Ministry Book Review

The Expanded Bible: New Testament is the latest attempt by Christian book publishers to make the Bible more accessible for people to study. Based on the New Century Version, The Expanded Bible is a functional-equivalent translation, emphasizing on readability over a more literal translation. This version is helped by the big name scholars they enlisted: Tremper Longman III, Mark L. Strauss, and Daniel Taylor. Translation aside, this Bible’s most notable feature is the formatting of the text.

Instead of placing alternate translations and cross references below and to the side of the biblical text, this version puts the notes inline with the biblical text (similar to the Amplified Bible). The biblical text is bold, with [explanations in brackets], and a host of additional letters signifying the type of explanation: “or” for alternate readings, “L” for what the Greek literally says, and “T” for traditional (KJV) readings. Continue Reading…

In Half Moon: Henry Hudson and the Voyage that Redrew the Map of the New World, author Douglas Hunter retells the voyage that launched Henry Hudson into the history books. Running a rebellious expedition, Hudson took his crew across the Atlantic in hopes of discovering a direct route to the Orient. His trip to North America included exploring the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, greater New York area, and an extended trip up the Hudson River, all the way to present day Albany. While he never found a direct route to Asia, Hudson’s observations on the area of present day New York proved a catalyst for European traders to send more expeditions, ultimately leading to a permanent settlement.

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In Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer, author James Swanson sheds light on the ending to one of the most important events in our nation’s history: the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The book is a fast-paced narrative of the twelve day chase for John Wilkes Booth and his coconspirators in the Lincoln assassination. Featuring great details about Booth’s planning and implementation of the murder, Swanson fully engages the reader in the events, both from Booth’s perspective and those seeking to find him. He also does a fine job of capturing the emotions of the people involved: the fugitives and their sympathizers, War Secretary Stanton – the de facto head of the manhunt, and the nation as a whole. Continue Reading…

I read through Andy Stanley’s Next Generation Leader this past week and was very impressed. Andy, Pastor of North Point Ministries in Atlanta, GA, wrote this book to help the upcoming generation of young ministry leaders. Leading a young and vibrant group of churches has provided Andy with a wealth of experience and knowledge that he seeks to pass on through this book. In the book, Stanley suggests that you focus on 5 essentials for leaders: competence, courage, clarity, coaching, and character.

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Inside the Mind of Youth Pastors by Mark Riddle is a helpful guide for church leaders to the inner workings of youth ministry and youth pastors. This book is divided into two sections: one for Youth Pastor search committees, and another for Senior Pastors. The first section deals with how to go about filling your Youth Pastor vacancy. Riddle challenges church leaders to rethink their entire philosophy of church and youth ministry. This is done to help a church end it’s cycle of hiring a warm body, instead of hiring someone that truly fits the ministry.

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