Book Blurbs: March 2019

The Character of the Church: The Marks of God’s Obedient People by Joe Thorn (published by Moody, 2011). 129 pages. This is 1 book in a series of 3 (The Heart of the Church and The Life of the Church). While simplicity seems to the aim of this author, profundity and usefulness is not lost in this book. Subjects such as the Bible’s purpose for the local church, baptism, Lord’s Supper, church discipline, church leadership, evangelism and discipleship are the contents of this book. It might be a good resource to give to new or prospective memberships of your church to help them understand the local church’s basic anatomy. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Visit the Sick: Ministering God’s Grace in Times of Illness by Brian Croft (published by Zondervan, 2014). 94 pages. Croft is a gift to the modern church. His blog (Practical Shepherding) is one I visit often, as he excels at giving practical tips and wisdom from experiencing on “all things ministry.” This book comes with that same aim – to equip Christians for how to minister to those who are sick and in need of encouragement, edification, prayer, etc. I would recommend this as a resource to any Christian looking to be more practical in “the one another’s.” BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Unceasing Worship: Biblical Perspectives on Worship and the Arts by Harold M. Best (published by IVP Books, 2003). 226 pages. Bored, bored, bored. The experience of “unceasing” (SEE TITLE) was that this book never seemed to end. My hopes for books that claim to share biblical perspectives is much higher than this book offered. The ramblings of this author on such an important subject did not draw me any nearer to God or give me a deeper appreciation for the God who created me. This is what I call a book fail. BOOK RATING: 4 out of 10 stars.

The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision by Kevin J. Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan (published by Baker, 2013). 221 pages. This is a book that I imagine I will read again and again. How undervalued is the pastor’s job to teach doctrine! Modern prognosticators says pastors need to be more CEO-like or entrepreneurial and rarely do you read they need to be more theological. But doctrine forms the basis for everything we do in church life. This book seeks to recapture that biblical model, and their mission is accomplished. Every member of a congregation – pastor and patron – needs to be familiar with this book. I look forward to referring it often. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever (published by Crossway, 2016). 128 pages. A tremendously helpful “how to” book on discipleship. I won’t recommend another one ahead of it. Typical Mark Dever – very practical, biblical to the core, illustrations of how it looks in his own ministry, etc. If you need a book that will give you the “who”, “what”, “when”, “where”, and “why” of discipleship, this is the book you need to buy and read. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.