Category Archives: Not quite a review

The Trellis And The Vine by Marshall and Payne

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The Trellis And The Vine: the Ministry mind-shift that Changes Everything
by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
Product Details
Paperback: 196 pages (including app.)
Publisher: Matthias Media
Date Published: 2009

Point: No easy fix, silver bullet, or new program will fix a ministry. Ministry is accomplished and built not on programs but through people. Every believer is to be part of this spreading of the Gospel through disciple making.
Path: The authors explain their ministry mindset through 12 convicting chapters highlighting current ministry models, the necessity of all believers to be disciple makers, and the meaning and means of training.
Sources: The Trellis and the Vine combines Biblical principles with personal experience and practical insight in order to present a biblical view of ministry.
Agreement: This book is biblically based, helpfully arranged, and easy to read. This is not meant to be a treatise on ministry in the local church, but a helpful guide to biblically evaluating and enhancing one’s ministry. The Scriptures are the foundation, the Gospel is the reason, the Spirit is the means, and prayerful dependence is expected.
There are several helpful charts found on pages 56, 85,87,101,117-18,121.
Disagreement: (not really) Marshall and Payne deliberately make this book accessible to all denominations, sidestepping polity and church distinctions. They openly admit this. This can be understood because if one is faithful to the Scriptures, this is the ministry model that with which every believer must be in agreement.
A second question would be whether their formula for discipleship becomes another program. But again, anything can become just a program.
Personal App: Training individuals is not easy nor quick, but essential. Is my ministry based on programs (trellis) or on disciple making (vine)? Am I seeking to grow the trellis or the vine? Am I excited or discouraged to see disciples move on to faithfully minister in new areas?
Favorite Quote: “…wish them the best of British luck” (196). Couldn’t help but laugh after some of their Australian vocabulary repeated surfaced.
Stars: 5 out of 5
Buy 3 copies of the book along with “One to One Bible Reading”. Read them. Giving them out. Read them with others. Repeat as necessary.

Leepike Ridge by N.D. Wilson

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Leepike Ridge
by N.D. Wilson
Product Details
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Yearling
Date Published: 2007

Point: Thomas Hammond, half an orphan, finds himself on a subterranean adventure after a piece of packing foam, a shallow suitor, and a deceiving river conspire against him. He is led into peril, friendship and light, realizing that giving up is not an option.
Agreement: This was a fun, short book. Fast paced, easy to read, not confusing.
Stars: 3.5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

The Craft of Research

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The Craft of Research
by Booth, Colomb, and Williams
Product Details
Publisher: The U of Chicago Press
Date Published: 2008

Is there a need to do research anymore? What is the point of research? How should one go about researching a topic? The Craft of Research was written in response to questions like these. Combining years of experience and learning, Booth (posthumously), Colomb and Williams evaluate the art of research and those who master it.
The authors divide their work into four primary sections. The first deals with the big idea of research, researches and readers. Here the focus is on the background and overarching concepts of research. According to the authors, “we do research whenever we gather information to answer a question that solves a problem…”.
The second section addresses the questions related to starting a project. By asking the right questions, the researcher is able to find a topic, narrow it down, find its significance, and begin working toward an answer. The following movement is then addressing the problems presented with the proper sources of information.
The third section revolves around making claims and proposing ideas. As problems are presented, answers need to be given. These answers must be fair, legitimate and reasoned. 
The final section presents the process of writing and presenting one’s ideas in a clear manner. From preliminary drafting to final editing, the process is challenging but rewarding. In order to accomplish one’s objectives of clearly communicating an idea the researcher must be willing to work.
The Craft of Research has many valuable principles, ideas, and examples to offer the reader. Through clear writing, helpful examples, and a usable format, the authors provide a manual to encourage and guide the reader in his research.

Stars: 4 out of 5

It would be worth another read.

The Modern Researcher by Barzun and Graff

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The Modern Researcher 3rd edition
by Jacques Barzun and Henry G. Graff
Product Details
  1. Publisher: Wadsworth
  2. Date Published: 2003
    Point: The intent The Modern Researcher is to provide the reader with a helpful guide to the formation and publication of a literary work. In order to accomplish their goal, the authors divide the book in two parts. First, the authors detail the principles and methods of research. Second, they discuss the aspects of writing, speaking, and publishing. These two parts are further explained through chapters addressing each main topic.
    The Modern Researcher contributes to the literary field by giving the reader a manual to consult. The material is diverse enough to be a stand alone work. It also is one which would be helpful to consult on a topic by topic basis, answering questions in moments of difficulty.
    One of the strengths of this work is the layout. Subcategories can be easily seen when looking for a specific illustration or idea. A detailed table of contents will facilitate the reader in finding the information needed.
    Along side the usefulness of this work, there are several main drawbacks. The first of these is that the authors provide too many extended illustrations. While helpful in some situations, many of those provided only contributed to the confusion. Shorter illustrations, or perhaps a distinction through formatting would help to correct this problem.
    A second drawback is the antiquity of references concerning the computer. The obvious problem is the speed at which technology is moving, making it nearly impossible to keep a printed work current. However, with the given title, I was expecting something more modern.
    The strength of this work is found in helping the reader to grasp the big picture of planning, reading, writing, and presenting his ideas.
    Stars: 3 out of 5
    It was helpful but others are better.

    Living the Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney

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    Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing
    by C.J. Mahaney
    Product Details
    Hardcover: 158 pages
    Publisher: Multnomah Books
    Date Published: 2006
    Point: The truth of the Gospel must permeate every aspect of my life. Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures, and that is the foundation of my existence.
    Path: This book is basically divided into two key parts. First, Mahaney walks through the story of the cross. Taking individual chapters to explain the physical, emotional, and spiritual elements of Christ’s sacrifice. The second part (placed in several chapters before and after the story of the cross) revolves around the daily aspects of living in light of the Gospel.
    Sources: The author cites many current evangelicals such as John Piper, D.A. Carson, Jerry Bridges, and others.
    Agreement: The message presented by Mahaney needs to be repeated. Taking time to walk through the story of the cross and its ramifications for my life was a great challenge. The author provides personal illustrations and practical suggestions which make this an extremely helpful book. Keeping the chapters short makes it good devotional reading.
    Disagreement: There may be a few verses which I would not have used, a generalization or oversimplification here or there, but no major contentions. Footnotes, instead of endnotes, would have been much more helpful.
    Personal App: The message of this book is both challenging and encouraging. As I read through this book I was challenged to daily repeat the Gospel to myself and others. If I step away from the cross, looking for something more, I will always be disappointed.
    Stars: 4.5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it. We used it as a book study with our youth group and found it to be helpful.

    Simple and Direct by Barzun and Graff

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    Simple and Direct: A Rhetoric for Writers. 4th ed. Harper, 2001.
    by Barzun, Jacques, and Henry G. Graff.
    Product Details
    1. Publisher: Harper
    1. Date Published: 2001
      Point: Write clearly. Read what you have written. Rewrite. Simple and Direct provides a critique of the lazy writer and a challenge to those who seek to rise above the average. Barzun and Graff demonstrate the importance of writing clearly. 
      Path: By providing numerous examples and exercises, the authors demonstrate the pervasiveness of sloppy speech. In an effort to correct this problem, this work addresses key topics through six chapters. Interspersed throughout are twenty principles highlighting the key ideas of writing clearly.
      The goal of the authors is not to provide ten easy steps to be understood. Rather, they seek to show the painstaking effort involved in effective communication contrasted with the devastating results of those who do not take the time. Their message is not easy, but it is necessary.
      Agreement: One of the strengths of this book are the exercises given. If one would take the time to read thoughtfully and thoroughly, doing the exercises given, he would benefit greatly.
      Another strength of Simple and Direct are the twenty principles found throughout the chapters. These short ideas can easily be compiled and reviewed, allowing the reader to remember the advice given.
      The message of this book could not be timely enough. Whether through blogs, websites, or self published ebooks, people are speaking. Everyone has a voice, but few speak clearly. 
      Stars: 4 out of 5
      It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

      Elisha’s Bones by Don Hoesel

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      Elisha’s Bones
      by Don Hoesel
      Product Details
      Kindle: 336 pages
      Publisher: Bethany House
      Date Published: 2009

      Point: Jack Hawthorne, a normal professor teaching normal archeological classes, steps into an adventure which will challenge his past, present, and very uncertain future.
      Path: The reader is led along a mysterious path of a tragic event in Jack’s past, an uncertain relationship with someone he once loved, and a forsaken interest in the Divine.
      Agreement: Though starting out somewhat slow, the reader is caught up with the story. Toward the end it is very hard to put down. The author develops the story and keeps suspense. Paced much like the “Da Vinci Code”.
      Disagreement: Skeptical attitudes toward Scripture are ever present in the background. The premise of the book seems to be “if facts and experience can prove it, I will believe it”. Jack’s “reconciliation” with God was poor. One comes away with the feeling that Jack and God are friends again. 
      Stars: 3 out of 5
      It would be worth another read as a interesting suspense novel.

      The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Michael J. Kruger

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      The Heresy of Orthodoxy: How Contemporary Culture’s Fascination with Diversity Has Reshaped Our Understanding of Early Christianity 
      by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Michael J. Kruger
      Product Details
      Paperback: 232 pages
      Publisher: Crossway 2010
        Point: Diversity over unity. Who needs orthodoxy? The authors of this work confront the ever increasing thought pattern that truth is a relevant term. What is known as Christian orthodoxy was not merely the tallest weed in the garden of philosophy around 100 AD, it holds the truth.
        Path: Looking at the teachings of Walter Bauer, the authors address his presuppositions in three segments. First the authors deal with “Pluralism and the origins of the New Testament.” The second section discusses “Tracing the development of the New Testament Canon.” The final section answers questions concerning “Manuscripts, scribes, and textual transmission.”
        Sources: The authors are constantly addressing Bauer and Ehrman (the popularizer of Bauer). They cite primary sources in the early Church fathers, secondary sources, and current literature. The notes supplied are very helpful.
        Agreement: I appreciated their work on this pervasive teaching of Bauer. Their discussion seemed to be fair and reasoned, avoiding petty attacks and shallow rebuttals.
        Personal App: The teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ has been faithfully preserved through the text of the New Testament. Praise God!
        Stars: 4 out of 5
        It would be worth another read and I would recommend it for someone interested in the studies of the Early Church and Heresy.

        Early Christians Speak by Everett Ferguson

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        Early Christians Speak, vols 1 and 2
        by Everett Ferguson

        Point: The early Church fathers can greatly enhance our understanding of Scripture and Church life.
        Path:  Ferguson sets up his chapters by providing quotations from the fathers followed by an explanation or summarization, and ending with a bibliography.
        Sources: Primary sources, but addresses pertinent secondary sources.
        Agreement: I like the format. Seeing the fathers this way is a good way to be introduced to them. Helpful bibliographies.
        Disagreement: The fathers are not best read in small snippets, but doing this has made them more accessible.
        Personal App: I need to read more of what the fathers had to say. Their devotion and piety challenges my own lack of it.
        Stars: 4 out of 5
        It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

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        The Mission-Minded Family: Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny

        by Ann Dunagan
        Product Details
        Paperback: 219 pages
        Publisher: Authentic
          Point: Your family can and should be involved in missions. God does not ask you to sacrifice your family on the altar of missions, but have you sacrificed God’s commands on the altar of your family?
          Path: Through stories, examples, tips and testimony the author pieces together a feasible strategy for family missions.
          Sources: Compiling resources from missionary biographies, missions agency, and current missions project, the author gives many resources to the reader.
          Agreement: It is not “missions or family” it should be “mission through family.” Too often we think that our lives are too busy caring for our children to think of missions. Rather, we should look how we can involve our whole family in missions.
          Disagreement: The author is a proponent of YWAM and other organizations which confuse missions. Also, the strategies are often focused more on humanitarian aid than Gospel presentation.
          Personal App: How can I involve my family in missions rather than exchanging my family for missions? 
          Stars: 2.5 out of 5
          There are some helpful ideas, but I wouldn’t buy the book.