This is a book about knowledge–rather, it's a book about the loss of knowledge. Filled with facts and figures that will make anyone nervous about the...moreThis is a book about knowledge–rather, it's a book about the loss of knowledge. Filled with facts and figures that will make anyone nervous about the future of the United States and our young, it brings to the surface just exactly what happens when the next generation forgets its past and only focuses on the present. Just like anything, when you choose to spend your time on the screen you are also making the decision to not spend time doing something else. In the case of today's youth, they spend their time on YouTube and sharing animated GIFs with their friends while neglecting their own studies of which they see no reason to engage anyway. Mark Bauerlein wants to remind the older generation that just because the youth want to play video games and check their Facebook status, doesn't mean they know what's right for themselves. They need mentoring. They need guidance. And they desperately need to learn from the past. (less)
I read this book with a group of men and I found it to be a very helpful tool in creating discussion on holiness. Kevin DeYoung is balanced and straig...moreI read this book with a group of men and I found it to be a very helpful tool in creating discussion on holiness. Kevin DeYoung is balanced and straightforward without being legalistic, which is a fear when discussing holiness. I recommend reading this book in a discussion group and using the provided questions in the back. At 10 chapters it's not overwhelming and Kevin's pastoral heart is much needed in the area of personal holiness. Finally, I really felt that the last chapter was the beginning of another book about repentance and regret. That chapter was probably the most helpful as we think about turning from our sin towards Christ-likeness.(less)
For better or worse, youth ministry and youth culture have changed the American church and the effects will be long-lasting. The real question is: wha...moreFor better or worse, youth ministry and youth culture have changed the American church and the effects will be long-lasting. The real question is: what will we do about it? This book is really a history of youth ministry in America and how it has juvenilized the church at large. It was well researched and is a fascinating tale of just how youth ministries changed the landscape of the church we know today. For the most part, author Thomas Bergler saves his own thoughts and feelings for the last 3 pages, but those were my favorite pages to read. After looking at the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, he shows how catering to the youth isn't always the best for the church, but neither is ignoring them.
I'm surprised that this book isn't being talk about more. I highly recommend that anyone in ministry read this book and try not agree with Bergler's thesis. Rather, embrace what history has taught the church and move to change and adapt for the future generation.(less)
I've read this book twice now and it's just an excellent book for anyone on the fringe of church involvement. Joshua Harris is balanced and Biblical i...moreI've read this book twice now and it's just an excellent book for anyone on the fringe of church involvement. Joshua Harris is balanced and Biblical in his assessment of what he calls "church dates," or those who those who haven't given their lives fully to local church involvement. I highly recommend this book or anyone that doesn't know how to go "all in" in their local church or anyone trying to think Biblical on what the local church is and isn't.(less)
If you preach at all, then read this book. And if you don't preach but you're a young person, then read this book.
I'm giving this little gem a 5 star...moreIf you preach at all, then read this book. And if you don't preach but you're a young person, then read this book.
I'm giving this little gem a 5 star rating because it's worth the read for every young man out there that's looking to preach or is preaching at all in his local church. The author, T. David Gordon is basically on his death bed as he writes about why preaching in America is terrible in today's world. His prognosis is spot on, and he doesn't leave you with out a prescription on how it things can change. It's like reading a book that was written in the fifties, but with relevancy for today. I love those kinds of books and that's why I love this book.
I would highly recommend coupling the reading of this little book with Neil Postman's Amusing Ourselves to death. The concepts are related and Gorden even references Postman's analysis.(less)
Byron Yawn has written THE book on fatherhood and disciplining your children. It will be used in men's ministries, study groups, and hopefully by coun...moreByron Yawn has written THE book on fatherhood and disciplining your children. It will be used in men's ministries, study groups, and hopefully by countless Christian men. This book is full of balanced, Biblical insight in to what God wants from men. It's a fresh perspective from a dad who has seen a lot in his life, but doesn't blame anything on a "daddy wound."
I was blessed tremendously by this book as I think about my own son and shepherding his heart. I hope to read it again and be reminded of the things I know that I need to tell my son.(less)
The Getting Things Done process is excellent. The principles in this book, if applied, will definitely help you "get things done" and it has already a...moreThe Getting Things Done process is excellent. The principles in this book, if applied, will definitely help you "get things done" and it has already affected my life greatly. I will continue to use David Allen's methods in my work and life and I'm glad I was recommended this book by a friend. I will gladly pass it on to others as a tool for helping them sort through the busyness of this complicated world.
So why the 3 star rating? It's nothing major, I just felt that the book is a little outdated. Some of his process could be updated to fit a more digital life style. For instance, he talks of a PDA as something that people "might" have when this is a common reality today. Again, not major, just kind of annoying. Secondly, I would add that I disagree with his worldview. I think David Allen leans towards a New Age worldview, and as a Bible believing Christian, I wouldn't align myself with the reasons he gives for doing this or that. You will only really see this come out in the last few chapters, but it's worth noting.
At the end of the day I enjoyed this book. It's a wonderful tool with great principles and I'm apply it daily to my life. Read it. Apply it. Get things done!(less)
Brilliant. As I wipe the tears from my eyes after just finishing this wonderful biography, I'm thankful to God for the life of Deitrich Bonheoffer. Hi...moreBrilliant. As I wipe the tears from my eyes after just finishing this wonderful biography, I'm thankful to God for the life of Deitrich Bonheoffer. His life has challenged me and Eric Metaxes has done a wonderful job of showing the heart of this pastor. Bonhoeffer should be read by Christians everywhere. This is more than just a sketch of a man, it's more like sitting at the feet of a wiser, older man, and having him disciple you. Page after page you feel like you grow closer and know this man as you would know a friend, and that's what I enjoyed most about this book. I hope many will read and benefit from this man's life and the meticulous work of Eric Metaxes to get it right.(less)