Book Reviews: Life on Mission

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Life on Mission: Joining the Everyday Mission of God by Dustin Willis and Aaron Coe (Moody Publishers)

book willis coe200Dustin Willis and Aaron Coe sprinkle the word “gospel” throughout the first hundred pages of Life on Mission. The authors express the importance of a strong gospel foundation. However, it isn’t until the reader reaches the third chapter that Willis shares the gospel of Jesus, and he accomplishes this through a simple conversation with his 3-year-old son.

The first three sections repeat an important message: Ordinary people should share the gospel in their everyday venues. The book challenges ordinary men and women to accept the task of sharing the gospel of Jesus to overcome the decline of North America churches. The authors cite statistics showcasing the struggles facing mainline and evangelical denominations.

The authors thread their recovery road map with their personal stories and Bible verses. They engage readers with the placement of interactive red-letter questions.

Section four outlines tools to equip believers to witness in the everyday mission field: Identify people who need the gospel; invest in others as you share the gospel; invite people into disciple-making relationships; increase disciple-making by sending people to make more disciples.

Willis and Coe formatted the book for small-group discussion, and they included a simple and straightforward six-week group leader’s guide. However, readers are unaware it is designed for small groups until the end of the book.

Even so, the book challenges the reader to live intentionally, passionately on mission to glorify God. The red-letter questions and study guide compel the reader to work as God’s missionary in the mission field to reverse the decline of the North America churches.

Bobbie Bomar-Brown

Estes Park, Colorado


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Starting Missional Churches: Life with God in the Neighborhood by Mark Lau Branson and Nicholas Warnes (Praxis/InterVarsity Press)

book branson warnes200The authors—both associated with Fuller Theological Seminary—and six other contributors offer insights on specific church-starting models. The missional process involves study/reflection, engagement and action, they note. Missional change occurs through awareness, understanding, evaluation, experiments and commitment.

Each chapter contains at least one interview with a church-starting pastor. The authors point out parallels between church transformation and church planting. The book includes examples from several denominations and nondenominational churches, highlighting those who are church starters in their own neighborhoods. This is a great read for Christians who are church planters or who desire to enter that ministry.

Skip Holman, minister of discipleship

Northeast Baptist Church

San Antonio

Spiritual Warfare Jesus’ Way: How to Conquer Evil Spirits and Live Victoriously by Larry Richards (Chosen Books)

book richards200Bestselling author Larry Richards offers a valuable tool for fighting the unseen enemy with his latest book, Spiritual Warfare Jesus’ Way: How to Conquer Evil Spirits and Live Victoriously.

Beginning with the Old Testament book of Job, Richards offers a user-friendly explanation of the invisible spiritual realm. Next, he discusses the temptations of Jesus and relates them to our present-day circumstances and needs. Then he transitions into how Jesus handled demonic interruptions to his mission. Richards’ method of spiritual deliverance is crystal-clear—deal with demonization by using the model Jesus gave. The remaining chapters unfold a step-by-step process to follow. The appendix includes every biblical confrontation Jesus had with demons.

Richards’ book differs from most on the controversial subject of spiritual warfare. His matter-of-fact explanations starkly contrast the loud arguments of well-intentioned authors who beg readers to take the devil and his horde seriously.

The nitty-gritty of spiritual warfare—demonic activity within an individual—needs to be handled with love and wisdom if people are to be delivered. This book provides instruction to accomplish that goal.

Mary Pat Johns

Victoria

Parker Valley-Sondra by Candace Jane Mann (Next Century)

book mann200Candace Jane Mann engages the reader from cover to cover with her loveable characters. Parker Valley-Sondra is the first of a series. This book introduces the four Parker sisters. When their parents die, the responsibility of Parker Valley Ranch falls their shoulders.

The main character, Sondra, is the eldest and must set aside her grief to save the ranch from creditors. The high-spirited tomboy assumes responsibilities of the cattle ranch and the care of her three sisters. In her desire to succeed, mounting pressures strip Sondra of God’s peace.

Mann’s secondary characters provide a valid addition to the story, and they also come alive on the pages. Jason, a cattleman from the East, purchases the neighboring ranch. The two become business partners. Through that relationship, Sondra learns to trust God. Her high spirits and self-determination push Jason to lean on God for patience.

The beautiful cover may attract women primarily; however, it is a great read for any man. The author clearly paints the characteristics of a godly man. This entertaining book shares profound messages, including marriage as covenant and importance of prayer. Parker Valley-Sondra reminds the reader to keep God as his or her focal point.

I can’t wait to read the second in the series, Parker Valley-Jennifer.

Bobbie Bomar-Brown

Estes Park, Colo.


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