Book Reviews

Jim Currin has reviewed the following books for the independent website 'The Good Bookstall'. The books have all been about mission and evangelisation. The Good Bookstall website is a place to see reviews from a wide variety of people on a spectrum of topics. To vist their website, click here.

Hope for the Future: Authentic 2009

Nearly 1500 groups of churches took part in the Hope08 initiative. This was amazing and far beyond expectation. The Resource Book which helped many of the groups get going in their joint mission project has now been reworked. Reflecting on what happened, telling the stories, collating the resources and generally pointing Christians of all our churches outward to think of their communities, this new Resource Book is an inspiration and a gift. Inspiring because the churches described are ordinary but adventurous. Gift, because this one book packs a library of material in to one cover. Many of the churches in 2008 have continued their projects and developed new ones in 2009. My hope is that this mission resource will continue to share the good news of Jesus in 2010 and beyond.

Everybody Welcome pack: CHP 2009

Put simply, this is the best £45 package any church in England can buy! The Leaders Manual, group Members Manual and 66 minutes DVD which makes up the ‘Everybody Welcome’ pack, is a must for every church. Although written from an Anglican background, I think all churches of any size can benefit from this material to help churches be more welcoming. Here Bob Jackson and George Fisher say only 10% of church visitors return, before offering their excellent material to say how that number can be increased. I loved the stories, quotes and audit approach that really helps a local church assess themselves on their welcome. The four sessions look very practical and manageable, and everything is based on self assessment and personal experience. Most churches can improve their welcome and here is a tool to make it happen naturally. This manageable material is just what many churches have been waiting for. Excellent.

Christianity Encountering World Religions: Muck and Adeney. Baker Academic publishers

Any book which explores ‘Christianity Encountering World Religions’ has got to be welcome. This book of that title explores the concept that both ‘the other’ and ‘‘mission’ are ‘gifts’. It is a refreshing read with fresh thinking. The only problem I had with it was that I thought it tried to be too clever with too much detail about Christian leaders and illustrations which did not fit the flow of the text. However, this excellent narrative emphasizes that mission grows out of experience; it is ‘two directional’, and our own convictions need to be ‘put on hold’ as we listen and learn from those we try to reach. This is a study book which absorbs the writing of many scholars around the world, together with the ‘mission as gift’ metaphor from the Old as well as New Testament. This leads to clear advice and guidance that will help many searching for an authentic relational model of mission for interacting with people of other faiths today.

Conversational evangelism: Norman and David Geisler, Harvest House

Conversational evangelism is a great book. It demystifies evangelism and proposes models which Christians can feel comfortable with. Based on what we read of Jesus and how he communicated with people, various models are explored like Musician, Artist, Archeologist and Builder in order to hear what people are saying, paint a picture, dig a bit deeper and build a bridge for the Gospel. Using these images, and exploring the skills suggested by each, the father and son authors of this helpful book, provide us with a manageable and exciting way of sharing Jesus in our day and age. I disagreed with their concept of pre-evangelism, but loved the content and style which is in itself conversational. Written with authority but feeling ‘light touch’, this book is very refreshing and one of the best to come from across the pond re evangelism.

Evaluating Fresh Expressions: Canterbury Press 2009

Brilliant. This book has added value. I thought it would be a Haynes Manual exploration and say whether a new Mums and Toddler group counts as a ‘Fresh Expression’. It does explore definitions and examples in the first chapter, but then offers far more. It was such an exciting read I couldn’t put it down! The different contributors bring extra dimensions and ask critical questions. They bring wonderful insights in to the relationship between ‘inherited’ and ‘emerging’ re Rowan Williams phrase about the need for a ‘mixed economy’. The social and psychological studies relating to ‘new and traditional’, as well as ‘large and small’, were particularly stimulating, while the theological and practical questions were explored head on. My copy was well read and margin marked on many pages. A sign of a good book is that it makes you want to write another one. I wish I had the time, as ‘Evaluating Fresh Expressions’ certainly provided the inclination!

Jesus the Evangelist: Robin Gamble David Cook/ Kingsway 2009

Jesus the Evangelist’ by Robin Gamble makes a special contribution to evangelism studies. I hope the effect will ripple out throughout the church and way beyond. A study of Jesus making disciples has been long awaited and here it is. Based on the biblical text, it is down to earth, amply illustrated, reflecting on experience, and set in the English context. Brilliant. This work will take its place alongside William Abraham’s ‘The Logic of Evangelism’ and other classics in our field which have defined evangelism studies for theological students, church leaders, members of congregations and evangelists alike. Robin is well known as an evangelist and mission enabler and I hope that will help this book become a bench mark in a new sphere of study. It deserves to be taken far and wide as many Christians will further explore, reflect, and take on the Jesus model presented here. This should be a significant book in any Christian’s library, making a real difference to their work and ministry to those who have not yet heard. I cannot commend it highly enough.

Fresh Expressions in the Sacramental Tradition: Ed Steven Croft

Starting with the address at a national pilgrimage for Fresh Expressions by Rowan Williams, this book builds on his interesting and inspiring words to provide various examples of how ‘FX’ work out in the ‘sacramental Tradition’. It may be a surprise to many that it does but here we have a variety of examples from ancient Celtic in ‘Contemplative Fire’ to a Eucharist based around U2 and the Millennium Development Goals: called U2charist! This is a highly informatively and well written book by a collection of contributors who make the more technical theological explanations very accessible. It is a valuable insight and addition to the various books on ‘FX’ which illustrates how it is becoming accepted, and understood within the wider church context. This should open more doors for churches to engage with the Gospel and Culture question today, and reach out with greater clarity and effectiveness. Commended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, this book will do just that and I am grateful that the ‘FX’ team have brought it together.

Jesus' People What the church should do next: Steven Croft

Steven Croft has been a significant leader of the national Fresh Expressions team and here share his insights about the church, which he says ‘can be the most unspiritual place in the world’ P17. Going back to the roots and considering the church as a the people of Jesus, he recaptures what Jesus’ People should be all about in this handy little book. Written with a number of reflections form his own experience he explores the Beatitudes, Parables and illustrations like the Vine and Branches for our own day. He says he wants to provide a new compass, which he does admirably and brings the church alive again. This is not an appeal to accept Fresh Expressions, but simply an exploration from first principles of what the church is meant to be. A good read.

Coaching for Missional Leadership: ACPI

Growing and supporting pioneers in church growth and fresh expression projects is a major task. Bob and Mary Hopkins are well experienced, and together with Freddy Hedley they make all that experience available for a wider network of people who could coach others. Carefully written and straightforward to read, this is a practitioner’s handbook. Not everyone will be coaching pioneers, but many of the principles are transferable though the material presented is easily transferred in to other contexts as people can be coached in any task. Every detail is carefully explored in the depth that gives you sufficient information and illustration to feel more confident in coaching others. Specialist it may be but with the principles transferable I warmly commend this book, together with the biblical discipleship material it is based on, the advice it offers, the models it explores and the positive approach it takes.

Metavista: Colin Greene and Martin Robinson

‘Metavista’ sounds technical, so it is probably no surprise that the book of this title which explores ‘Bible, Church and Mission in an Age of Imagination’ is complex. However, Colin Greene and Martin Robinson have a seamless writing style and dig deep in to many reference works, as they provide a cogent argument that the church needs to be re-imagine as well as re-engage with the cultural context in which we try and present the Christian faith. It will become a classic text for ‘church after modernity’ studies and for missiologists looking for a framework in which to engage Bible teaching with politics and the ‘public square’. Issues of ‘image’ and ‘imagination’ have not been fully explored before in my opinion, so here is a text to fill that gap and provide pointers for the future.

God and Community Cohesion: help or hindrance? Alan Billings

Alan Billings offers much more in this book than evident by the title. Helpful references to church attendance figures for example, and some major reports with comment and reflection, all add to this being a well researched, written and interesting read. The title not only very topical, but also political and highly charged. Masterfully, Billings gently leads us down a carefully considered path, with good evidence and clear thinking to help the reader consider thorny questions. Now you might expect a Christian leader reflecting on community engagement to answer the book title question with a general ‘yes’, but in this regard I was ready to read more about the how and where, and with what pitfalls or recommendations and resources were available. Maybe that is another book he could write? Certainly there is good stuff here.

Growing Spiritually with the Myers Briggs Model: Julia McGuinness

I thought this book was going to be an introduction to something often quoted in church circles. ‘Myers Briggs, why do people rate it so highly?’ was a question I heard just last week. Now this book is a lot more than an introduction to the topic. It is excellent and well written, especially as it addresses something complex which is best ‘done’ than ‘read about’. In this regard it is best as a ‘bed side companion’ for people who have already attended the workshops and know their personality type preferences. In particular it is a handy guide for those conversations when people say ‘I am an ESTJ’ (in my case!). What is on offer here is a summary of all the 16 profiles with full explanation of how each explores spiritual growth. So my recommendation is first do the workshop and then buy the book. You will find it helpful.

Building a Multi-ethnic Church. Linbert Spencer. SPCK

Linbert Spencer was one of the first to arrive in Britain from Jamaica. His experience since arriving with his mother in 1955 clearly provides the gentle passion for writing this book. What he offers though, is not so much of the personal story but the general overview of migration, with a full record of the recent history, relevant laws, statistics, and objective critical comment on what has happened and how the church should respond to the ‘multi-ethnic’ issues and possibilities today. He provides a check list and full resource section which many church leaders will find very helpful, together with summaries of all the major laws and definitions of terms used in common parlance. I valued reading it.

Breaking the News by J John. Authentic

One of the great things about a well known speaker writing a book, is that you can hear the voice as you read the words. J John is hugely gifted in preaching and draws great crowds: unusual you might well say in this day and age. His little handbook about sharing the Christian faith ‘without fear’ will have a wide appeal with those who are used to his speaking and those who are not. This handy guide to evangelism is crisp and clear as you would expect, but it is also illuminating and helpful, especially when the short reflections on each chapter are offered. This is neither a study guide not story book, both of which J John could have written. It is simply a straight forward account of how we can ‘break the news’ by ‘telling our story in his story’ with the ‘help and power of the Holy Spirit’. It is just what many of us need.

Review 'Building Utopia' SPCK Green and Baker

The clever title of this book works on different levels. Are we ‘Building Utopia’ when putting up new housing estates? Can utopia be found in a ‘Building’? Can regeneration produce a utopian community? This book explores these issues as it tries to address ‘seeking the authentic Church for new communities’. New communities in this context means housing and urban regeneration not Polish migrant workers. P117 interested me as I did not know that Utopia means ‘no place’ and the positive connotations came with the later alternative spelling ‘Eutopia’ meaning ‘good place’. The tension is explored in the text which leads to models and recommendations for different styles of church engagement in the new urban context. This book raises as many questions as it answers but I found it an interesting, helpful and clear read of some important contemporary issues.

Church Unplugged by David Male. Authentic

This is a story well worth telling. It is about starting a church from scratch. ‘if you belong to a church already, this church is not for you’, said the website for The Net. It was a new kind of church for people who do not go. Dave Male was supported by the Anglican Church to be the pioneer minister to fulfill the vision. ‘Church Unplugged’ tells the full story including the trials and tribulations, but generally describes a success story with pointers for other people to follow. It is a good example of doing what some would say is impossible. This realistic and well written story gives the reader confidence to think that, under God, it could happen anywhere. Highly recommended if interested in Fresh Expressions, this book has principles that any church can put in to practice. I’d commend it to anyone.

Evangelism Taking the I can’t out of sharing your faith: Elisa Morgan

The simple construction of this book belies the significance it could have. Exploring a list of reasons why we often find evangelism difficult and then a list of possibilities, makes this book very easy to read. Each chapter is just a few pages long. The premise is also difficult to argue with. The theory (p14) is that we need to shine as a light in the darkness. It is not a case of organizing and preaching at the right event, but of letting the light shine in everyday things. Not surprisingly, the list of what we can do includes ‘accept others the way they are’, ‘be a friend’, ‘be real’. On the one hand this is not ground braking stuff. On the other some of the stories are good and the whole book does leave you with that anticipated outcome: ‘I can do this’. That in itself is a gift.

Youth Work after Christendom: Nigel and Jo Pimlott. Paternoster

This is a very helpful consideration of youth work today and a much needed guide. Particularly useful is the exploration of HUP (homogeneous unit principle), I thought which will be useful elsewhere. I love the end about paradox. I think that word opens so many doors and the observations so true and advice helpful. I wrote Grove 'Paradox in the Gospel' and would love to write more about that subject as a means of not only coping about questions of faith, but in finding faith in the first place. So, a book which is most enlightening and full of illustration about youth work, but with far more implications for other groups of people beyond that. Jim Currin

Breakout by Marke Stibbe. Authentic Media

Although this is a story about dramatic church growth and ‘breakout’ from a ‘come and join us’ to ‘we’ll come and meet you’ model of church, this book is also a personal story. Mark Stibbe is Vicar of St Andrew’s Chorleywood and tells the story of transformation and rapid growth through forming ‘Mission Shaped Communities’ (MSC). Co written with his colleague Andrew Williams this honest account looks at regrets as well as success and is told as a day to day diary with names of individuals and detailed accounts of how they felt the Lord lead. Using the image or turning a cruise ship in to lifeboats, with MSC’s serving particular groups of people, they just kept growing. This is a gripping read of how renewal in mission has worked in one church. I am sure it will affect others.

Re/enchanting Christianity by Dave Tomlinson. Canterbury press

Far fewer people would be leaving church if they had read this book before closing the door. Here Dave Tomlinson, known for his seminal work The Post Evangelical helpfully reconstructs a credible Christianity for the doubting, questioning, and disillusioned Christian who is trying to reconnect with their first love of faith in today’s spiritual world. Using the principle of ‘thesis, antithesis and synthesis’ we find a real appreciation of the antithesis to faith and the synthesis which leads to the re-enchanting Christianity of the book title. Beautifully written with excellent illustrations from the first page, he helpfully leads the reader along a path he calls ‘progressive orthodoxy’, to face and explore many of the difficult theological issues which caused many Christians to give up the journey of faith. Masterful.

Provocative Church by Graham Tomlin SPCK

Third editions' says a lot about a book, and in The Provocative Church I think we now have a classic for the study of evangelism and theology. The additional Study Guide is useful, especially for small groups to use, but it is the main text which explores important topics with such a lucid and well illustrated argument that makes this excellent and important reading for all Christians. Poignant quotes from a wide selection of sources help answer significant questions like 'should we be doing evangelism? And is our church worth going to?' Though teaching theological students, Graham Tomlin's work deserves a wider audience. I would not be surprised if it makes the Fourth or Fifth Edition.

Holding Together by Christopher Cocksworth

Though not designed to address the difficult issues which faced the Lambeth Conference, ‘Holding Together’ is a valuable resource for the wider church about finding common ground. A brand new Bishop, Christopher Cocksworth, when principal of an Evangelical theological college, writes in general about how Gospel, Church and Spirit provide an evangelical identity and how this interacts with traditions different to his own. Appreciation of Catholic teaching on Mary, alongside Calvin’s analysis of salvation illustrates the breadth, warmth and enthusiasm brought to the subject. Readable and full of references and resource material, this book steers a helpful path with comment and observation which is always positive and informative. A good book.

RE-Emerging Church by Roger Standing BRF

Although the title does not specifically say, this book is about the baby boomer generation and how they might return to church. It very helpfully scopes the issues of the 50-65 generation and offers reflections and study material to help the reader and small groups get to grips with it. Roger Standing is a Baptist teaching at Spurgeon’s Theological College and is himself from the background of people he is trying to understand and reach. The main strength of the book is his analysis of the ‘journey of faith’ and the life time of choices’ which he observes leads to ‘institutional suspicion’. All very interesting for any church to consider, as all are institutions in one form of another.

The Story of Evangelism by Robert G Tuttle. Abingdon press

Robert G Tuttle uses some interesting techniques. Taking Abraham as his first evangelist and re-writing the biblical narrative so Abraham speaks for himself, Tuttle then goes on to look at the message, motivation and relevance for today. He repeats this pattern for other key characters in the bible and church history up to modern times, and scopes the spread of the Gospel around the world. It is unusual in being a reference book told as a story but it works well and keeps your interest. Tuttle makes it clear that this is a personal study and ‘A History’ not ‘The History’ so he felt free to introduce us to some unusual names like the slave evangelist Amanda Berry Smith, while omitting any reference to the World Missionary Council in 1910. It is an excellent read with lots of reference material.

Collins Need to Know? Christianity. Peter Graystone

This book is brilliant. From being a basic classroom classic to an academic apologetic, this will become standard reading for many over the next 10 years. The secular series produced by Collins ‘Need to know?’ has just been augmented with ‘Christianity’ in a readable, clear and life informing addition. The physical feel of the book is sturdy – I presume to make it teenage proof – while the content is far reaching and explains everything from the Bible, Jesus, Church History and Faith Today. There is a ‘Must know’ quote on most pages and the whole is packed with quotes and information which is perfectly explained and clear for all ages. I have been reading Christian books for 30 years and still found new things to explore, as well as old things made clear. A classic.

The fourfold leadership of Jesus by Andrew Watson BRF

This book is really helpful in making us look at the model of Jesus. It is too easy to think of modern business models or great characters like Moses and Nehemiah, but this book points us to the Master. The fourfold framework of ‘Come, follow, wait, and go’ is a memorable model which prompts further reflection, especially about the different followers of Jesus. I especially liked the section headed ‘What’s so amazing about obedience?’ (p88) and the balance it brings to the theology of Grace. The emphasis given to patience is encouraging as many books on leadership are about the ‘go-getting’ model. The best thing is it that it makes you want to read the Gospels again, which is a great achievement.

Gone for Good? Richter and Francis: Epworth Press

Richter and Francis have done it again. ‘Gone for God?’ is a thoroughly readable academic study of profound significance, with helpful observation and suggestions for the wider church. Ten years on from their previous work ‘Gone but Not Forgotten’, they have done both quantitative and qualitative analysis of sufficient numbers of people to draw some general conclusions as to why people leave church. 15 reasons are explored, ranging from life style, matters of belief to problems with church life, together with questions of relevance and ‘fitting in’, with statistics and stories which present a general picture. Interestingly church attendance declined after the 1851 census so it is not a new phenomenon. Signs of growth are noted and the ‘multiplex’ model of church suggested as the best way forward. It is an essential read for anyone concerned with congregational life today.

Migration Principles from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

Migration Principles’ is an excellent example of what can be produced when a group of people in the middle of a network draw on all of the available resources. Committees don’t have to produce camels, they can come up with a gem. This book is one such. Migration is rarely out of the news and the church is struggling to know how to respond. In that context the Churches Commission on Racial Justice of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, brought together a wide range of people and produced a ‘Statement for Churches Working on Migration Issues’. I suggested that this be a set text for one conference I planned, and recommended it for another. It is balanced, helpful, informative, well written and useful. It provides guidance which should be standard reading for all churches and mission agencies addressing the issues of migration.

Winning Ways: Philip Jinadu and David Lawrence Authentic 2007

This book is top draw and one I shall quote from often. The story these authors tell on page 11 is very revealing and profound. It is the one which is apparently well known about the pastor and the evangelist in the middle of the night while staying in a log cabin. The pastor awakes to the screams of the evangelist being chased by a grizzly bear. I wont spoil the story but just say that Jinadu and Lawrence explore all the nuances in this excellent illustration: both trying to learn from the other. One is an evangelist and the other a pastor in a growing church in Bristol and they have the conviction that church leaders need to model evangelism in order for the church to have a cultural expectation to reach out and grow. They are on a journey of understanding each other and it is one which takes you with them. Original, this book has far reaching possibilities which can be applied across many different types of church. It is both basic and profound at the same time. It is as one reviewer says ‘an invaluable tool for any church leader’. I commend it highly.

The Shaping of Things to Come by Frost and Hirsch. Hendrickson publications.

In mission studies this is already a classic. Absolutely packed full of insight, theology and resources to help the church engage with the twenty first century, it includes models of mission, stories and biblical explorations which are worth far more than the price on the cover. Frost and Hirsch are from the Australian context but they write well for the UK. It inspires me to do some more writing myself when they explore the Jesus versus Pauline models of mission p113. Exploring ‘incarnational ecclesiology’ in a post modern context will be a great challenge to some and ‘revolutionary’ (p iv) to others. It needs to be read slowly eg for sabbatical study. Well written and cogently argued for the emerging church network and Fresh Expressions movement alike, it should be standard reading for all in the traditional style of church too. Like all classics you will return to it.

The Realm by Aidan Nichols OP

Fr Aidan Nichols is a Dominican friar and writes out of that tradition. Well read, academic and well deserving of the title ‘Order of Preachers’. He has a strident message which he wants to drive home which is well argued and convincing. He calls it ‘unfashionable’ but I found it quite agreeable. England needs to be reconverted with a renewal of spiritual values which can be found in the Catholic tradition to which he belongs. Although this is quite political, his key emphasis is on evangelization and how the Gospel can be applied today. He speaks of the confidence needed by the church and an apologetic which stands up to scrutiny, but does not go on to say how the great task could be done. It is an unusual and challenging read and for me the key is on p26: ‘of course it isn’t a matter of imposing. It’s a matter of appealing to the freedom of others’.

Dictionary of Mission Theology IVP 2007

This book does exactly what it says on the cover. A Dictionary in a Reference Collection, of Mission Theology with sub heading ‘evangelical foundations’ is exactly what you find in the pages. Yes it is for the specialist reader, writer, student, journalist, but it has readable sections of all the main subjects you might want to see, from more than a hundred contributors, from around the world, all bound in one volume. It is destined to be a classic. Printed in hard back for library use and indexed as you would expect in a book of this caliber, though comprehensive and scholarly it is clearly explained for the lay person and of great use for people of all church traditions and none. It will be a standard reference tool for many years to come. A great achievement.

Sense Making Faith, Anne Richards with the Mission Theological Advisory Group CTBI 2007

‘Sense Making Faith’ is a wonderful achievement. The title is intriguing, and so is the content. Picking up on current popular interests, like spirituality, experience, and holistic lifestyle, this book explores how our five senses can feed faith. It is a bold exploration which individuals and groups can follow with the picture clarity of a ‘DK Guide’ and text which assumes nothing but goes deep. With the subheading ‘Body, Spirit, Journey’ and an accompanying website www.spiritualjourneys.org.uk this will help the reader explore a multitude of options, and invite them to return time and time again. Prayers, Reflections, Meditations and Activities are suggested throughout: in every sense it is a valuable work of art which will lead the reader to a deeper and richer faith in Christ. Beautiful and Brilliant.

What Jesus Demands John Piper IVP

Piper is deliberately provocative in the title by using the words ‘demand’ and ‘world’. This is a plus, as he scopes all of the Gospel narratives for the chief demands of Jesus: difficult thought they may be. He rightly says that these demands are for the world to embrace and not just for Christians. 50 such demands are described and commented upon, summarizing, he says, the 300 observed. He is clearly a preacher and writes in that style, with stories and illustrations to back up his points. As such this is a straight forward narrative which will be a useful reminder and guide, more for the established rather than new Christian today, as 50 demands can be overwhelming all at once!

A New Kind of Conversation: Blogging toward a post modern faith by Penner and Barnes

This is an unusual book and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. Blogs belong on the web, and the idea of turning a blog site conversation in to a printed book, described as ‘an experiment’ on the cover, intrigued me rather than appealed. However, by the end I thought the experiment worked. Blogging is an interactive web space where people join in a continuing discussion … in this case various evangelical theologians about postmodernism. This book worked however because the ‘online traps’ of repetition and exclusive discussion are ironed out with a careful edit and peppering of much needed definitions/explanations throughout. The result is an interaction played out on the pages between people who know their subject which is fascinating, lively, and informative … all of which reminded me of my old Biblical Studies tutor who once made the memorable comment: ‘Study is like sex: it is not much fun on your own!’

Louder than Words: Andrew Bradstock. DLT

When this book arrived I had to read it straight away as justice issues and Christian action are seminal topics at the moment. Here Andrew Bradstock gives a good broad scope of all the major themes like trade, AIDS, Climate change and poverty, both at home and abroad. It can be appreciated by the informed and uninitiated alike. Difficult and wide ranging topics are covered in a style which is easy to read and straight forward to apply, especially in the local church. It is a well thought through narrative, based on experience and reading, which will help a much wider network of Christians grapple with the issues of our time.

Building a Strategic Church by David Beer. Kingsway

I liked this book more than I expected. Impressed though I am with Rick warren and the book ‘Purpose Driven Church’ I thought David Beer who represents the ‘Purpose Driven’ network in the UK would simply do an anglicized version of the American classic. I was wrong. Beer’s book is quite different and even better for it. The strategy is not so much about method (I wrote about that in the Grove booklet Developing a Strategy for Mission), so much as the outcomes a local church should aim at. So, it is less about Mission Statements and Mission Action Plans, so much as a thorough explanation of all the good aspects of a growing churches life which need to be addressed and applied. With all the stories, biblical references and worthwhile advice, it deserves to become a standard text.

Regeneration and Renewel Ed Malcolm Torry. Canterbury press

Regeneration and Renewal are words which often go together. Malcolm Torry is not talking about spiritual renewal or the Charismatic Movement, but the kind of social renewal which goes which community regeneration projects. This book, subtitled ‘the church in new and changing communities’ explores just that in the context of the Anglican church in south London. This is chiefly done through story, with various contributors telling their story of the local church which has engaged with huge issues, literally on the doorstep. Though a specific style, context, and subject, which will mean it probably has a relatively small circle of people initially interested, Torry paints a picture of church engagement which can, and has been, replicated across the country. It therefore deserves to be more widely read.

Emerging and Fresh Expressions of Church by Ian J Mobsby. Moot Community Pub

Written for the specific market of well informed Anglican church leaders asking the ecclesial questions of Fresh Expressions, this book will be of great help in opening up the subject and informing the audience. Using four examples of Anglican initiatives Fresh Expressions, Ian Mobsby asks critical questions against a well read background. Many well chosen quotes make it a useful reference work which is easy to read and follow. Fewer readers will find the question in the title sub heading ‘How are they authentic Church and Anglican’ so relevant perhaps, but to those who do this book provides an important contribution in an interesting debate. It is a good read for a specific audience.

Churchgoing by Lynda Barley. CHP

Lynda Barley has rare gifts. As a statistician, she not only makes sense of a great deal of information, but she can also process it for the rest of us. The icing on the cake is that she can also make it accessible and interesting to read! Anyone following church attendance patterns will find her book from the Archbishops Council revealing about the Church of England, but many from other churches too will follow the findings with enthusiasm as she makes reasoned observations for all churches to consider. Monthly attendance is 70% higher than just going on a Sunday; the largest churches are in the City Centre; and every parish in the Church of England has been digitally mapped and statistics collated: fascinating stuff.

May I call you friend? Methodist Church House

In these days when so much is in the media about religion and identity, community and cohesion, the Methodist Church have boldly stepped in with a remarkable study guide. It will not satisfy all faith positions but it certainly helps small groups raise the questions about how we live alongside and share our faith with people of other faiths with dignity and discretion. The sections look at various difficult and sometimes contentious aspects in a positive way, with clear guidance, but leaving the group members to come to their own conclusions. This is not just a book for Christians with Muslim neighbours in the Inner City: this is for all Christians everywhere to think, discuss and pray through.

Mission shaped Spirituality: Susan Hope

One of the great strengths of the book is the number of stories. There is nearly one on every page. Mission Shaped Church was a report of the Church of England which has affected most churches with positive energy for creating ‘Fresh Expressions’. Sue Hope here explores the spirituality needed for these, chiefly energised by an experience of the Holy Spirit which leads to what she calls an ‘apostolic adventure’. The stories illustrate this well. This is both and encouraging and a motivating read. It is not prescriptive, and will not leave the reader feeling ‘I can’t do that’. It is almost like the New Testament has been written again for the 21^st Century.

The Dave Walker Guide to the Church: Canterbury 2006

Strangely, I am going to review a book I have not yet read! This is because I know the cartoons of Dave Walker as I think them one of the best bits of the Church Times newspaper I read every week. Absolutely brilliant and often very telling, they have made me smile if not laugh out loud. I have even cut them out and given them to friends, like the various shapes of church tower flags you can see, which I took to fellow bell ringers. I know the book is going to be a great read if left on the coffee table. Who would like it for Christmas I wonder? So, get a copy and don’t read it any faster than one page at a time!

99 Things to do between here and heaven. Peter Graystone. Canterbury Press 2006

This book is a must. A veritable treasure trove of information as well as useful and stimulating suggestions as to what we can do to improve the quality of life. Don’t fall in to the tempting trap of thinking a) how many of these things you have already done, or b) what you should have done and can’t for good reason. Rather keep picking up the book and be gently encouraged to do more good things: you’ll be blessed many times before you get to heaven! Seriously, Peter Graystone has produced a best seller here that will gradually find itself on to the shelves of many Christians and non Christians for many years to come.

Living Church by Murray McBride: Barnbas BRF 2006

I am not saying that Murray McBride’s latest offering in the BRF Barnabas series is brilliant because he used to work with me, it is just brilliant. All the teacher needs for Years 2-6 for a visit to the local Anglican church are presented in a simple and straight forward fashion, without apology for what the church teaches, in one handy book. What more would the busy teacher need? I particularly liked the history time line from AD 1 to present and the activity sheets to enhance the learning process, as well as the other suggested activities like re-enacting a baptism and wedding. Adaptable for any church and school to use, and tested in various contexts, I can see this becoming a standard school resource for many years to come.

Get a grip on Mission by Martin Goldsmith

Martin Goldsmith is a well known writer and speaker on evangelism in the world context. He is well placed to scope the task and to make the observations he does in ‘Get a Grip on Mission’, as he does reflecting on the new context he observes. This is aptly illustrated in phrases like ‘paper to pixels’ and ‘no pith helmets in the concrete jungle’. Goldsmith goes further though, and stresses that global mission has a new centre of gravity, which is not Western, and suggests we have a lot to learn from people in other parts of the world. Western Christians might have opportunity to witness when on holiday or on business trips, but the best people to share the Gospel are the locals.

Sowing Reaping Keeping Laurence Singlehurst 2nd Ed IVP

The sub title to the second edition of Laurence Singlehurst’s popular and very useful book ‘Sowing Reaping Keeping’, may sound like a contradiction in terms to some! ‘People-sensitive evangelism’ is not only a Gospel principle, but also the best practice, says Singlehurst, as he shows us how. Even when using phrases like Engel scale and strategy, he helps us always think of the person and whether they hear ‘good news’. It really is a timely update of a very important principle which is well written and amply illustrated, both from the Bible and from personal experience. It is a good basic introduction to effective evangelism.

Making sense of Generation Y: CHP

This book has been eagerly awaited by those church leaders who have been reading about the ‘Spiritual Revolution’ described by David Tacey and Heeles and Woodhead in their respective seminal works. Phil Rankin followed that with ‘Buried Spirituality’ then looked at Generation Y – or young people (15-25 yrs) for the uninitiated! In some contrast to Rankin, this new work again asks young people for their views and concludes that spirituality is not a quest for many of them. So, this significant book will be much analyzed and quoted as an important contribution to a wider debate, questioning as it does many of our widely held assumptions about the world view of young people today.

Youth Emmaus 2: Big Issues and Holy Spaces

When a book reviewer is aged 13 and recommends a youth resources book as ‘absolutely brilliant’, adult youth leader should take note. And when another reviewer who is 12 says it is a fun way to learn about Jesus, it deserves to be taken seriously. Youth Emmaus 2 is packed with well explained and easy to use exercise and resources for the younger teenager age range from 11-16. Aimed at those who have basic knowledge of the Christian faith, the book and accompanying CD ROM is a 14 week course of material which is ready made and photocopyable. As useful as the adult counterpart, I am sure it will become as widely used.

Unlocking the door: Ruth Adams and Jan Harney

This book will indeed unlock the door for many to share their Christian faith. Noting that many Christians do not have many friends outside the church, Adams and Harney, writing from the unusual perspective of women in evangelism, show how real friendships can be made and faith shared in practical, realistic, imaginative and fun ways. Using the various rooms of a house, from attic to cellar, they look at different ways in which this can be done based on ten steps of a faith journey. Immensely practical, and recognizing that Jesus met different people in different ways on different days, it deserves to be read by other women and men alike.

Breaking News by J John

Almost anything which J John writes will be a combination of helpful information, useful stories, and practical advice. This book is no exception. Famed for his famous phrase ‘yes but how’ J John is always looking to help people put their faith in to action. This contribution, with its deliberate double meaning title, is written as a self help manual to help people share their Christian faith in many and various different situations, especially with friends. With diagrams and exercises to break up the text, interesting though it is, J John spells out the way in which we can engage in effective evangelism with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Evangelism- which way now? Booker and Ireland CHP Second edition 2005

The first edition of this book was a really helpful, timely and astute overview of the current trends in UK evangelism, but this second edition is even more helpful as it includes updates on ‘Mission-shaped church’ and ‘Fresh Expressions’. It begins by looking at Christian nurture courses like Alpha and Emmaus, but then looks at many other strategies too. It does much more than it says on the tin as Booker and Ireland offer their own advice and experience for further reflection. This is particularly helpful when they have stressed the need for strategic planning but then say some of the most successful evangelism takes you by surprise. It is excellent, relevant and realistic reading.

The Road to Growth by Bob Jackson CHP

Bob Jackson, an ex Government Advisor and now Archdeacon, is still clearly a statistician with a clear mind who brings a great deal of information and advice to the wider church in this illuminating and amazing book. The amount of information and quotable material makes this a useful addition in the minister’s library, from whatever tradition they come. Although clearly written for a specific Anglican audience it is easily transferable to other church traditions as he develops ‘strategies for growth’. Following up his previous best seller ‘Hope for the Church’, Jackson, gives clear and precise advice, based on good information on nitty-gritty subjects like finance as well as prayer.

Evangelism in a Spiritual Age: CHP 2005

The attention of the reader of this book is certainly grabbed when Anne Richards says that ‘contemporary spirituality and contemporary sex perhaps have something in common’ (page 57), but that is not the only thing about this book to grab your attention. Produced alongside ‘Beyond the Fringe’ (LICC/Cliff) and ‘Equipping your Church in a Spiritual Age’ (GfE), this book by several well known writers like Steven Croft, Rob Frost and Graham Cray, is a must for all missiologists and people exploring the spiritual interest of people outside church today. Yvonne Richmond looks at research and the 6 big questions people have, while Nick Spencer offers comment in this helpful compendium of comment.