Giving Wisely: Killing with Kindness or Empowering Lasting Transformation?

Pastors in attendance at Mission ConneXion Northwest 2009 in Portland were given a copy of this book by the author so I read it. The following people ought to read this book - believers in Christ who don't give of their finances; believers who give with the desire to maximize their giving for the Kingdom of God; believers who attempt to justify withholding giving for whatever excuses they can come up with; believers who give to overseas missions bypassing legitimate financial accountability. By far the strength of the book is Martin's years of experience in missions and helping us wealthy westerners see our arrogance when it comes to indiscriminately funding missions abroad. Want to know why it's perhaps not the wisest thing to go to another country and physically build a church? Read this thought provoking book. (4 of 5 stars)

Profile of a Leader

In Profile of a Leader by Jack Gustafson, published in 2008, I’ve found one of the primary books that as a pastor, I will use in mentoring the guys in my church in developing leaders and disciples. This is a thoroughly Biblical book chalk full of practical wisdom and insight. If you are studying for the ministry, this is a must read. It’s an excellent book for those of us already in the ministry, as well as anyone who wants to better exemplify Godly leadership. Gustafson, who has many years of ministry under his belt, having been a pastor and missionary, focuses intently on four areas – calling, character, capacity, and competence. This is one of the best books I’ve read on Christian leadership, its strength being its straightforward candor. (5 of 5 stars)

Simple Spirituality: Learning to See God in a Broken World

As the International Director of Word Made Flesh, an organization that serves Jesus among the poorest of the poor, in slums, sewers, refugee camps, and red light districts, Christopher Heuertz sees the logical application of holiness and the redemptive work of sanctification as compassion. Part memoir, part theological reflection, Simple Spirituality is a call to imitate the ministry of Christ through humility, community, simplicity, submission, and brokenness. Recalling great men of the faith such as John Wesley and Saint Francis of Assisi, this is a much needed book to help break North American believers out of the complacency we’ve been for quite some time. The forward by Shane Claiborne is in itself nearly worth the price of the book. This is an important book. (4 of 5 stars)