This is one of those books where I agree with the high-level ideas but not so much with the details. Morley correctly sees that pastoring men is 100% about discipleship. I couldn't agree more. I find Morley's view of what discipleship actually looks like to be much more of a mixed bag.

A perfect example comes early on in the book when Morley defines discipleship. He writes, "Discipleship is the process by which men become civilized." No it's not. The more study I do into masculinity, the more I become convinced that discipleship is the process of initiation by way of Jesus' transformative work. Initiation involves first the rejection of civilization. It is only in the later stages of initiation that a man returns to civilization. However, when the return takes place it is not done because a man becomes tamed, domesticated or civilized. When an initiated man returns to society he is dangerous, wild, powerful but also good and honorable. He is able to live in civilization, serve it and build it, but he is never under it.

The difference between being civilized and being capable of living in civilization is far from insignificant. Unfortunately, it's a difference Morley doesn't see or understand.

That's not to say this is a bad book. It isn't. There's a lot of great info and ideas in it, but at best, it should be viewed as a starting point. Morley's audience seems to be pastors who want to reach men but who aren't too big on masculinity. People in that boat need to reach this book. It'll challenge their preconceptions but won't throw them in at the deep end. For a lot of pastors that will be more than enough of a first step into larger issues of masculinity.

I'm glad the book exists for that audience, but, much to my relief, that audience isn't me. I don't need to be convinced of the value of masculinity. As a result, my own research has carried me well beyond this book.

So my recommendation on this one really depends on where you're at. If you have a desire to reach men but don't get the whole Wild at Heart thing, then this is a great starting point. If you're more where I am, this is a good one to skim through and keep for quick reference, but don't expect anything too deep. This one stands squarely in the shallow end.