Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Book Comment Total Church Chester & Timmis



The book has the subtitle "a radical reshaping around gospel and community." The writers are part of the Crowded house way of "doing church." While you may not agree with all that these guys have to say you will find this read challenging and stimulating. In the 13 chapters many topics are covered including evangelism, church planting, discipleship, pastoral care, apologetics. The book is dotted throughout with real life examples of people whose lives have been transformed by this focus on community. In no way do the writers dum down the gospel in their attempt to reshape the life of the church around community. These guys definitely have something to say and the book is well worth the read. It is a little weak on applying the principles they outline re life in the church. But maybe that is not a bad thing as each are then allowed to work out the principles for their own situation. As I read the book I couldn't help think that these chaps were simply redoscovering something that the Reformed Presbyterian Church had survived on for a generation - the people of God living together in closely knit lives proclaiming the good news of Christ crucified. Only thing was the Covenanters called their way of doing church, Society meetings.

Book Comment - War of Words Paul Tripp


Another super rescource from the pen of Paul Tripp. As the title suggests this book is dealing with the words that we use. This book deals with the struggles that we face in our communication. The writer sets out the Biblical view on communication. he shows us what lies at the heart of communication breakdown and how struggles are to be sorted out Biblically. As with all Paul Tripp's books there is no superficial DIY answers but a thorough and God centred approach to watching how we speak with one another. This would be a super resource to use as part of a midweek series to help the people of God learn how to communicate in a more Christ honouring manner. This is a vital read for any pastor wanting to help the people of God in their home and church life.