friendship with God" brings John Owen's monumental work "Communion with God" into the contemporary world. It's clear and accessible and so helpful. I'll be returning to this book more than once and sharing it with others. At the heart of the book is the invitation that our God who knows us wants to be known by us.
Jordan Peterson’s sequel to �12 Rules� is a fascinating read, whatever your worldview. It’s more nuanced, more religious and more philosophical than hJordan Peterson’s sequel to �12 Rules� is a fascinating read, whatever your worldview. It’s more nuanced, more religious and more philosophical than his �12 Rules.� I found his engagement with the biblical text to be particularly interesting. While not always accurate or faithful, he’s certainly always intriguing in his perspective. He deserves thoughtful read, even by those who might be his ideological adversaries. At the end of the day, though, Peterson’s undergirding Jungian Stoicism leads to an earnest, but ultimately empty life.
This was my second time through Ken Sande's "The Peacemaker." It is an absolute must read for any Christian leader... and frankly, any mature ChristiaThis was my second time through Ken Sande's "The Peacemaker." It is an absolute must read for any Christian leader... and frankly, any mature Christian. Sande's book is robust theologically and immensely practical. It would be great to see a new edition come out as there could be some updates, and it could probably benefit from a little shortening, but overall, this book has been so helpful to me personally and in my ministry.
The last time I read Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling" was in college. The views from the heights of "Fear and Trembling" are magnificent. KierkegaarThe last time I read Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling" was in college. The views from the heights of "Fear and Trembling" are magnificent. Kierkegaard's insight into what it means to have faith in an unfathomable God is so significant to any modern person. The writing can be hard to follow and there are discursus which had me scratching my head. But anyone with any interest in philosophy or theology owes it to themselves to plow through some of the more challenging sections to enjoy the nuggets of gold throughout. ...more
Priya Parker’s “The Art of Gathering� is a simple book that packs more punch than I expected. About a third of the way through it felt like Parker hadPriya Parker’s “The Art of Gathering� is a simple book that packs more punch than I expected. About a third of the way through it felt like Parker had shot all her bullets and I wondered if the book would’ve been better as a blog post. But she saved some nice nuggets to the end and while there is nothing that will change your life here, she delivers on helping the reader re-think how to host successful gatherings. At the heart of her advice is that we have a clear purpose for a gathering that is communicated and that the host not shirk their responsibility to take charge and lead the gathering well.
Miraslov and his colleagues at Yale provide an interesting journey through a variety of religious and ethical systems in search of a "Life Worth LivinMiraslov and his colleagues at Yale provide an interesting journey through a variety of religious and ethical systems in search of a "Life Worth Living." The authors' perspective is as mainline Christians, although they do a good job of being even-handed with the different worldviews presented. I also appreciated that they consistently rebut the fallacy that these worldviews can be made to work together. They are incompatible.
Cloud’s “Boundaries in Marriage� navigates some challenging terrain: how do you honor God, your spouse, and yourself in a marriage with someone who brCloud’s “Boundaries in Marriage� navigates some challenging terrain: how do you honor God, your spouse, and yourself in a marriage with someone who breaks trust.
Cloud’s book was more explicitly Christian than I expected and included a fair amount of scripture, which I appreciated. There are times his use of the passage wasn’t exegetically spot on, but in general, it was pretty solid. Cloud also does a good job to clarify that the intentions of boundaries are not to control the other person nor set up selfishly. On the weaker side is Cloud’s lack of engagement in heart issues. ...more
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