Book Review- Culture Shift:The Battle for the Moral Heart of America

Culture Shift: The Battle for  the Moral Heart of America by R. Albert Mohler Jr. . (Multnomah Books, Colorado Springs, 2008,2011).  185 pages reviewed.

Culture Shift is a thoughtful and challenging collection of essays written by the author that address numerous areas of cultural interest. Addressing “shifts” in the moral view of issues like the law, political correctness, terrorism, education, evolution and others, Mohler offers an informed perspective on the changes occurring in how Americans view these issues. The book, written from a Christian worldview, addresses culture “head-on” and gives insights worthy of consideration for thoughtful Christians. Mohler brings a historical perspective and writes as a “balanced advocate,” meaning he advocates a Christian worldview and response, but is careful to present culture accurately…and does not shy away from “weaknesses” in the traditional “Christian” position on issues.

This is not a minister’s “rant” on the demise of culture; rather, it is a thoughtful analysis of culture, influence, and the Christian’s responsibility. The tone is cordial. The assertions are gracious. The assumptions are limited and well documented.

As a pastor, I picked up the book as part of my research for an upcoming project. It has stimulated my thinking and inspired me to action in a couple of key areas of my work. I recommend the book to professional minister and lay person alike. It sounds a clarion call to action without taking an alarmist tone.

Thank you Dr. Mohler! An asset to my library.

You can purchase a copy from Amazon HERE.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review as part of their blogger’s book review  program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Sticky Teams, by Larry Osborne

Book Review: Sticky Teams, by Larry Osborne (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010). 221 Pages Reviewed.

One of the things I chose to do a few years back was broaden my reading from just theological works to those involving business, leadership, church ministry, history, and an occasional fictional work. I kicked off 2012 with a casually paced read through this book. I intentionally wanted to take the read slow…so I could absorb the details and apply them along the way.

Osborne gives an amazingly unfiltered treatment of the subject of pastoral or ministerial leadership. Workings within the confines of the corporate structure of a business are far more predictable than those of the church. Business principles can INFORM a person on how to lead effectively, but they do not apply perfectly.

Everything in the book discusses the leader’s responsibility to develop a team that lasts. This often involves inheriting a team and transforming it. The principles…and the direct instructions that Osborne shares, specifically address the lessons he learned in transforming a team.

Some of the crossovers from this book to the traditional business structure relate to how a leader directs his executive team in a company. Whether working with a Board of Directors or motivating teams of senior managers, the principles are applicable.

The two biggest takeaways for me in the book relates to unity of the team and expectations of the team. First, “Unity that insists on uniformity is not unity at all” (p.29). A healthy team environment cultivates conflict to work through situations and develop the best outcomes. Unity is a commitment to the values and the goals of the organization that provide the framework and impetus that guide the conflict to excellence. Second is the leader’s willingness to PUSH his team on to excellence. Osborne asserts that a leader who will not push his team to get better demonstrates a lack of confidence in the team. The highest compliment a leader can give a team member is to expect more from them.

This book will not be read once and then set aside. It will be a reference throughout my career. For me, as a church leader, it is directly applicable; however, I think it is useful to any leader who is required to work in a team environment to accomplish a task. I can easily envision this as a required staff read or a “board” read for the discerning executive. There is much to be gained.

Thanks Larry for such a powerful tool!

You can purchase a copy of this book from your local bookstore or from Amazon HERE.

Book Review: Winning with People, by John Maxwell

Book Review: Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time, by John C. Maxwell (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2004) 311 pages.

Someone once said that John Maxwell has only written one book and published it under dozens of different titles. This is certainly a stretch but it does recognize the fact that Maxwell has articulated a number of leadership and communication principles and expertly applies them to various facets of human relationships.

I picked this book up as a refresher on some interpersonal communication principles. After all, Solomon once said that there is nothing “new” under the sun. I find it useful to vary my own reading with a cross-section of history, leadership, business, practical religious works, and theological works. I purchased this particular book about eight months ago and placed it on my shelf.

Maxwell addresses the desire of a person to be successful in a “people business.” Whether one is a pastor (as I am) or a salesperson, a public employee, or someone who works on the front lines with customers, these principles are beneficial. No one will read this and find the “magic bullet” to success with people; rather, one will be reminded that working with people is hard work! The book is replete with stories and examples that accurately illustrate the principles espoused. This is both helpful and entertaining. In addition, Maxwell draws on the wisdom of Scripture through the text to explain the origins of these principles.

I recommend this book as it is sound and useful for a wide range of people. It is work to build relationships, but with Maxwell, the work is made easier to handle. Thanks John!!

You can purchase a copy from Amazon HERE.

Book Review: The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive

The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive, by Patrick Lencioni (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2000). 183 Pages Reviewed.

This Book served as the final book (and review) for 2011…though I didn’t actually get to publish the review until today.

I was caught up with the genre of this series of books from the “5 Dysfunctions of a Team.” I have read nearly everything in the series and really enjoy the format, ease of reading, and the writer’s style.

As a leader of a church, I am always looking to improve my effectiveness to oversee an organization. Not all lessons from the “business world” apply perfectly, but I have found that even in the cases where there is no direct correlation, it is good to understand how those in the business world think. Beyond that, the principles that Lencioni communicates can usually be adapted to my particular context.

What drew me to this book was the emphasis on the role of the senior leader in a company. The fable involves how the CEO interacts with his management team and how, in the most successful companies, there is a dogged determination to remain committed to the “most” important things. A CEO could become involved in a number of aspects of company operations; however, he is most effective in developing his senior leadership team, bringing clarity of purpose (vision) in every decision and direction, communicating that vision/direction “ad nauseum,” and reinforcing the clarity through the human systems of the organization.

Now I did not just share any new insights or upend some popular “B School” teaching; rather, I just shared what Lencioni reinforced throughout the book. A senior leader who focuses on these aspects of the organization can allow his senior leadership to carry out the task in the most effective way for their particular area of responsibility.

While there is no “new” information or “magic pill” related in this book, there is a huge opportunity for the leader to evaluate his/her own organizational health, persona leadership effectiveness, and to make adjustments accordingly.

I recommend the book highly to all leaders who are responsible for “shepherding” the vision and overseeing the direction of an organization. If you ever wanted “permission” to pull back from for the intricacies of the details and focus on what you do best…this is the book for you.

You can purchase a copy at your local bookstore or through Amazon HERE.

Book Review: Why Men Hate Going to Church, by David Murrow

Why Men Hate Going to Church, by David Murrow  (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005,  2011). 239 pages.

One of the indisputable facts about church leadership is the fact that (as a whole) the church is not as successful in reaching men as it is in reaching women. Murrow addresses this matter “head-on” in his book and looks for reasons WHY this is (and subsequently how to address the disparity…if one believes it should be changed).

There were a number of key observations that caught my attention…as a pastor, and as one who desires to see men grow to become all that God designed for them to be. First…he noted that there is a great deficit of African-American men in the Church, yet they comprise some 90% of converts from the United States to Islam…and the overwhelming number of them as adults (p.27). This demonstrates that these men are not less “spiritually minded; rather, that there must be some feature in Islam that is more “attractive” (or as Murrow seems to argue…a feature in Islam that is less unattractive than in the church).

Another observation that Murrow makes in many different ways…in the fact that within the church there is an overwhelming disparity between the genders when it comes to who serves/leads and how decisions are made. He notes that the men who excel in the church do so by exhibiting characteristics that are “softened masculinity.” [Now I write this as a man who leads in the church, so I promise you it is not self-serving.] Men (with a few exceptions) who excel do so by softening the rugged “edge” that men have as an innate characteristic and thus by appealing to the senses of the women. Concern for “feelings” and “unity” are placed above vision and mission. He cites as an outworking of this a perversion of the biblical image of Jesus…where He is transformed from a manly carpenter to an effeminate peace activist who simply values love and peace above all else.

Now before you conclude that Murrow is just on a rant (which I think he embraces at parts in the book)…he offers some suggestions and a plethora of indicators that one can use to examine an individual congregation. Further, he offers insights from churches that tend to focus on reaching MEN and are doing it well. (He notes that those who do so…also see increases in women and children.)

Critically speaking, I think that Murrow draws a few shaky conclusions from his observations. I certainly can see how he arrives at his conclusions, but some of them seem to be based in an a priori argument. Still, I found the book to be engaging, thought-provoking, and instructive. It will serve me well as I continue to seek to reach men and women with the Gospel. Overall, I agree with most everything that he says and would encourage church leaders, ministry leaders, and students of human psychology to read and consider his observations with an open mind. I found my time “well-spent” in reading this book.  

You can purchase a copy at your local bookstore or through Amazon HERE.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: The Five Temptations of a CEO, by Patrick Lencioni

The Five Temptations of a CEO, by Patrick Lencioni. (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass). 135 pages.

Some years ago, a friend recommend The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by this author and I fell for his writing style and wisdom. Reading books on business leadership are purposeful but also pleasurable for me. I love to dig into business leadership and seek to apply the principles to different areas of my life.

I purchased this 10^th anniversary edition of the book recently. Honestly I struggled a bit with purchasing it since I do not consider myself a CEO at all; however, the book would share principles of leadership and I decided to do so anyway. In this book, Lencioni shares a business “fable” whereby he examines the plight of a particular CEO. In the fable, this CEO comes across a “truth-speaker” (this time in a dream) who imparts to him 5 mistakes that CEOs who fail…make. These are not innate characteristics, but are temptations that, if not mastered, will certainly be the demise of the business leader. The temptations are:

• ·         Choosing status over results
• ·         Choosing popularity over accountability
• ·         Choosing certainty over clarity
• ·         Choosing harmony over conflict
• ·         Choosing invulnerability over trust

Each of the temptations drive to the heart of what it is to be a leader. A CEO often functions without close accountability other than to a Board or Shareholders. As such, much of his daily management must come from self-discipline.

While many things caught my attention in the book, one particular observation was driven home:

“…A great president of the United States wouldn’t be as proud of being elected as he would of actually accomplishing something. And a nonprofit agency shouldn’t feel good getting funds unless they did something meaningful with the money. And there isn’t a great coach alive who would say that his best day was getting hired. Winning games and championships is what great coaching is all about” (p.29).

This particular quote reminds me of the fact that great leaders do not play it safe or consider their role as accomplishment. Their role of leadership is for a purpose and every great CEO must understand that he is accountable to DO SOMETHING with the mantle of leadership that benefits the organization he leads. “Leaders” who simply exist and entertain the masses or maintain the status quo…aren’t really leaders at all.

I recommend this book and this author. It is an easy read and offers many opportunities for self-evaluation. It also is a sobering examination for the reader. 5 stars again Lencioni!

You can purchase a copy at your local bookstore or through Amazon HERE.

The Meaning of Being MISSIONAL as a believer and as a Church

Missional is a buzz word in Christian circles and I am rather fond of its use. Like all words or concepts, its meaning can be watered down or even lost without periodic clarification. It is not enough to know what “missional” means, but also what it means when I use it.

One of the guys who has helped me shape my thinking is Dr. Ed Stetzer of Lifeway Research and also one of the teaching pastors at GraceLife Church (a church plant). I love Ed’s writing style and the content is “spot on.” (Perhaps it is that northern style in him that I love. He tells the truth, in love, and allows others to wrestle with its implications.)

Having served as a church planter and as pastor of two different established churches, I have a strong desire for churches to be “on mission” or “missional” in their approach to ministry. But…what does that mean?

To be missional means to think and act as a missionary in the culture we live in. It is to choose activities that further us toward the goal of accomplishing the Kingdom mission, while rejecting those activities that hinder such accomplishment. Above all…it means to actively and intentionally engage the culture with a contextual presentation of the truth of the gospel.

I don’t mean simply inform them of the presence of the gospel, or to argue for the necessity of the gospel. I mean to present the gospel in perfectly understandable terms so that they can make an informed decision to accept or reject the gift of God in Christ Jesus.

Here is a link to an article (one of many) that Stetzer has written on CONTEXTUALIZATION. It is a powerful and succinct definition of what it is to make the gospel accessible to others.

One observation about it that connects this to “missional,” Paul not only contextualized the gospel…but he did it on purpose. He intentionally engaged others, studied them, then presented the gospel to them in a way that was not easy or comfortable for him…but was essential for their understanding.

It sort of reminds me of the old Bill Hybel’s principle that I call the “barbecue first principle.” (You have not earned the right to inquire or share about eternal matters until you have at least shared a meal with someone. If you don’t know their children’s names, how will they ever believe that you care about their eternity?)

If we truly care about people in our community, doesn’t it make sense to get to know them well enough that we earn the right to share our story and HIS story? If that means changing our approach or our lifestyles to become more relatable…shouldn’t we do that IMMEDIATELY and INTENTIONALLY?

Who are you investing in? Who are you getting to know…on purpose…with the intent of sharing with them about your journey as a believer and the amazing love of God?

Book Review: No He Can’t!…by Kevin McCullough

No He Can’t: How Barack Obama is Dismantling Hope and Change (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2011). 219 pages.

Kevin McCullough has done our country and discerning readers
a great service in writing this book! In an accurate and “no holds barred”
manner, the author offers analysis of some of the President’s leadership
decisions and then analyzes those decisions to shed light on the President’s worldview.
Often times in the world we live in, the voice of criticism is so rampant and
the ideal of politeness is so sought after, that social commentators are
marginalized or dismissed. It can be assumed that a word of disagreement is
simply an outworking of personal dislike or agendas. McCullough works to simply
point out statements and policy decisions of the President’s administration in
order to bring a common theme to light. Individually, one can choose to agree
or disagree with this author; however, when taken in their entirety, the reader
will not be able to ignore the author’s clarity and conclusions.

Whether you are a fan of the President, one of his
administration’s many critics, or a neutral onlooker who is simply desiring to
understand more of “where we are going” as a country under President Obama’s
leadership, this book is for you.

I recommend this book!

You can purchase a copy at your local bookstore or through
Amazon HERE.

Disclosure of Material
Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of
their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not
required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,
Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

FAQs and Tips from a Pastor’s Perspective

I was recently asked a question that comes up regularly…so I thought I would answer it here…in case others were wondering the same thing. (By the way: It is a question we answer during the discussion on the Bible in my doctrinal teaching “What we believe…and why we believe it.”

Question: I have a difficult time understanding the King James Version of the Bible. What Bible do you recommend? (Other variations of the question include what’s the difference with all of the translations?)

Here is some background reading on translations from my teaching on the subject: Bible Translation Overview.

I personally preach from the NASB (New American Standard Bible, updated 1995) because I believe it to be the most accurate English translation available in the essentially literal category.

When I travel abroad, I usually carry the NIV (New International Version) or the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible)…since I do not want to give the impression that my God is an American God…which is a purely missiological consideration.

As for personal reading, I usually recommend that teachers use an essentially literal translation (NASB, ESV, HCSB, NKJV). For those who think it is a bit “rigid”, I recommend the NIV…since it translates ideas or concepts, not just words. For those who prefer a more “narrative” form of the story, I give the New Living Translation a “thumbs up.”

How to select a bible? Go to a book store and read a passage in several translations. (You can also do this online if you google sources). I would choose a passage from John (say chapter 1 and 3). I would also look at key verses like 1 John 2:2…to see how they deal with the atonement/propitiation. Then…I would get what I liked the best.

Personally I avoid paraphrases like the Message. I won’t “fight you” over it, but I personally just don’t see the need for that.

For the new reader and the seasoned bible study person alike…I have always found a good “Study Bible” to be helpful. The “study notes” at the bottom of the page help explain concepts that are not very clear in the text. I even used a study bible when I first began to preach! John MacArthur has a good Study Bible, and so does Zondervan (as well as some others…maybe.)

The biggest key…get a Bible you understand and start reading it prayerfully…until you can grasp it. Underline, circle, and check references. Read the study notes and the background sections. Basically…just do it!

A perspective regarding Bin Laden

Late last night, I was having trouble sleeping so I got up to read. My son, Dillon, shared with me that I had just missed a Presidential news conference announcing that the United States had conducted an operation and “killed Bin Laden.”

Now as I put my cards on the table here…let me try to communicate clearly…especially since I haven’t had any coffee yet.

I watched some of the coverage last night and saw celebration and rallies over his death outside of the White House. Honestly…it was a bit “creepy” to me. It reminded me of images of “Black Hawk Down” or some other less civilized response from people toward the death of another.

Now I am not some Birkenstocks wearing hippie peace activist. (If you know me…you know that). I am a Christ-follower…which means I represent Jesus in my actions and I reflect Him in my thoughts and words (at least this is my goal).

I am thankful that this man was brought to justice (Prov 21:15). I have many friends who have been, are, or will be “down range” fighting the war on terror. Bin Laden was a religious fanatic who saw in his religious creeds a justification to kill people not like himself and then to hide in a hole while telecasting that there would be more killing (the textbook definition of a terrorist). I am thankful that one of the more evil figures of human history will no longer terrorize people by his actions or words.

This being said…Bin Laden’s problem was that he was unredeemed…a lost man…far from God. He died separated from God…meaning that God will not receive his worship and Bin Laden will never know the mercy and love of God. This doesn’t make me want to celebrate…it grieves me. Were it not for the grace of God…I would be far from God.

I am not saddened that justice was served. For this I am thankful. I am thankful for the men who stepped into harm’s way to hunt him and bring him to justice. They left their families and risked their lives to protect the freedom I enjoy. They continue to do so…since their mission is far from over. Other…evil men…will rise up. I am thankful for the sense of closure and comfort from it that some will receive in the furtherance of justice.

I am saddened that the images of the American response to the news might communicate that all are rejoicing and celebrating in the streets. I do not celebrate in the streets that a man will be eternally separated from God. He is no more and no less deserving of the GRACE of God than I am.

I close with a Proverb:

Proverbs 24:17–20 (NASB95)

¹⁷Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

¹⁸Or the Lord will see it and be displeased, And turn His anger away from him.

¹⁹Do not fret because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked;

²⁰For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

God is just and He is righteous and He holds all evil to account. Others…and our own.

What say you?