Posts under ‘Books’

In some ways this is one of the hardest chapters to summarise because it ranges over several topics, yet I also found it one of the most challenging yet. The chapter is structured around the 3 temptations of Jesus after his baptism, and explores the idea of Affirming the Will of God.
I found the [...]

It has been a while since I have had time to do any non-essential reading, and so it is rather ironic that the title of this chapter is Retreating from Activity.
As ever, looking to the model of Jesus, Fernando points out how regularly Jesus took time out, especially before particularly significant moments in His ministry, [...]

This third chapter is called ‘Affirmed by God.’ Fernando argues that:
“The ministry is so challenging that when we think of it, the primary focus always needs to be on what God does for us. Otherwise when problems come and we are faced with our own inadequacy, we could react in harmful ways.”
I would [...]

Having highlighted our need to identify with the people we are ministering to, Fernando secondly emphasises the importance of ministering not in our own strength but in God’s power through His Spirit. As before he roots this in the ministry of Jesus, and also relies on the account of the early church in Acts.
Fernando [...]

In deference to my reader in Suffolk (you know who you are!), rather than just plugging this book I thought I would add the odd comment/summary as I read through it over the next days (weeks? months?!).

Chapter 1 is all about ‘Identifying with people’ – and in particular the people you minister amongst. The [...]

Whiter than snow. (that all rhymes – how lovely!)
This is a refreshing little series of meditations on Psalm 51. They will warm your soul and keep grace where it should be – at the forefront of our hearts and minds.

Great quote from another youthwork book I’m reading at the mo:
The ancient world knew nothing of the ‘teenager’, and Eli bringing up Samuel in the temple must be virtually the only biblical account of a ‘youth worker’. If that really was the forerunner of our youth groups, it is particularly encouraging. It has one member, [...]

I’ve just read:

As someone who has just taken on responsibility for looking after a youth group this has really challenged my ‘received wisdom’ on what YG looks like.
I love the idea of creating an environment in which we can build disciples rather than just entertain but am daunted by the task of doing things differently. [...]

Whilst I hope this site won’t just become a place where I pop book recommendations, I felt I had to mention this little book by Krish Kandiah. A friend of mine mentioned it to me and I have been reading it recently. It is a really helpful look at how we can integrate [...]

Redemption Accomplished and Applied. Possibly the most helpful book I have had the pleasure of reading in the last 12 months. Sane and clear exposition of the great doctrines of the reformed faith. And less than 200 pages
Get it. Read it. Re-read it. Give it to your [...]