And the Shofar Blew
by Francine Rivers
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 497)
Read in September, 2003
This is my second favorite Francine Rivers' book. I can't say it is my favorite because I LOVED the Atonment Child. But this book I thought was absolutely fantastic. To me the message was: megachurches, not a good idea. That is probably not completely true, but I loved the story she wove through the pastor, his ambitions, his wife's ambitions, and the congregation's ambitions. I can't imagine being a pastor and being responsible for the spiritual health of an entire congreation. The press...more
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One thing I love about Francine Rivers is how versatile she is. This novel was unlike any of her others, but had me just as captivated.
If you or someone you know works for a church, then chances are, you have had at least one of the experiences that the characters in this book have had. Whether you know what it's like to have a heart so on fire for God that you will take on any task He sets before you or you know what it is like to let yourself stray so far from His plan that things just seem...more
If you or someone you know works for a church, then chances are, you have had at least one of the experiences that the characters in this book have had. Whether you know what it's like to have a heart so on fire for God that you will take on any task He sets before you or you know what it is like to let yourself stray so far from His plan that things just seem...more
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Read in August, 2008
recommends it for:
anyone
i don't know what it was about this book, it could have been just the way i was feeling those 2 days it took me to read it, or it could have been a million other things... but overall this book spoke to me, and it touched me in a way no other christian fiction book has... i seriously cried at this book, i found some of the characters to mirror my own thoughts and my own actions, in a way... and it profoundly touched me to the point where my eyes were opened and i couldn't help but pray and cry i...more
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Read in September, 2007
Another great book by Francine Rivers. A contemporary novel, this book delves into true Christian service. Is it about programs and ministries? Is it about numbers? Or is it about compassion and people? How do we know when we are following God's will or just jumping ahead with our own ambitions? The story spans a lifetime and the gammit of emotions. Well written with fully developed characters. The dialog is true and the personal struggles tangible. A GREAT READ.
Beyond the virtues of the sto...more
Beyond the virtues of the sto...more
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recommends it for:
Those of you who aren't limited to everyday drama
I really wasn't sure whether to give this book a 5 or a 1. It was SUCH a great book, by far one of my favorites. The story, the issues, the author, everyting!! All of it was so amazing, I would read it again and again.. But then again I HATED IT! I hate it more than any book I have ever read! Half the time I was reading it I just wanted to throw it against the wall or burn it or yell at it!
How is that even possible? Read it yourself and see ;)
How is that even possible? Read it yourself and see ;)
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Read in August, 2005
If I remember right, this one by Francine Rivers deals with an ambitious, young pastor and his first placement in a community church. As the book progresses, the pastor strives to shepherd the church into a megachurch. The consequences of his actions are viewed primarily through his wife. This is an eye-opening look at the megachurch movement that will cause readers to evaluate the trends and transitions some of these churches go through.
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I liked this book but not as much as some of her others. It was an interesting look though at modern churches and how ambitious they can become. The main character in this book takes on ambition to build his church larger and larger. He leaves behind all those who helped him build it to begin with. It is so easy to get caught up in projects where in the end we don't even recognize what our goal was. I would recommend this book.
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This book was just too slow for me. I got about a quarter of the way into it and tried to keep plodding along, but I just couldn't. The end of the book indicated that some interesting things had actually happened (yes, I know, people get upset when I tell them I read the ends of books, but I pretty much always do,) so I went back and skimmed through enough chapters that I got the gist of the story. I probably wouldn't recommend it.
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Read in September, 2006
recommends it for:
Anyone and Pastors
Again another great book by Francine. A good book written about how a pastor can allow power to go to his head and forget about being led by God. A great book revealing the slippery path and also how a Pastor can become so busy that he does not take the time out for his family because he is doing God's work. Forgetting that God's work is his family too and that he must learn balance. A great read with a warning to Pastors.
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A great story of a struggling church, trying to redeem the hope of it's true calling. The pastor who is appointed in helping the church rise up from it's struggles is such an inspiring example of what the true ministry of the church is... loving & serving God, and loving & serving His people. I think every pastor/staff member of a church should read this book. Whether you're from a 150 member congregation, or megachurch.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in April, 2006
I was not able to personally identify with some of the themes in this book however appreciate that they exist. It's about the folly that happens when simple ambitions about what you want God to do through you turns into what you are doing for God (mega church style). Would probably be more interesting if you've been a part of a mega church before and can identify with some of the ambitions.
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I have enjoyed reading Francine Rivers... This one was written in modern times and was a "good read". One good quote, "Just because something grows, doesn't mean it is good. Cancer grows." I think this book challenges us to keep a watchful eye on our churches, pastors, and sunday school teachers and make sure that all align with the Holy Spirit. And I learned what a Shofar was!
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Read in October, 2007
Francine Rivers is such an amazing storyteller...but this one was not my favorite. Kind of too far fetched. I think I like her historical books waaaaaay more. The wife in this story was not believable to me--no one could put with that much from her husband and remain so stoic. The husband was just such a jerk that I spent the whole book being annoyed with him.
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Read in December, 2007
recommends it for:
those who want to know how NOT to do church
Wouldn't have picked this one up, but my ma-in-law gave it to met to read. Found it somewhat disturbing and intense as the wife of a pastor/church-planter. Definitely shows what not to do as the leader of a church. Powerful in its indictment of where many churches are headed today and in its call to stay focused on Christ and the scriptures instead.
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recommends it for:
All...especially those whose church is building
I read this and the next Sunday our Pastor announced that the church was going to be renovated....millions of dollars. My heart was so heavy.
My heart was also heavy with the realization that so many out there are all about themselves, while others are pushed aside because of their mistakes, or wrong choices.
Left me in prayer.
My heart was also heavy with the realization that so many out there are all about themselves, while others are pushed aside because of their mistakes, or wrong choices.
Left me in prayer.
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Read in June, 2008
I have been a fan of Francine Rivers - but I really didn't like this book much. Sure, it sucks you in and makes you want to read it. But it was also depressing, a little un-realistic, and very much shoving Christianity (and her opinions about what Christianity should look like)in your face.
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Read in February, 2008
Francine Rivers is best known for writing about outrageously impossible choices with heart wrenching consequences. This book followed the same suit, but reading about the arrogance of the husband was intensely uncomfortable, and the end tie-up was much too neat.
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I love Francine Rivers but this one was like reading a totally differnt author. Really dragged on and on, and then all the sudden in the last chapter everything just falls completly into place and everyone lives happily ever after. This was a complete bore.
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Read in January, 2004
Another one of the books that brought me to tears. There are just so many life lessons in this book. So many things that you will have seen or know someone who has seen....and it reminds you how much love means, and how many things it can over come.
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It is amazing what can happen when one man is full of spiritual pride. I read this book almost non stop-infact I even read it one time while Jesse was speaking to a group of kids at camp! I couldn't put it down.
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