Tested and Approved: 21 Lessons for Life and Ministry

by Tom Lane

Pastors and Christian leaders will benefit from the wisdom and experiences of Pastor Tom Lane. Ministry can be a long road with many rewards and challenges, but you don’t have to walk it alone. In this book he shares 21 lessons he has learned in over 30 years of ministry. Topics    

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tested and Approved is an exceptional resource for all ministers but what Tom Lane has learned in his more than 30 years of ministry is very beneficial for all Christians. Anyone wanting to have a closer walk with God will certainly profit from Lane's wisdom and it is shared in an easy and informal manner. The lessons in the 21 chapters mention success, failure, relationships, finding a balance between life and work, and understanding the different seasons of our lives. I was especially drawn to chapter 13 and chapter 18, with Lane's reminders that we are 'either an influence or we're being influenced' and that 'love is courageous, yet it does not enable'.

This book is overflowing with inspiration and encouragement and I recommend Tested and Approved to anyone wanting to deepen their Christian faith.

I received a copy of this book from Gateway Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own opinions.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Lane's "Tested and Approved" is the book you wish you'd read when you were in high school or college; or the book you'd love to give to a graduate, a leader, or someone you're coaching. Or, just for yourself! Reading this book is like sitting down with an amazing, wise grandfather and listening to his tips and lessons for a life well-lived.

Lane covers topics like: success; accountability; owning your mistakes; learning to live your life in a healthy and godly rhythm; building wealth; and so much more. He speaks with wisdom and encouragement and teaches the reader how to choose and live well and faithfully, striving for excellence and not perfection, and learning how to interact with people (both wise and foolish) and to love them and God.

I learned so, so much in reading this book. My copy has flags stuck on important pages, and lots and lots of highlighted and underlined copy. There were moments when I definitely felt correction or that I needed to change some habits. But, when those moments happened, I never felt shamed or put down because of my mistakes. Rather, Lane comes alongside the reader with great compassion and encouragement. as he teaches about God's Word and life in a faithful and true manner.

I'm so grateful to have started 2021 with this book. Just what I needed...and maybe, it's what you need too! Get a copy for yourself and settle in for some incredible, life-changing, always-encouraging reading.

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the BlogAbout Blogger Network. All opinions are my own.

[Kristen Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, a book truly helps us to be better people and followers of Jesus. Tom Lane's book, Tested and Approved: 21 Lessons for Life and Ministry, is one. It's not a "self-help" book but rather a "soul-help" book. The lessons he breaks down reorient our perspectives so that we can be most effective in our callings. His message is approachable and oh so relevant for our daily lives, whether we are in ministry or pursuing our passions elsewhere.

For example, the first lesson is simple yet challenging: Ministry and life are not fair. Since childhood, our parents have been telling us that life's not fair. While intellectually we know this fact to be true, inherently we buck against this reality. Lane addresses the heart of the matter with a simple question. "You know God is in charge, right?" Well, of course God is in charge. But do we act as though we believe He is? This is just one example of how Lane effectively reorients our thinking Godward.

This book is one I see myself returning to year after year to refresh my perspective and keep me grounded in biblical truth concerning God's plan for my life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to give a positive review. All ideas contained in my review are my own.

[Scott Sumpter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Lane's book is a fantastic read for anyone who is in Christian ministry. This book does a wonderful job of incorporating Scripture and practical examples to encourage those in ministry. Full of easy to read chapters it addresses areas that are common struggles in relationships, rest, past regrets, values, and balancing life and work. This book is a much needed resources for those who are thinking about ministry and those who are in the middle of their ministry. It will refresh your love for what you feel called to do and leave you desiring to finish the race strong.

[Eileen Santa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a guide to ministry for everyone, love the lessons sometimes one don’t think about.

[Cliff Mattox · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read books, do you read the endorsements first? Is this a factor and a measure for buying into the message of the book? It is for me. Read the endorsements for this book. All of Tom and Jan Lane's children and their mate's wrote glowing endorsements. Also they are the first one's you read. Tested and Approved is a living testimony of his life. He shares his life lessons, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tom Lane is the real deal. I have personally interacted with him and he is one of the most gracious men I have had the pleasure of knowing. What he writes is what he has, and still, lives. Following the principles of the 21 lessons in Tested and Approved will smooth out road of life and will lift you to success.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

About half way through it and have learned so much. January 22nd finished.We are all call to minister, and this book give many good ideas how to do it in God's will. I like it for me (untrained) and ordered for grandson who is in seminary. I recommend highly for all.

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After receiving the ebook from Blogger to Blogger network. Being in the ministry for over 30 years, I was interested to read Tom Lane’s advise based on his personal experience in church ministry. Chapters such as Live Your Life in a Godly Rhythm, Seek Out and Embrace Truth, and You Are Either An Influence or You’re Being Influenced caught my eye first thing. Tom’s ability to convey the heart of his message with humility and transparency led me to approach the book with the anticipation that I was sitting at the feet of someone who has “been there.”
In my frustrated need to “do more” for God with the hope that He will extend my reach, this quote from Chapter One stood as a reminder to me that it is God who is in control of his calling on my life. “God is the one who directs and anoints our efforts to produce His purpose and results. I don’t have another truth to offer.”* I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read Tested and Approved and recommend it to all those in ministry.

*Excerpt From
Tested and approved
Tom Lane
This material may be protected by copyright.

[Desiree Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has to be one of the best books I have ever read about ministry! Tom Lanes shares his personal experience, Godly wisdom, and priceless principles in this book. I went through three highlighters, and I had a difficult time not reading through it all in one sitting.
From Lesson One, "Ministry and Life are not Fair" to Lesson 21, "Finish Strong And Don't Coast to The Finish Line", there are some of the most valuable gems I have ever gathered. I will carry them with me as I continue to walk through life, ministry, and writing.
This is a go-to book for any ministry leader and those serving on ministries in the church, yet it is as useful in everyday life as believers and could be used as a small group study. I recommend this highly! (less)

[Dr. Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently in the process of rebuilding and rebranding Glory Light Ministries which is in its 5th year of operation. Tested and Approved not only has given me the tools for self-examination, it has also provided a wealth of knowledge to lead the ministry with greater results. This is a must read. I am so grateful for Pastor Tom sharing wisdom and application on how to apply the wisdom read on the pages of this book. I believe GLM will be more impactful as a result of the lessons provided throughout this book. Additionally, it has refreshed and strengthened my leadership gift. I highly recommend Tested and Approved.

[Joey Nault · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has 21 lessons fom the over 30 years of wisdom and experience of Pastor Tom Lane. I was able to effectively apply these steps to my natural life, while adding a shot of health to my spiritual life and relationships. My communication and understanding of God and His place in everything went through through roof as well! As a pastor and a writer My responsibility, and accountability are important. And this book showed me how to build on all those things. This has been one of my favorite reads.

[Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected to get a lot of Wisdom and Godly Leadership advice from this Book, and my expectations have been blown trough the roof!!! Im currently on Page 156 and I recommend to book to anyone and everyone, especially anyone who is called into a leadership position.

[Michael Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great resource and life lessons for all of us whether we’re in ministry or not!

[TIFFANY WARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Tom Lane is such an inspiration. This book is packed with nuggets that are explained in real life situations that can be applied easily to your life and leadership. Definitely a must read!

[Emilee Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!! It’s a must read!

[Kimberly Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! It’s challenges you where you are at and gives great advice for life and ministry.

[Adilson Chacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. It has principles that you can apply to life and ministry. This book is very easy to read and if you apply the principles, it will be life changing.

[Jennifer Fernandez Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book has so many lessons to use not only in ministry but for everyday life! This is a very easy to read book. Not complicated. Some of these chapters had me looking at my own life.

[Tammy McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and have put into practice the lessons for life. I will be reading this book over and over.

[Jacqueline Gable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Tom Lane is gifted speaker, teacher, and author. Tested and Approved is for everyone regardless of where they are in their walk with God.
Get this book!

[Mavourene Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's as if you are hearing from a father's heart while sitting around the fireplace. If read, meditated on and implemented, Pastor Lane's shared wisdom has the power to change families.