These days, it seems that there are as almost as many approaches to ministry as there are churches.
In a well-meaning attempt to share the gospel and to get people inside their doors, many churches have become seeker-sensitive, relying on tools such as popular events, programs, and snazzy marketing tools to help increase their numbers.
Some churches even play certain types of music and adapt specific dress codes to appeal to specific audiences.
Are these approaches biblical? Is this really what ministry is all about?
In his e-book Keeping Christ In Ministry, Dr. John H. Harbison explores these questions by taking an in-depth look into the heart of ministry. He examines 11 aspects of the ministry of Jesus Christ and discusses how Christ-followers are called to participate in each of them.
If you are a pastor, church worker, or serious bible student who is interested in learning more about what Christ-centered ministry entails or exploring some of the different roles that Jesus embodied during His time on earth, than you may find this book educational and informative.
If you are a more casual reader, however, this book may not appeal to you because Dr. Harbison’s treatment of the subject can be somewhat scholarly and dry at times.
The book also addresses spiritual gifts and is theologically conservative in its approach.
For More Information:
- Read the Interview with Dr. John H. Harbison to learn why he wrote this book.
More Great Resources
If you liked this book, you may enjoy the following books as well:
- Deeper Into The Word by Keri Wyatt Kent
- Fruit Of My Spirit by Deanna Nowadnick
- Reach – How To Use Your Social Media Influence For The Glory Of God
For more great books, visit Create With Joy – Book Reviews!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this e-book from Kirkdale Press as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewer Program for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Twitter: MelodyGravitt
says:
Great post. I would love for you to come over to my blog hop and share this there!
http://countrifiedhicks.blogspot.com/2013/02/mondays-with-countrified-hicks-blog-hop.html
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks Melody for letting me know about your new Blog Hop!
I just linked up and appreciate the invitation! 🙂
Twitter: SylviaPhillips8
says:
My husband and I were just talking about this yesterday! Several area pastors were interviewed to see if they would be interested in participating in the Gospel tent at the county fair next summer. All of them answered that they had participated in the past but didn’t get any new church members for their efforts and declined the invitation!! Can you believe that! Just because their membership didn’t increase doesn’t mean they weren’t reaching people with the Good News! Random people were interviewed to get their opinion on the past gospel tent programs. They said the program was too gimmicky! I say the love of Jesus is what people really need, not fancy shows. Show them that Jesus loves them! Give them hope!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thank you for sharing your experience with us Sylvia!
I was blessed to be shepharded by a pastor who believed and taught that the head of the church was Jesus –
not him, not the elder board, not anyone else – and that it was the Holy Spirit who “added” people to the church,
just like in the book of Acts – so it wasn’t our job to count “numbers”, but to be faithful in sharing the good news
that God has laid on our hearts – His Spirit does the rest!
It is disappointing that this isn’t the prevalent view anymore – because at the end of the day, when someone is at rock bottom
and in search of answers – it is truth that will change their lives.
Have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by!
Twitter: SylviaPhillips8
says:
Amen!! I agree with you and your pastor!
Twitter: RecentBooks
says:
I enjoyed your review.
This book certainly makes you think about the way that churches are keeping Christ in Ministry. I believe its important for the Ministers and Pastors to always let their Congregation know that they have friends in their church, if they ever need a helping hand!