Mark (The NIV Application Commentary)1 review David E Garland Zondervan, 1996 A thorough commentary - Well worth sticking at. I am very glad I read this book. While I found it hard to get into, once I was past the first few sections I couldn't put it down. His strongest section is where he explores the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. David Garland challenges any romanticised pre-conceptions that the reader may have about ...             The Moral Vision of the New Testament: Community, Cross, New Creation, A Contemporary Introduction to New ...12 reviews Richard B. Hays HarperOne, 1996 Excellent, Balanced Book of NT Ethics + Ethics from an honest man + Great book Dr. Hays has a very balanced, comprehensive look at New Testament ethics. It is an excellent tool for students, educators and pastors. I have been challenged in my own understanding of ethics through reading this book.             Church on the Other Side, The14 reviews Brian D. McLaren Zondervan, 2003 Engage the Postmodern World + Back to the Future + The Postmodern Church There is little doubt left that the word in which we live is undergoing vast changes. The question is how we are to understand and respond to these changes. In The Church on the Other Side, Brian McLaren suggests that a new world requires a new church. McLaren provides thirteen strategies to guide ...             Rethinking the Successful Church: Finding Serenity in God's Sovereignty1 review Samuel D. Rima Baker Books, 2002 MEGACHURCH MANIA Ministers and seminary students should read this book. There is so much emphasis out there on grow grow grow, and Samuel Rima cuts to the heart of this. I found that his book raised incredibly challenging issues for my seminary students and I would continue to use it were I still teaching (see ...             Always Wear Clean Underwear: And Other Lessons My Mother Taught Me1 review Lillian Hinds The Lilly Pond, 2003 Awesome book This is a great book. You will laugh and you will cry--guaranteed. Great parenting advice--especially for ministers trying to raise ministers' children.             21st Century Pastor4 reviews David C. Fisher Zondervan, 1996 fisher's book + God's Master Builders + Helping laypeople help their pastor + A fantastic help to my doubts, a stimulous to go ahead             Preaching9 reviews Fred B. Craddock Abingdon Press, 1990 Review of "Preaching" by Craddock + An Outstanding Resource! + Craddock at his Best "Preaching" is one of the first books on homiletics (Preaching) that I read. I was moved to reconsider everything about my preaching - from my study to the organization of the sermon to the delivery. "Preaching" is an excellent book for the beginner or the seasoned preacher/teacher. It offers ...             Freedom for Ministry Richard John Neuhaus Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1992 Taking a look at today's Church and religious situation, Neuhaus argues that there is a necessary awkwardness about Christian ministry because we are ambassadors of a "disputed sovereignty". Neuhaus also discusses the minister as leader of worship and the art, discipline, and "absurd responsibility" of being a preacher.             Palestine in the Time of Jesus: Social Structures and Social Conflicts5 reviews K. C. Hanson, Douglas E. Oakman Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2002 The complicated story of a rich and conflicted land + Outstanding Diagrams and Clear Information + Palistine in the time of Jesus + Understanding the World Jesus Lived In             Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work3 reviews Eugene H. Peterson Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1992 Excellent resource for preaching and community + A Pastoral tour through the Megilloth + Not Ministry As Usual Eugene Peterson is my mentor's mentor, and has become mine as well. His insight and mastery at the art of crafting words makes all of his books easy, enjoyable and highly challanging resources for spiritual formation, especially for the pastor. In Five Smooth Stones, Peterson challanges us as ...             Deep Memory, Exuberant Hope: Contested Truth in a Post-Christian World2 reviews Walter Brueggemann Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2000 Another Magical Epiphany of God Present in the Text! + "we are in a deep dislocation in our society..." After classes with the Master Teacher of Old Testament, I felt a need to dig around in his more recent essays: "The Role of Old Testament Theology in Old Testament Interpretation" ; "Preaching As Sub-version" ; Both his last and first essays! In his current lectures in Old Testament Theology, ...             Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America (The Gospel and Our Culture Series)12 reviews Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998 This is a must, excellent read + Good Introduction to Missional Theology and Ecclesiology + A sign of hope + Prepare to Re-Think             Lost Letters of Pergamum, The: A Story from the New Testament World11 reviews Bruce W. Longenecker, Ben Witherington Baker Academic, 2002 Fascinating + Early Church Ethos Come Alive + A Living Word + Historical fiction of a different sort + The NT world comes alive             Calling & Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life4 reviews William H. Willimon Abingdon Press, 2000 Breath of Fresh Air for Pastors + Clear and Concise view of the Ethical Life In an age intoxicated by techniques, quick formulas, and market surveys, it is refreshing to receive advice on pastoral ministry that not only doesn't appeal to these things, but rejects them as insignificant to true Christian ministry. According to William H. Willimon, the first question a ...             Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry12 reviews William H. Willimon Abingdon Press, 2002 A Job Description for Pastors + A must read + From a Deep Well William H. Willimon's comprehensive and insightful, Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry, should be read by all entering or currently working in ordained ministry. Willimon examines the multi-faceted roles of the ordained pastor-worship leader, care giver, interpreter of ...             Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth119 reviews Richard J. Foster HarperSanFrancisco, 1998 Beginning of a more in-depth spiritual journey + Celebration of Discipline + The place to start for spiritual disciplines + Classic Overview             Preaching Life17 reviews Barbara Brown Taylor Cowley Publications, 1993 The Preaching life has gifts for clergy and laypeople + Another Good One + The first lady Preacher whose imagination seizes mine! + Barbara Brown Taylor is a Great Contemporary Teacher             Christianity Through the Centuries16 reviews Earle E. Cairns Zondervan, 1996 Through the Centuries + let me be very honest with you... + An Excellent Overview and a Conservative Classic + Good basic survey of church history + Great Overvierw             The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity & Diversity6 reviews Roger E. Olson InterVarsity Press, 2002 Surprisingly Good! + Mosaic of Christian Beliefs + Good Intro to Theology Text Having heard and read about the unbiblical views of Roger Olson, I was hesitant to pick this book up and read it. However, after finishing it I don't regret reading this fine systematic theology book at all (though I disagree seriously with Olson on some issues). The book is nicely organized and ...             Preaching with Spiritual Passion: How to Stay Fresh in Your Calling3 reviews Ed Rowell Baker Books, 2004 Preaching With Spiritual Passion + I Was There + Yes, Stay Fresh This small book is one of my library treasures. There are times when I feel spiritually dry and need reminded of where to seek "Living Waters." At least twice a year I turn to this book to renew the fire in my belly for preaching God's Word. Somehow, I simply relate to the author and find ...