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Short Notes

By Paul Beasley-Murray and Alun Brookfield.

Christmas: The Original Story (SPCK, London 2008; 191pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06050 4), by biblical scholar Margaret Barker, sets the Christmas story in its original cultural and literary context. Sadly, although a Methodist preacher herself, the author does not offer ideas for the hard-pressed preacher at Christmas.

Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary.  Year B, Volume 1: Advent through Transfiguration (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville; 463pp; ?22.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 664 23096 8. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), edited by David L Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, is a great preaching resource, offering four different perspectives (theological, pastoral, exegetical, and homiletical) on all the texts.

Returning to Religion: Why a Secular Age is haunted by Faith (Tauris, London 2008; 229pp;  ?????  Hardback; ISBN 978 1 84511 718 4), by British anthropologist Jonathan Benthall, is a wide-ranging and scholarly survey of religion today. His conclusion is that human beings are essentially religious animals: in the words of John Gray, ?human beings will no more cease to be religious than they will stop being sexual, playful or violent?. This is a book that Richard Dawkins would do well to read!

Mirror: Discover your true identity in Christ (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 155pp; ?7.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 325 4), by Graham Benyon, minister at AvenueCommunityChurch, Leicester, is a lively read. Apparently, in student circles, the top two topics students struggle with are ?relationships? and ?self-image?. Christian books abound on relationships, but few deal with self-image. This fairly basic contribution helps to restore the balance. It could form the basis of a short sermon series!

Spirituality Old and New: Recovering Authentic Spiritual Life (Apollos, Nottingham 2007; 192pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 195 3), by Donald G Bloesch, emeritus professor of theology at Dubuque Theological Seminary, Iowa, is a stimulating survey of spiritualities ? biblical, mystical, and secular. The author states: ?Spirituality in the Christian sense is not so much an upward progression nor an inward possession. Instead, it is an outward succession ? following Christ into the darkness of the world, letting the light of the gospel shine in our words and actions?. The book abounds with quotable quotes.

We have heard that God is with you: Preaching the Old Testament (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 384pp; ?15.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 0770 0. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Rein Bos, a Dutch pastor and an adjunct professor of preaching, is an exceedingly helpful book for pastors wanting to preach on the Old Testament. The title of the book is taken from Zechariah 8.23: ?In those days ten men from nations of every language shall take hold of a Jew? saying, ?Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you??.  Bos? concern is how we can read (and in turn preach) the Jewish Scripture in a Christian context.  

The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully (Darton, Longman and Todd, London 2008; 224pp; ?12.95; ISBN 978 0 232 52750 6), by Joan Chittester, executive-director of Benetvision: A Resource and Research Center for Contemporary Spirituality, is a wonderful collection of forty beautifully written reflections on aspects of ageing, ranging from regret to fear, joy to newness, letting go to religion, solitude to productivity, forgiveness to legacy. Written by someone who has just turned seventy, this is a book for those who are on the brink of ?old age? as well as for any who are concerned about their parents and the kinds of issues older age may be raising in them ? and of course to all those pastors and Christian workers involved in ?seniors ministry?. The title of the book itself is significant: ?The gift of years comes to many more than realize that these later years are gift, not burden?.  This book is about the enterprise of embracing the blessings of this time and overcoming the burdens of it.  That is the spiritual task of later life?.  

Desire, Love and the Rule of St Benedict (SPCK, London 2008; 142pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 05998 0), by Anglican priest, Andrew Clitherow, draws on the Rule of Benedict and the wisdom of the Desert Fathers to look at the way in which the Christian faith affects our living. The tenor of the book is found in the opening sentence: ?I lament the lack of alternative lifestyle offered by the Church today?.

Working It Out: God, you and the work you do (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 186pp; ?8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 219 6), by Ian Coffey, Director of Leadership Training at MoorlandsCollege, is frustratingly chatty and lacking in depth. I am puzzled how someone who has been in Christian work most of his life can be deemed an expert on work in the secular world. His chapter on retirement (?When I am 64?) similarly lacked bite, since he himself has yet to reach 64!     

Good Mourning: Getting Through Your Grief (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville 2008; 102pp; ?7.99; ISBN 978 0 664 23268 9. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Allan Hugh Cole, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, is a thoughtful explanation of the grief process and what loss can do to us; and within that context Cole offers a number of strategies. Perhaps the one thing that surprised me is that although the faith element is clearly present, little is said about the Christian hope.

The second edition of Ministry in Three Dimensions: Ordination and Leadership in the Local Church (Darton, Longman and Todd, 2nd edition 2008; 247pp; ?14.95; ISBN 978 0 232 52743 8), by Steve Croft, first published in 1999, has an additional final chapter on ?Pioneering, Sustaining and Connecting: Patterns of Ministry in a Mission-ShapedChurch?. Nonconformists such as myself may well not be persuaded by the basic three-dimensional argument. Anglicans, however, will be delighted in this new edition. It is, however, unfortunate that the print-face of the new chapter is different from the rest of the book.

The Cambridge Companion to Puritanism (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2008; 385pp; ?17.99; ISBN 978 0 521 67800 1), by John Coffey and Paul C H Lim, consists of twenty essays on different aspects of Puritanism, both in England and beyond. It aims to serve a variety of different audiences: specialists and non-specialists, the secular and the religious. This is good accessible scholarship.

Approaching the Apocalypse: A Short History of Christian Millenarianism (I B Tauris, London 2008; 232pp; ?16.99; ISBN 978 1 84511 759 7), by New Testament scholar, John M Court, is a non-technical survey of the way in which Christians down through the centuries have looked forward to the return of Jesus. Many of the examples he gives are weird beyond. For instance, the Baptist church in Alabama with the sign outside: ?Church closing soon due to Rapture?. An interesting read.

Power and Poverty: Divine and human rule in a world of need (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 253pp; ?14.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 312 4), by Dewi Hughes, Theological Advisor for Tearfund, was written to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Tearfund. The author is convinced that poverty is ultimately a spiritual problem ? not on the part of the poor, but of the powerful who have misused their power. Unlike many theological books, this book is rooted in the realities of life today ? the author is quite unafraid to pull his punches when it comes to those who misuse power. This well-written book is a powerful plea for Christians to care for the poor.

The Oil of Gladness: Anointing in the Christian Tradition (SPCK London 2008; 221pp; ?17.50; ISBN 978 0 281 06079 5), edited by Martin Dudley and Geoffrey Rowell, is a reissue of a book first published in 1993. The sixteen essays in this specialist book together form a comprehensive survey of the use of oils in the Christian tradition.

Great is the Lord: Theology for the Praise of God (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 487pp; ?16.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 3300 6), by Ron Highfield, a professor of religion in California, is a passionate defence of the traditional doctrine of God. The author?s aim is that his book will ?facilitate the seeking, following and the praising of God?. Essentially this is a student textbook.

The Road to Emmaus: companions for the journey through life (Bible Reading Fellowship, Abingdon, revised 2nd edition 2008; 192pp; ?7.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 601 6), by Helen Julian, an Anglican Franciscan sister, reflects on the experiences and teaching of seven key figures in English spirituality: Julian of Norwich, Thomas Traherne, the Venerable Bede, John Donne, John and Charles Wesley, Aelred of Rievaulx, and the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing. One small criticism: like many Anglicans, the author does not seem aware that John Wesley was not the first to develop the idea of a covenant service ? in the two preceding centuries, this was a common custom amongst Baptists and Congregationalists, for whom covenanting with the Lord and with one another was of the essence of church membership.

Spirituality in Patient Care: Why, How, When and What (Templeton Foundation Press, Pennsylvania, 2007; 264pp; ?12.99; ISBN 978 1 59947 116 7. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Harold G Koenig of Duke University, North Carolina, is a revised and expanded edition of a textbook for medical students first published in 2002. Although there is a chapter devoted to the work of the hospital chaplains and ministers, this is primarily a basic primer for health care professionals.

The Lord?s Prayer: The Greatest Prayer in the World (Paternoster, Milton Keynes 2008; 270pp; ?????; ISBN 978 1 84227 601 3), by Peter Lewis, the pastor of the CornerstoneChurch in Nottingham, is a reprint of a book first published by Hodder and Stoughton in 1995. Popularist in style and filled with personal recollections, this collection of wide-ranging sermons loosely linked with the Lord?s Prayer will appeal in the first place to those who know the author.

God?s Call To Heal: A Life in Music and Healing (SPCK, London 2008; 192pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 05990 ), by the late Morris Maddocks, a former Bishop of Selby and Advisor for the Ministry of Health and Healing, tells the story not just of his life, but of his wife Anne who was intimately involved in his ministry. This autobiography will appeal to all those who knew Morris Maddocks, but otherwise has little to offer.

A Concise New Testament Theology (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 310pp; ?12.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 289 9), by New Testament scholar, Howard Marshall, is an abridgement and simplification of the author?s earlier New Testament Theology: Many witnesses, One Gospel (IVP 2004). It is a good simple introduction to the New Testament.

Remember Me: Constructing Immortality, Life and Death. Beliefs on immortality, life, and death (Routledge, Abingdon 2007; 249pp; ?21.95; ISBN 0 415 95485 1), edited by Margaret Mitchell, contains 17 essays covering such diverse subjects as ?complaints about health care in the UK following a person?s death? to ?Dark tourism: the role of sites of death in tourism?; from ?Sustaining kinship: ritualization and the disposal of human ashes in the UK? to ?The will: inheritance distribution and feuding families?. Surprisingly I could find no mention at all of Christian faith or indeed of any other faith ? such an omission is a major fault in a book claiming to cover ?beliefs on immortality, life and death?, and perhaps indicates an unscientific bias on the part of the editor.

The Pillar New Testament Commentary has established itself as a first-class series of commentaries for ?serious readers of the New Testament?. The Letters to the Colossians and Philemon (Apollos, Nottingham 2008; 471pp; ?26.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 341 4), by Douglas Moo, Professor of New Testament at Wheaton Graduate School, is no exception and represents a good investment for any minister.

In Search Of A Confident Faith: Overcoming Barriers To Trusting in God (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 230pp; ?8.99; ISBN 978 84474 327 8), by J P  Moreland and Klaus Issler, the former a professor of philosophy, the latter a professor of Christian education and theology, and both working in California, is a lively-written book to recommend to small groups who have got tired of ?doing the same old thing?. Each of the six chapters concludes with questions for discussion. Yes, it is more demanding than a conventional study booklet, but it is not too difficult for the average ?punter?.

Approaches to Prayer: A resource book for groups and individuals (SPCK, London 2008; 155pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06091 7), edited by Henry Morgan, is a re-issue of a book first published in 1991. It contains a wealth of ideas and practical advice on how to pray. A useful Lenten resource.

Skills for Collaborative Ministry (SPCK Library of Ministry, 2008; 192pp; ?12.99; ISBN 978 0 281 05994 2), by Sally Nash, Paul Nash and Jo Pimlott, all members of the Midlands Centre for Youth Ministry, is very much a text-book for would-be youth workers and youth ministers. It deals with issues such as vision-building, team work, supervision, conflict, and evaluation. Although much of it is relevant to ministers in pastoral charge of a church, it clearly is not written by a pastor of a church team. In this respect is a disappointing contribution to SPCK?s Library of Ministry?. I want to read of how these tools have been applied in local church life, and the difficulties which have sometimes arisen (the trouble with textbooks is that their authors ignore the fact that ministry is all too often messy!).

Why Trust the Bible? Answers to 10 Tough Questions (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 142pp; ?6.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 347 6), by Amy Orr-Ewing, tackles such questions as  ?Isn?t it all a matter of interpretation??; ?Are the biblical manuscripts reliable??; ?What about the other holy books??;  ?What about all the wars??;  ?Isn?t the Bible out of date on sex?. A great resource to lend to seekers.

What Kind of God? Responses to 10 Popular Accusations (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 153pp; ?6.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 342 1), by evangelist Michael Otis, looks at such questions as ?What kind of God doesn?t prevent suffering??; ?What kind of God lets the church represent him??;  and ?What kind of God would limit my sexuality??. This lively introduction to Christian apologetics would form a useful resource for any minister preaching a series of evangelistic sermons.

Living Through Bereavement With the Help of Christian Thought and Prayer (SPCK, London 2008; 160pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 0281 05934 8), by retired minister URC David Owen is a major revision of the author?s earlier Losing and Living: Thoughts on every kind of grieving. Written out of the intensity of losing his wife after 45 years of marriage, the author looks at bereavement in a wide variety of circumstances, including untimely deaths, suicide, and death resulting from disaster or war. Helpful quotations abound.  This is a useful pastoral resource.

Love and Loss: The Roots of Grief and its Complications (Routledge, Hove 2009; 430pp; ?19.99; ISBN 978 0 415 47718 5), by Colin Murray Parkes, consultant psychiatrist at St Christopher?s Hospice since 1966, is based on a life-time?s research and covers such areas as patterns of attachment and patterns of grief; loss of a parent, child or spouse; social isolation and support.  The author begins by pointing out that love and loss are the two sides of the same coin: we cannot have the one without risking the other. He highlights the difference which a happy and secure childhood can make to the way in which we cope with loss. This scholarly work will no doubt be important for future bereavement studies; however, it is too detailed for the ordinary minister.

Going Home Another Way: Daily readings and resources for Christmastide (Wild Goose Publications, Glasgow 2008; 141pp; ?10.99; ISBN 978 1 905010 57 8), edited by Neil Paynter, consists of Bible readings, reflections and worship resources for the period Christmas Eve to Epiphany.   With contributions from Iona Community members and associates this little book well lives up to the cover blurb: ?Resources for Christmastide to help you hear God?s Word through the commercialism of the season, the propaganda of the times; and to glimpse the sacred in the secular?.

Changing the Conversation: A Third Way for Congregations  (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 196pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 0759 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Anthony B Robinson, is, from a British point of view, strangely dated. British churches have long realised that we live in a post-Christendom era. For readers of Ministry Today, this book deals in irrelevancies.

Exploring Exodus: literary, theological and contemporary approaches (Apollos, Nottingham 2008; 234pp; ?14.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 313 1), edited by Brian S Rosner and Paul R Williamson, is based on lectures given at the 2007 Moore College School of Theology. The eight essays deal with such varied issues as ?Exodus in culture: uses, reuses and misuses? by Greg Clarke to ?Name above all names: preaching Exodus? by Richard Gibson. The emphasis is on interpreting Exodus as Christian Scripture, ?as communicating a message to be heard, felt and embraced?. This is conservative evangelical scholarship at its best and would benefit any minister intending to preach on the book of Exodus.

Love One Another: Becoming the church Jesus longs for (IVP, Nottingham, 2nd edition 2008; 188pp; ?8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 345 2), by Gerald L Sittser, was first published in the States as Loving Across Our Differences.  A popular exposition of ?one-anotherness? (e.g. ?welcome one another?,, ?be subject to one another?, ?forbear one another?, forgive one another?, etc.), preachers could find this a helpful resource.

The Future of Atheism: Alister McGrath and Daniel Dennett in Dialogue (SPCK, London 2008; 212pp; ?10.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06106 8), edited by Robert B Stewart, contains not just the transcript of a conversation between British theologian Alister McGrath and American philosopher Daniel Dennett held on 23 February 2007, but also seven other essays on the existence of God by a variety of American theologians and philosophers, together with an introductory chapter by the editor. This collection of essays, together with the celebrated conversation between McGrath and Dennett, forms the basis for a useful student textbook.  

The Savage Text: the use and abuse of the Bible (Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford and Chichester 2008; 218pp; ?14.99; ISBN 978 1 4051 7016 1), by Adrian Thatcher, a research fellow at Exeter University, is an ?attack? on Christians who ?worship? the Bible and in turn use it to ?marginalise?, ?persecute? and ?victimise? people for whom Christ died, and in particular gays and lesbians. As this emotive language indicates, this is not a dispassionate examination of biblical interpretation. Nor is the author?s case helped by his quoting the Authorised Version of the Bible. Like Richard Dawkins, the author ?doth protest too much?.   

?L? is for Lifestyle: Christian living that doesn?t cost the earth (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 190pp; ?7.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 343 8), by Ruth Valerio, is an updated revision of a book on ?green living? first published in 2004. This book gives suggestions for minor changes as well as major challenges, and is ideally suited for a reading group. Each chapter ends with several ?action points?.

Growing Women Leaders: Nurturing Women?s Leadership in the Church (Bible Reading Fellowship, Abingdon 2008; 232pp; ?8.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 575 0), by Rosie Ward, CPAS? leadership development adviser, who herself has spent eleven years in parish ministry, is a first-class introduction, with insights from the Bible, history, and present-day sociology. I was amused to discover that research published in 1992 found that ?male clergy tended to exhibit personality characteristics commonly associated with feminine stereotypes, while female clergy exhibited stereotypically male characteristics?. This is essential reading for every woman considering ministry, as indeed for women in ministry.

Marriage, Mitres and Being Myself (SPCK, London 2008; 82pp; ?7.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06018 4), by Jane Williams, the wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury, is written with contributions of some eighteen bishops? wives, detailing their experience of ministry. Published with the Lambeth Conference in mind, this book is probably of interest to just a small segment of readers within the Anglican Communion.

David Winter, a long-established writer and broadcaster, has a gift in expounding Scripture in a simple way. His Pilgrim?s Way: Journeying through the Year with the Bible (Bible Reading Fellowship, Abingdon 2008; 393pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 529 3) is great to recommend to church members.

Valuing Age: Pastoral Ministry with Older People (SPCK, London 2008; 234pp; ?12.99; ISBN 978 0 281 05779 5), by James Woodward, Director of the Leveson Centre for the Study of Ageing, Spirituality and Social Policy and an Anglican vicar, is a highly informative book which every minister should read. It looks at such issues as the religious and spiritual needs of older people, worship with older people; retirement; and a theology of ageing.

A new soft-back imprint of The New Interpreter’s Study Bible: NRSV with the Apocrypha (Abingdon, Nashville, 2003, new imprint 2008; 2298pp+maps; £16.99; ISBN 978 0 687 64733 0. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), edited by Walter J Harrelson, is now available at a bargain price. However, the weight of the text is such that it would make much more sense to spend more money for a hardback version of this useful study Bible. By contrast, The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2009 (Abingdon, Nashville 2008; 439pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 0 687 65195 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), edited by David N Mosser, scarcely needs to be in hardback. This resource includes a CD-Rom on which is to be found not only the full text of the print edition, but also prayers and contemporary affirmations of the faith. 

Understanding the Fourth Gospel (Oxford University Press, 2nd edition 2007; 585pp; £25; ISBN 978 0 19 954422 6), by former Oxford lecturer John Ashton, is a fairly radical revision of the first edition published in 1991. For instance, the whole of the previous Part I, which took up well over 100 pages, has been replaced with a completely re-worked introduction. This is very much an academic book for the professional scholar, and entails knowledge of Greek and Hebrew, and does not meet the needs of the ordinary preacher.

Is there a Christian case for assisted dying? Voluntary euthanasia reassessed (SPCK, London 2009; 144pp; £10.99; ISBN 978-0-281-05919-5), by Paul Badham, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies in the University of Wales, Lampeter, uses the so-called Golden Rule to present a clear powerful case for euthanasia, where the person suffering unbearable pain during their terminal illness repeatedly begs for assistance to die. Furthermore, in the context of the Christian hope, the author writes: “It is utterly paradoxical that today it is Christians who are characteristically seen as clinging to life, whereas in the early Church St Athanasius believed that the most convincing argument for belief in the resurrection of Jesus was the fact that Christians ‘treat death as nothing... they go eagerly to meet it.. rather than remain in this present life”. In this respect he tells the story of how when Cardinal Hume was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he rang to tell Timothy Wright, the then Abbot of Ampleforth. The abbot replied: “Congratulations! That’s brilliant news. I wish I was coming with you”. The author’s final argument for voluntary euthanasia is that it would restore the possibility of a truly Christian deathbed, where a Christian could be fortified with the rites of the church as they said goodbye to their family and friends. As it is, most of us will die alone and often unconscious. This is an ideal book for a ministers’ meeting!

Messiah: Jesus - the evidence of history (IVP, Nottingham 2009; 233pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 352 0), by Paul Barnett, a former Anglican Bishop of North Sydney, could form a useful basis for a post-Alpha course. 

Jesus and the God of Israel: ‘God Crucified’ and other studies on the New Testament’s Christology of Divine Identity (Paternoster, Milton Keynes 2008; 285pp; ISBN 978 1 84227 538 2), by New Testament scholar Richard Bauckham, is a reprint of God Crucified (Paternoster, 1998) and seven other previously published papers, all developing aspects of God Crucified. This present volume is essentially a ‘work in progress’ - the author intends to produce a more substantial volume in due course. More a student text-book than anything else, Bauckham’s basic thesis is that the worship of Jesus as ‘God’ was seen by the early Christians as fully compatible with their Jewish monotheism.

The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism and Justice (Jossey Bass, San Francisco 2007; 256pp; ISBN 978 0 470 34521 4), by Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling, is a popular presentation of the holistic gospel. The final fifteen pages contain questions for study and reflection, which would enable the book to be used in small groups or college classes.

The Church’s Guide for Reading Paul: the canonical shaping of the Pauline Corpus (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 288pp; £15.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 6278 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) is the final work of biblical scholar Brevard Childs, who argues that the New Testament canon’s formation was brought about by the needs of the later church. No doubt of interest to the world of New Testament scholarship, sadly this book has nothing to say to world of today. Here again we see the massive divide between the academy and the church.

Be not anxious: pastoral care of disquieted souls (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 236pp; £10.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 6310 2. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Allan Hugh Cole, a professor of pastoral care, is a well-written and thoughtful book which seeks to address the issue of anxiety disorders which, according to some experts, at one time or another affect 25% of the US population. After a detailed look at the varieties and causes of anxiety, the author argues that the church is a place for healing. Interestingly, among the faith practices recommended, is entry into formal membership of a local church, for it provides “the opportunity for a particular kind of investment, ‘ownership’, and accountability among Christians... Specifically, formal membership adds quality and depth to the connections that we form and maintain, whether to God, others or ourselves”. My one reservation about this book is that it is written for pastors, whereas in my judgment the kind of support which the author suggests cannot be offered by time-pressured pastors, but rather by counsellors.

Don Cousins, a founding leader of Willow Creek Community Church, and Bruce Bugbee, an executive for the Far West Region of the Reformed Church in America, have produced three workbooks on equipping the laity for ministry under the title Experiencing Leadershift (David C Cook, Colorado Springs, 2008, and available in the UK through Kingsway, Eastbourne). There is an Application Guide (252pp; £25.74; ISBN 978 4347 6814 80), a Leader’s Guide (154pp; £17.99; ISBN 978 1 4347 6812 4) and a Participant’s Guide (134pp; £6.99; ISBN 978 1 4347 6812 4), the first two books each coming with a DVD to be used in the six-week course. Personally I found this very basic, almost mechanistic approach to developing ‘ministry teams’ extraordinarily off-putting and would find it very difficult using this material.  

The Global Dictionary of Theology (IVP, Nottingham 2008; 996pp; £29.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 350 6), edited by William A Dyrness and Veli-Matti Karkkainen, sets out to provide a general overview of theological reflection and practice throughout the world. The entry on marriage, for instance, combines a standard Western treatment on marriage with a very different contribution on marriage from an African perspective. There are articles on North American Native Theology as well as on South African Theology. However, unfortunately not all the articles reflect a global perspective. The article on baptism, for instance, is particularly disappointing, and all the more so since it wrongly contrasts infant baptism with “adult baptism”, as distinct from believers’ baptism, failing to recognise that in many parts of the world a high proportion of teenagers are baptised as believers. The article on the Believers’ Church Tradition is also disappointing, reflecting for the most part a North American perspective, also talks of “adult baptism”, and appears to understand congregationalism as an exercise in democracy, or indeed of the covenant nature of church membership. In short, the vision behind this dictionary is admirable, but alas the vision is not always realised.

Pathway to Jesus: Crossing the thresholds of faith (IVP, Nottingham 2009; 143pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 344 5), by Don Everts and Doug Schaupp, who both work amongst students in the USA, offers a guide to post-modern evangelism. They identify five thresholds: i) trusting a Christian; ii) becoming curious; iii) opening up to change; iv) seeking after God; and v) entering the kingdom.  Popular in style, it is a thoughtful approach to relationship evangelism today.

The Writings of John Calvin: An Introductory Guide (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, 2nd expanded edition 2008.  253pp; £22.99; ISBN 978 0 664 23230 6. Available in the UK through Alban  Books of Edinburgh), by Dutch scholar Wulfert de Greef is a helpful guide for those wanting to begin to study Calvin.

Seeking the Identity of Jesus: A Pilgrimage (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 359pp; £15.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2471 4. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), edited by Beverly Roberts Gaventa and Richard B Hays, consists of a series of scholarly essays surrounding the quest for the historical Jesus from within the disciplines of biblical studies, theology and church history. Alas, little attempt is made to relate academic scholarship to the realities of the church and world of today. 

Fasting and Feasting: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day (Bible Reading Fellowship, Abingdon 2008; 172pp:; £7.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 569 9), by Gordon Giles, a vicar in Enfield, is an imaginative Lenten resource, focussing on Scripture passages which deal with food and drink. It has over ten pages of suggestions for group use.

The nearest relative handbook (Jessica Kingsley, London, 2nd edition 2009; 189pp; £17.00; ISBN 978 1 84310 971 6), by David Hewitt, is a revised edition of an excellent guide to the rights, powers and duties of nearest relatives under the Mental Health Act. The revised edition takes note of changes made by the 2007 Mental Health Act.

Good Practice in Safeguarding Children: working effectively in Child Protection (Jessica Kingsley, London 2009; 288pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 1 84310 945 7), edited by Liz Hughes and Hilary Owen, consists of fourteen essays covering a wide range of situations by experts in the field. Primarily of interest to social workers, ministers could benefit from the opening essay on ‘From protection to safeguarding: bringing you up to date on statutory responsibilities’.

A Psychology of Hope: A Biblical Response to Tragedy and Suicide (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 285pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 3271 9. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Kalman J Kaplan and Matthew B Schwartz, examines not just the biblical material relating to suicide, but also suicide in Greek tragedy. This somewhat specialist book is more for psychologists rather than pastors.

Theology in Stone: Church Architecture From Byzantium to Berkeley (Oxford University Press, 2004; 372pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 0 19 534056 3), by Richard Kieckhefer, an American professor of religion and history, is a masterly survey of the development of church architecture, ranging from classic sacramental churches to modern communal churches, and of the theological issues underlying these different styles. 

Sacred Power, Sacred Space: An Introduction to Christian Architecture and Worship (Oxford University Press, 2008; 236pp; £13.99; ISBN 978 0 19 533606 1), by Jeanne Halgren Kilde, the director of the religious studies program at the University of Minnesota, covers similar ground, but is more inclusive - not only does it include a chapter on early Christian meeting space in the Roman empire, it also includes a brief section on the development of the modern auditorium church favoured by many evangelical churches today.

According to the witness of the New Testament, the resurrection was the key Christian article of early Christian believing. In this context, the thesis under-girding Unlocking Romans: resurrection and the justification of God (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 259pp; £17.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 6290 7. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by New Testament professor J R Daniel Kirk, is not particularly novel! This is a book probably more of interest to students rather than to pastors.

The Word of Life: A Theology of John’s Gospel (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 259pp; £11.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2938 2. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by New Testament professor Craig R Koester, is a straightforward theological exposition of the Fourth Gospel. It could form a useful basis for a short series of sermons on the Gospel of John.

Preachers will welcome Journey: Psalms for Pilgrim People (IVP, Nottingham 2009; 160pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 355 1), by Alec Motyer, a distinguished former Anglican vicar and college principal. This exposition of Psalms 120-134, known as the ‘Songs of Ascent’, contains many a sermon idea, as well as being a helpful devotional read.

Sharper Than A Two-Edged Sword: Preaching, Teaching and Living the Bible (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 103pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 6271 6. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), edited by Michael Root and James J Buckley, is the printed version of papers first given in 2006 at a conference for clergy and laity to discuss how to read the Bible theologically. Thoughtful, but not gripping!

The Holy Spirit (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2008; 156pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2464 6. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by R LeRon Shults and Andrea Hollingsworth, outlines the major movements and figures in the historical unfolding of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, with special attention on the role of philosophical interpretation and spiritual transformation. An annotated bibliography of some 50 pages is also included. This academic text is of no relevance to ministry today!

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and the Law (Jessica Kingsley, London 2009; 320pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 1 84310 692 0), by Michael Mandelstam, focuses on vulnerable adults harmed by active abuse, neglect or omission. It will prove to be an invaluable work of reference on an issue which is becoming increasingly important for church life.

A Creative Guide to Exploring Your Life: Self-Reflection Using Photography (Jessica Kingsley, London 2008; 191pp; £17.99; ISBN 978 1 84310 892 4), by photographer Graham Gordon Ramsay and psychologist Holly Barlow Sweet, is full of all sorts of exercises to enable people to understand their lives, but lacks any religious dimension!

Prelude to Practical Theology: Variations on Theology and Practice (Abingdon, Nashville 2008; 102pp; ISBN 978 0 687 64729 3), by Jeanne Stevenson-Moesnner, a teacher of pastoral care at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas,  uses two analogies to introduce seminary students to the role of practical theology in theological education. On the one hand, there is the analogy of an orchestra in concert; on the other, there is the analogy of a tree, where the roots are philosophical theology, the truck historical theology, and the branches practical theology. Of interest perhaps to the student, but not of much use to the working minister.  

Into Your Hands: Encountering the Touch of God (Bible Reading Fellowship, Abingdon 2008; 103pp; £5.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 587 3), by Kevin Scully, rector of St Matthew’s, Bethnal Green, contains twelve imaginative Bible-based reflections on how the hand of God can interact with the actions of human beings, who are themselves acting as ‘God’s hands’ as they go about their daily lives.

Aquachurch 2.0: Piloting your church in today’s fluid culture (David Cook, Colorado Springs, 2nd edition 2008; 382pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 4347 6757 8. Available in the UK through Kingsway, Eastbourne), by Leonard Sweet, professor of evangelism at DrewUniversity, is a revision of AquaChurch first published in 1999. The author’s argument is that, in a fast-changing world, the church needs to change. However, instead of providing his readers with a ‘map’, he unpacks ‘navigational principles’ for steering the church ‘in the rapids of a fluid culture’. This somewhat unusual book on leadership constantly engages in almost poetic imagery. It provides no answers, but does encourage leaders to think out of the box.

In Ministry by the Book: New Testament patterns for pastoral leadership (Apollos/IVP Nottingham 2008; 277pp; £16.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 328 5), Derek Tidball, former Principal of the London School of Theology, argues that the New Testament writers set before us a number of models of ministry, each one of which was shaped by the needs of the church they were serving and, no doubt, by their own individual personalities and interests as well. The bulk of the book is devoted to examining the various strands of the New Testament. In the final chapter the author devotes just under 20 pages to looking to the implications for the individual minister, for denominational understanding of ministry, and for an ecumenical understanding of ministry. Here he encourages ministers to recover their primary sense of vocation - instead of being a ‘Jack-of-all-trades’, ministers should play to their gifting. In conclusion Derek Tidball writes: “In all its diversity, however, there is a clear coherence and unity. Ministry is about preaching the historic Jesus, who is both Lord and Messiah, in words and action, enabling people to respond to his message, enter his kingdom, and grow in their appreciation of this gospel, its depth and its implications, and grow to maturity in Christ, in the new community of which he is head, whatever circumstances they face, by people who are qualified in gift, understanding and holiness, working together with others, for the glory of God’s name”.

Incarnation: The Person and Life of Christ (Paternoster, Milton Keynes 2008; 371pp; ISBN 978 1 84227 607 5), by Thomas F Torrance, consists of lectures given by one of Scotland’s greatest dogmatic theologians at New College, Edinburgh, during the years 1952-1978, subsequently edited by Tom Torrance’s nephew, Robert Torrance Walker. This wonderful combination of learning and faith is eminently readable and highly stimulating. This is an ideal book for all ministers to take away with them on a study week! 

Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament: A book-by-book survey (published in the UK by SPCK, London 2009; 336pp; ISBN 978 0 281 06101 3) and Theological Interpretation of the New Testament: A book-by-book survey (published in the UK by SPCK, London 2009; 270pp; ISBN 978 0 281 06102 0), by Kevin J Vanhoozer of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, consists of a series of essays in which distinguished biblical scholars highlight the main theological themes of each book of the Bible. A useful tool for students, but perhaps somewhat limited for pastors and preachers.

The Beauty of the Cross: The Passion of Christ in Theology and the Arts - from the Catacombs to the Eve of the Renaissance (Oxford University Press, 2006; 214pp; £11.99; ISBN 978 0 19 536711 9) and The Triumph of the Cross - the Passion of Christ in Theology and the Arts, from the Renaissance to the Counter-Reformation (Oxford University Press, 2008; 349pp; £26.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 19 533566 8), by Richard Viladescu, Professor of Theology at Fordham University, weave together parallel developments in the non-conceptual language of the visual arts and music and the conceptual language of theology and preaching. Here we have a most unusual history of systematic theology!

40 Days with Paul (Bible Reading Fellowship, Abingdon 2008; 143pp; £5.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 685 6), by Henry Wansborough, a biblical scholar and monk of Ampleforth Abbey, brings together 40 undated Bible passages focusing on Paul’s letters, with a popular commentary.

First published in 1977, and then revised in2002, The Fight: A Practical Handbook on Christian Living (IVP, Nottingham, this edition 2008; 217pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 346 9), by the former psychiatrist John White, has become a classic guide to the Christian life. “As you live the Christian life”, writes the author, “You may have periods of darkness or of doubt. You may encounter painful struggles and discouragement. But there will also be moments of exultation and glory. And most important of all, you will become free”. The questions at the end of each chapter mean that this book can be used in small groups. It could also form the basis of a sermon series!

Preaching the Gospel of Mark: Proclaiming the Power of God (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville 2008; 300pp; £13.99; ISBN 978 0 664 22921 4. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, Associate Professor of Preaching and worship at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Indiana, insightfully expounds Mark’s Gospel, and at the same time offers helpful suggestions about how the Gospel can be preached today. This is a book worth buying.

Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform The Church And Why We Should Let Them (Jossey-Bass, San Francisco 2008; 210pp; £14.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 470 18898 9. Available in the UK through Wiley of Chichester), by Earl Creps, and Church Unique: How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture, And Create Movement (Jossey-Bass, San, Francisco 2008; 271pp; £14.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 7879 9683 3. Available in the UK through Wiley of Chichester), by Will Mancini, have appeared as ‘Leadership Network Publications’. I approached both books with considerable interest, but unfortunately the books failed to sustain my interest. Earl Creps in his book, Reverse Mentoring, encourages older leaders to consult with their younger colleagues - but this is indeed no more than common sense: in a fast-moving culture it is clearly wise to benefit from the wisdom of the young when it comes to penetrating with the Gospel the new cultures of the day. As for Church Unique, I found the author’s advice to be somewhat wooden and uninspiring. 

Recent booklets from Grove of Cambridge (all ?3.50 and 28 pages in length) include:

Reaching the Saga Generation: Fresh Expressions for Ageing Baby Boomers (Evangelism 83, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 695 8), by Chris Harrington, is extraordinarily stimulating. It deals with how churches might reach to people born between 1945 and 1965 ? these are not ?old? people in the traditional sense (people don?t become old today until they are 80!), but people full of vitality who, according to the author, are far more fearful of ageing than previous generations. Full of insights and ideas, this booklet should be a ?must? for every reader of Ministry Today!

All Mud and Matins? Understanding Rural Worship (Worship 196, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 694 1), by Paul Lack, aims ?to help ordinary churchgoers and clergy in ordinary village churches to think through their worship and what they want from it, appreciate the advantages that being rural brings and see how they can achieve worship which really lifts the spirit and draws people into the worshipping life of the church?. 

Still Praying?? Simeon and Anna: Exploring Spirituality in Ageing (Spirituality 106, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 696 5), by Graham Keyes, sets out to be less a textbook than ?a series of signposts?. This thoughtful booklet has three stands: the results of encouraging older Christians to talk about their faith; an introduction for those having a ministry with elderly people; and biblical reflections on ageing and spirituality.  

Acts of God: The Message and Meaning of the Book of Acts (Biblical 49, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 697 2), by John Proctor of WestminsterCollege, Cambridge, is a simple overview of Acts for lay people. 

Schools? Ministry as Mission (Youth 12, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 699 6), by Nick Shepherd, is a theological reflection on Christian work in schools. 

Coaching in the Church: Leadership and Growing the Skills of Those Around You (Pastoral 115, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 698 9), by Martyn Snow, and Huw Thomas is a fairly basis management tool ? nonetheless the emphasis on coaching as ?moving people forward? is helpful. 

Clergy Robes and Mission Priorities (Worship 197, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 700 9), by Andrew Atherstone, is a lively argument for the case that robes be made ?optional? rather than ?mandatory?, for, as the author clearly shows, ?the law of the Church of England governing the wearing or robes by ordained clergy is absurd in the 21st century?. 

A Fresh Look at Revivals and Outpourings of the Spirit (Renewal 34, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 702 3), by William Porter, a Methodist minister, argues that we need to renew our expectancy of spiritual outpourings, but suggests that Jesus ?is patiently waiting for the Western church to go through a painful ;process of inexorable decline and marginalization as part of a realization that Christendom is at an end?.  

Animal Rights, Human Responsibilities (Ethics 151, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 701 6), by Cambridge veterinary teacher David Williams, is a thoughtful consideration of animal rights from a Christian perspective; however, I am not convinced that the ?reconciliation of all things? includes the animal kingdom.

Praying with Stuff: ideas for hands-on prayer (Spirituality 107, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 704 7), by Sally Dakin, is a great resource for innovative prayer. 

Multiplying Churches (Evangelism 84, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 703 0), by Gary Jenkins, vicar of Holy Trinity, Redhill, offers a powerful challenge to churches to develop a multi-congregational form of church life. 

Self-esteem and Young People (Youth 13, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 707 8), by Liz Etherton, who begins by quoting Oprah Winfrey: “Lack of self-esteem is the root of all the problems in the world”, before going on to offer some biblical reflections and some practical approaches to building self-esteem. 

Preaching at Baptisms (Pastoral 116, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 706 1), by Andie Brown, who, amazingly (from a Baptist perspective), argues for the indiscriminate practice of baptism as a sign of God’s grace to us all!  

The Earth is the Lord’s: A Biblical Response to Environmental Issues (Biblical 50, 2008; ISBN 978 1 85174 705 4), by Hilary Marlow. In her introduction, she states that, in a 2007 Environment Agency survey, environmentalists and scientists, when asked to name 50 things that will save the planet, listed faith communities and their leaders in second place.