The Crux

Cal Newport brings his usual insightfulness and engaging writing style to this excellent work on technology. The crux of the book is actually an expansion of the Craftsman Approach from his book Deep Work[1] expanded and applied to our personal lives rather than our professional lives.

He writes, “I’ve become convinced that what you need…is a full-fledged philosophy of technology use, rooted in your deep values, that provides clear answers to the questions of what tools you should use and how you should use them and, equally important, enables you to confidently ignore everything else” (xvi).

He then argues that of all the philosophies he has looked into one stands out: digital minimalism. He defines it this way, “A philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else” (28).

This philosophy requires a rigorous cost-benefit analysis of technology, opposed to the digital maximalist who embraces all technology if there can be any benefit discerned from its use. The digital minimalist examines every cost the technology may incur and weighs them against its benefits before deciding to incorporate it.

The Problem

Newport’s explanation of the problem is sobering and in-depth. We’ve been pushed into obsessive technology use “by the high-end device companies and attention economy conglomerates who discovered there are vast fortunes to be made in a culture dominated by gadgets and apps” (9). To support his argument he includes quotes from prominent tech leaders such as this quote from the founding president of Facebook, Sean Parker:

“The thought process that went into building these applications…was all about: ‘How do we consume as much of your time and conscious attention as possible?’ And that means that we need to sort of give you a little dopamine hit every once in a while, because someone liked or commented on a photo or a post or whatever” (19).

Not only does obsessive social media usage correlate with mental health issues (106), but also tends to spoil our appetite for more meaningful, substantive social interactions that really make memories and build relationships (142).

Newport argues that we must think critically about how we use technology. What if we were charged by the minute by social media platforms, Newport asks (219). How would our social media habits change? These platforms are not neutral. You are engaged in a war for your attention spans “against institutions that are both impossibly rich and intent on using this wealth to stop you from winning” (221). For these reasons we should undertake a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of tech we use and have the boldness to act on the results.

The Solution

Newport’s solution is his digital minimalism approach outlined above. Specifically, he advocates for a 30-day detox from all social media that isn’t absolutely essential for your work or family. Then after the 30 days an evaluation is done to determine which platforms are worth reintroducing. He also has several helpful applications including using our leisure time intentionally to build meaningful relationships and/or developing skills or creating products that have lasting value (177, 182). As Newport says, “Doing nothing is overrated.”

The Why

I found Newport’s analysis of the problem and his solution to be very helpful, but his “why” is where Christians should be discerning. He makes several references to evolutionary theory in an effort to explain why we are compelled to seek the approval of others (21), and to explain how our brains have “adapted” to think about our social life (133). Without a Christian worldview in place people will always seek a genesis elsewhere, because without one it’s hard to make any assertions of how things “ought” to be or how we got here. However, what Newport doesn’t say is that evolution can’t make statements about what is right or wrong, only what is.

Since Newport’s genesis is off his telos of life is off. For instance, he argues with Aristotle that “a life filled with deep thinking is happy because contemplation is an ‘activity that is appreciated for its own sake’” (165). Yet, David Hume admitted the utter despair he felt when contemplating the meaninglessness of a world emptied of God as a result of his hyper-empiricist ideologies. He used drinking and games with friends as a way to stop thinking in order to find peace. We don’t merely need an intellectual life to be fulfilled but a life filled with God: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you” (Isa. 26:3). The real reason we obsess over social media is because sinfully we forget God and resort to finding our identity in other things such as likes, favorites, the praise of others and the comfort of being entertained by screens, but the truth is we were made to love God and find our happiness in glorifying him and being loved by him (Isa 43:7; Ps 63:3). This truth can transform our screens into instruments of God glorifying productivity and love for others.

[1] Cal Newport, Deep Work, 1st edition (New York: Grand Central Publishing, 2016). 191.

Originally published at 9Marks on 11/30/2018

Sinclair Ferguson’s new book, Some Pastors and Teachers, could rightly be called “The Collected Works of Sinclair Ferguson on Pastoral Ministry.” It’s a collection of essays written by Ferguson over the years on topics pertaining to pastoral ministry. In Ferguson’s own words, the book “is simply a way of saying, ‘These are some of the gifts that the Lord has given to me for others who have an interest in and a concern for the ministry of the gospel’” (xiii). Since the book is a collection of articles, no chapter is dependent on the preceding one. One can easily jump around or sit down and read any particular chapter of interest. Furthermore, Banner of Truth bound the book beautifully, and so it will surely tempt you every time you glimpse it on your shelf.

Jean-Daniel Benoit wrote about John Calvin: “He became a theologian in order to be a better pastor” (685). It is Ferguson’s hope, and mine, that pastors read this book in order to grow in their understanding of many important theological topics, not simply as an intellectual exercise, but because theology is so deeply pastoral and vital for faithful and fruitful ministry.

My hope in this review is not so much to share all the best quotes, since in a work of this size and profundity that would be impossible with the space we have here. Instead, I want to give a brief teaser on many of the most relevant topics so as to help the reader see how edifying and helpful this book is.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHESFerguson begins with three biographical chapters on John Calvin, John Owen, and John Murray. As John Piper has written about Christian biographies, “Biographies have served as much as any other human force in my life to resist the inertia of mediocrity.” Ferguson’s chapters on the three Johns certainly help with that. He tells about how Owen allowed himself only 4 hours of sleep a night in his younger days and adds (comfortingly I might add) how he regretted it later in life when many health problems began to set in (25). He writes about how Owen was flipped to Congregationalism after reading a work by John Cotton (26). Ferguson also retells Calvin’s journey to Geneva. These three chapters are both edifying and instructive

CALVIN, OWEN, FLAVEL, AND OTHERS

Ferguson helpfully does a systematic theology of several topics through the eyes of several Reformers and Puritans like Calvin, Owen, and John Flavel. Topics covered include the Holy Spirit, Atonement, Christian Piety, and the Priesthood of Christ. Diving into church history on some of these topics encouraged me as I saw the power of our God to preserve his truth through all sorts of opposition.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Reformed theology sometimes gets a reputation for neglecting the Holy Spirit. Whether this charge is legitimate requires larger study. However, many might be surprised to find out that John Calvin was named “the theologian of the Holy Spirit” by B.B. Warfield. Indeed, it was Calvin who contested strongly, against the insistence of the Catholic Church, that the Spirit must not be replaced by the church or severed from the Word (138). Ferguson sums up the reformed teaching on the Holy Spirit memorably: “If we emphasize the word without the Spirit then we will dry up, if we emphasize the Spirit without the word we will blow up (!); but if we emphasize the Spirit and the word we will grow up” (243–4).

PROVIDENCE

Perhaps one of the most famous works on God’s providence is Flavel’s The Mystery of Providence. Ferguson includes a wonderful section by Flavel on meditating on God’s providence. He sums up Flavel beautifully: “For no element of God’s providence should be read as a mark of his enmity against us. After all, ‘All your losses are but as the loss of a farthing to a prince.’ God’s ‘heart is full of love, whilst the face of providence is full of frowns.’ The Christian who realizes that ‘the Lord is near’ will see all these things in their proper perspective” (318).

PREACHING CHRIST IN ALL OF SCRIPTURE

We’ve all ready Luke 24:27, where Jesus appears to the disciples on the road to Emmaus and, Luke tells us, “beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Ferguson argues persuasively about preaching Christ from all the scriptures. Preaching without Christ is essentially moralism, and so pastors must bring the person and work of Christ to bear on each passage they preach, not only for the non-believer but also for the believer. Ferguson references Warfield on this point: “[The Old Testament is] a richly furnished but dimly lit room. Only when the light is turned on do the contents become clear. That light has been switched on in Christ and in the New Testament’s testimony to him” (670).

CLOSING

Ferguson closes the book by arguing that all reformed theology is doxological. That is, it leads us to worship God. Reading Ferguson’s book certainly made me worship God in a deeper way and praise him for the faithful pastors and teachers who have gone before me. Many of the men Ferguson writes about in his book have left theological riches for us to mine through, and this work solidifies my belief that Ferguson is one of those heroes. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and pray it continues to glorify God.

On his death bed, John Owen was told that his work on the glory of Christ was on its way to the publisher. Owen’s response were his last recorded words: “I am glad to hear it; but…the long wished for day is come at last, in which I shall see that glory in another manner than I have ever done, or was capable of doing, in this world!” (227). But until we reach those blissful shores, Some Pastors and Teachers is a warm ray from heaven we can step into and gaze up at God’s glory. May God use this book to make pastors better theologians, and theologians better pastors.

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie is one of the most influential books of the last 100 years in America. Carnegie’s book and public speaking classes have shaped American business culture and social interaction as we know it. Many people wonder why people smile in photos today versus the straight faced, stoic poses of earlier times. Carnegie’s book with its exhortation to smile and appear friendly is part of the reason. Few books have surpassed its influence, but how should we approach Carnegie’s book as a Christian?

The main point is easily discerned in the title. He aims to help people win friends and influence people. More specifically he wants to help you know “how to understand and get along with people; how to make people like you; and how to win others to your way of thinking” (xvii).

From a Christian perspective we must recognize that the very premise of the book is flawed. It isn’t how to love others, but how to win friends and influence people. We shouldn’t love people for the reaction we expect to get. We love people because God has loved us (1 John 4:19).

Another aspect of the book Christians should be aware of is the focus on charisma rather than character. Carnegie’s book emphasizes charisma and friendliness in the evaluation of a person over character and virtue. Though we should visibly carry with us the joy of our salvation, our main desire is to be conformed to Christ, not a gregarious personality.

Though Carnegie unhelpfully exploits Christian principles for the purpose of self-advancement the way he extrapolates those principles is helpful. That is why in reading this book we can plunder the Egyptians, so to speak, and glean helpful insights into how to love and lead others well. I’ll focus on some helpful takeaways from the book.

Listen Well

Carnegie rightly points out the importance of good listening (80-88). He exhorts readers not just to wait till it’s our turn to talk, but to take a genuine interest in the other person (51-62). There is much to be commended in these pages. Developing good listening skills is important to caring for people. Carnegie is right to point out that we should really seek to take a genuine interest in others. We shouldn’t listen until it’s our turn to talk. We should get lost in another person’s interests and life. As Carnegie points out, this will help us make more friends than getting people interested in us. More importantly, it’s a great way to love others.

Remembering Names.

Carnegie mentions the importance of remembering people’s names. “A person’s name is to that person the sweetest sound in any language,” Carnegie says (79). We should actively try to become good at remembering people’s names. In doing so we demonstrate that we care about that person. People often say they are bad with names, yet, there is usually some collection of stats people remember perfectly. Often times it’s simply a matter of making people’s names a priority.

Giving Criticism

Carnegie discourages people from confronting people directly in order to avoid hurting their pride. To his point, we should give someone critical feedback as delicately as possible. God mercifully doesn’t allow us to be confronted with all our sin or it would crush us. Helping someone “save face” (211) may mean calling them out for sin, but taking steps to save them from complete embarrassment, knowing they will be embarrassed plenty or perhaps crushed by this difficult word. Nathan prudently went about confronting David with his sin (2 Sam. 12). We should too. For example, talking about our own mistakes before we criticize someone (203-207) is a way we admonish others in grace. Carnegie also recommends encouraging people before criticism as a way to prepare them. This can be seen as manipulative if you don’t mean your encouragement. However, sharing encouragement with someone, preferably before and after criticism, reminds the person that you are for them and think more highly of them than this criticism. Jesus spent an enormous amount of time with the disciples and that loving faithfulness helped them not despair when he had hard words for them. We often don’t have this kind of time to commit to a person making it even more important to add encouragement with criticism.

However, there will be times we need to directly confront someone trusting God to soften their heart. They may be upset with us for a time, but in the end its worth it. Carnegie doesn’t have character development in mind but career advancement. Opposed to Carnegies belief that criticism is dangerous and futile because it hurts a person’s pride (5) we must be committed to loving others by wisely and graciously acting in their best interest, not our own.

Appreciating Others

Carnegie says we should always try to appreciate people by complimenting them. He says we shouldn’t try to get anything out of people with compliments (95), yet the name of the chapter is “How to Make People Like You Instantly.” Earlier in the book he entices us to make people feel good so we can hold them in the palm of our hand (18). In contrast to this, we should encourage others to build them up. Paul exhorts Christians to try to outdo one another in showing honor (Rom. 12:10). This isn’t to hold others in the palm of our hands, but to sincerely encourage them.

Getting People Nodding Their Head “Yes”

People are more easily persuaded when we get them nodding in agreement from the beginning, Carnegie argues (144-49). I agree that when you begin by stating your disagreement it can tend to cause people to dig in their heels. It’s helpful to find ways where we can resonate with others, even if there are points of disagreement. This is especially important in evangelism. We should be able to point out where a person’s worldview or longings are consonant with Scripture. Then we can gently point out dissonance in their view with Scripture.

Conclusion

There is certainly wisdom in Carnegie’s book even if the motives are terrible. We should discerningly apply some of his principles, but for very different motives than the book offers. Our motive is to love others as ourselves. Ultimately, we should dwell not on how we can win others to like us, but on how Jesus won our hearts when he died for us and reconciled us to himself. That is what motivates us to love others (2 Cor. 5:14).

The authority of God’s Word and the priority of church and preaching is certainly not affirmed by many today, even those identifying as Christians. Where preaching is done it is often shortened as to not bore anyone in the congregation.

This is in part why Mark Hallock wrote The Shepherd Preacher: A Practical Theology for Pastoral Exposition. Hallock believes preaching is important:

Preaching matters. It matters big time. In fact, I would say that in many ways the future spiritual health and maturity of individuals, families, and congregations in North America and beyond is deeply connected to the health and overall vitality of the preaching taking place in our pulpits. Perhaps, now more than ever before, preaching matters (13).

But Hallock isn’t concerned with just any preaching. He specifically argues for what he calls “shepherd preaching.” “Shepherd preaching is that type of preaching that is carried out by faithful, biblical pastors committed to a particular congregation in a particular community” (14).

Why is it important to emphasize preaching in the local congregation you ask? Because according to Hallock even though big-name pastors are a gift to us, nothing can replace the local pastor. A shepherd knows his sheep and lays down his life for the sheep. You are not the YouTube famous preacher’s crown, but you are the joy and crown of a local pastor (Php 4:1). Jason Helopoulos urges us, “Listen to the podcasts, attend the conferences, stream the video sermons….Yet, even as we embrace it, let us rejoice in the undershepherds laboring in our local church” (15). Hallock also writes about the “celebrity” preacher status that allures many pastors (37). Hallock contends that what we need today are “ordinary” pastors whose desire isn’t for fame and recognition but to pastor their people well.

Hallock’s book is broken up into three parts: The Need for Shepherd Preaching, Biblical and Theological Foundations of Shepherd Preaching, and Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Shepherd Preaching. He sets out to argue more the “why” of preaching than the “how.” So the book isn’t heavy on homiletics, but focuses more on the theology and foundations of expository preaching.

One topic Hallock addresses is the ever-dangerous fear of man in the pastor. Numbers and growth are tempting measurements for a pastor to gauge success by in his ministry. For this reason Hallock writes about the importance of preaching God’s Word regardless of the smiles of others. He includes a chilling quote by Al Martin:

You are never free to be an instrument of blessing to your people unless you are free from the effects of their smiles and their frowns. People know when you can be bought by their smiles and beaten by their frowns… (38)

Overall Hallock’s book is a wealth of quotes and resources, and there is no better example than chapter eight where he focuses on preaching Christ from all of scripture. There he quotes many pastors and provides many resources and clarifying definitions.

Hallock’s book is a comfort to many pastors laboring faithfully in shepherding their congregations. He supplies a plentiful amount of quotes from pastors and theologians that convict and encourage pastors as they read. I will admit the length and frequency of the quotes at times made it difficult to follow his thought, but taken on their own they were wonderful. The reader should also be prepared for a dizzying amount of foundations, principles, questions, functions and convictions. While lists are a helpful memory aid and organizational tool I found it hard to keep all the lists straight at times. However, Hallock writes engagingly and persuasively and on the whole I found it easy to read.

Overall, Hallock presents a passionate and fortifying argument for scriptural authority and utters a much-needed plea for pastors to preach faithfully and shepherd their congregation well with God’s Word. Preaching matters. Not because public speaking matters, or because strong Christian leadership matters, although it does (137). Preaching matters because God’s Word shapes his people. It always has. From when God formed the earth through his words and gave his Word to his people in the promised land, to when he spoke through his Son and the apostles and gave us his canonized Word to read. When God’s Word speaks we should listen and to quote Calvin, “Where God makes an end of teaching, the Christian must make an end of learning.” As Martin Luther said about his role in the Reformation, “I simply taught, preached, wrote God’s Word: otherwise I did nothing…the Word did it all.” This book is a comforting nudge in that direction for many pastors struggling to maintain faith that preaching God’s Word is the right thing to keep doing.

Crux:

“This book is designed to prove to you from the Bible that church leaders, specifically elders, are fundamentally undershepherds. Having proven that point, the book will then help you to implement an effective shepherding ministry in your church.” (4, 2)

Problem:

Shepherding is conspicuously absent in many churches today leading to a micro problem and a macro problem. The micro problem is members of churches feel spiritually malnourished and frustrated because they are not receiving the care that need and that the Lord requires that his shepherds provide (3). The macro problem is that these sheep are leaving churches and it’s causing the swell of certain churches into mega churches and the dying out of smaller churches.

Solution:

Elders and pastors need to take the call to shepherd the sheep seriously.

Structure:

Witmer first argues the Biblical and Historical prevalence and importance of shepherding in the church (chapters 1-4). Next he outlines four essential elements of a healthy shepherding ministry (know, feed, lead and protect – Chapters 5-8). Lastly, he lays out some practical ways to implement a shepherding ministry into your church (chapters 9-11).

Highlights:

• 34-35 – 1 Peter 5:1-4 passage about shepherding is so instructive and helpful. The word shepherd in verse 2 is in the imperative form emphasizing the command to pastors to shepherd the flock.

• 43 – The pastor cannot shepherd the whole flock by himself as great as he may be. Richard Baxter did it by himself and an assistant but this should not be modeled. This is extremely difficult for a congregation of any size. The elders should help with the shepherding.

• 50-51 – Shepherding in the church as a practice was lost for nearly 14 centuries. This doesn’t bode well for his argument. If shepherding is so essential then why would God allow it to disappear for 14 centuries? However, this doesn’t prove shepherding isn’t Biblical or a healthy practice.

• 81 – “Before you tear down a fence, you should find out why it was put there in the first place!” I liked this quote and thought it was a good argument against the dismantling of shepherding just because it seems hard or old fashioned.

• 89 – Peter writes that those who shepherd should do so “not because you must, but because you are willing.” After all, Christ came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” We can often view leadership as being in charge, making the decisions, being someone others follow, being looked up to and being held in high regard. However, a Christian leader is first and foremost a servant.

• 94-95 –In this section, Witmer details some past failures of shepherding in the church. In one movement called the shepherding movement pastors and elders became domineering and micromanaged every little details of their members lives. This is not healthy and can drive people into legalism, strip away Christian liberty, cause people to leave the church with deep wounds or all three!

• Chapters 5-8 – Witmer helpfully describes knowing the sheep (micro and macro) and feeding, leading and protecting them from false doctrine. He uses a chart that is helpfully filled in with certain tasks in each category.

• 164-165 – Witmer talks here about the importance of leading our families and marriages in pastoral ministry. Not only does this set an example but makes our home a respite that blesses our families and us in throughout the rigors of pastoral ministry.

• 172 – We need to know the cultural wolves that attack our sheep. For example, idols in the culture, false doctrines, teachings that undermine the Gospel and are contrary to scripture.

• 230 – Witmer lays out an argument against term elders. I believe it’s permissible to have term elders roll off in their active role as an elder. However, Witmer lays out a thoughtful argument here.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, it was a great book filled with sound biblical argumentation. Witmer makes a compelling case

Crux:

“We will be arguing that structures don’t grow ministry any more than trellises grow vines, and that most churches need to make a conscious shift – away from erecting and maintaining structures, and toward growing people who are disciple-making disciples of Christ.” (17, 99)

Key Terms:

• Vine: Vine work is preaching the gospel and the word, conversion and growth in Christ (8)

• Trellis: Structural work of the church. Committee’s, structures, programs, activities and fundraising efforts, etc. (8)

The Problem:

• Trellis work overtakes vine work in the church.

  • This happens for several reasons:

    • Trellis work is easier for us. It’s scary to share the gospel with our neighbor, it’s easy to sweep leaves at the church or bring a bunch of people into a room and have a pastor give a gospel presentation. (9)

    • Trellis work looks more impressive than vine work. It’s not as appealing to Instagram a pic of discipleship than a big gathering of 100 people at an outreach event. (9)

Solution:

• Pastors should train capable people in their church to be disciplers. This reproducing reproducers will grow the church in Christ more than programs could and more than just one pastor could.

Structure of Argument:

• Chapters 3-5: Scriptural foundation for re-thinking what Christian ministry actually is

• Chapters 6-12: Arguing the importance of training and how pastors and leaders play a crucial role in training. (61)

Highlights:

• 19 – Don’t use people, grow people. So convicting as I’ve often seen volunteers as vehicles to accomplish something rather than caring for them.

• 26-27 – Training those in the church to disciple others creates endless opportunities for ministry. Instead of people feeling that they don’t have what it takes to be an elder or leader in the church they see many people they can care for or encourage or evangelize.

• 42 – There are not two kinds of disciple, those who abandon themselves to His service and those who do not. The call of discipleship is the same for all.

• 71 – “The heart of training is not to impart a skill, but to impart sound doctrine.” We aren’t just training people to say the right thing, but understand the truths of the Bible deeply so they can impart it to others.

• 83 – “Numerical or structural growth is not necessarily an indicator of gospel growth.” Just because things are growing numerically doesn’t mean healthy growth is happening.

• 110 – They explain the chart of where people are spiritually and explain that you focus on the most advanced spiritually so they can help you meet the needs of the rest. This is the “run with the fast ships” mentally that teaches that if you pour into the most capable (fast ships) they will pull the rest in their wake (disciple and set a Godly example for others).

Overall, the book is a great encouragement to raise up leaders through a robust commitment to discipleship. The way they formalize the process is perhaps a bit too much. I think formalizing the system of identifying leaders could confuse the congregation by blurring the distinction between leaders and elders. Also, the overly formalized system of raising up disciples can quickly become a program itself which requires labor to maintain. However, this book is a great read and everyone in ministry will greatly benefit from it.

In this book Christopher Ash sets out to argue for the importance of preaching in the church. Ash writes, “My task is to persuade (or at least unsettle) those doubtful about preaching, and to deepen the conviction of those already converted to the priority of preaching. Above all I want to encourage us to our desks, our prayer, our preparation, and our love for people, with a new spring in our steps as we labour at loving people by preaching to them week by week.”[1] Ash laments that some have abandoned preaching, claiming that it’s outdated and an obsolete method of spiritual formation.[2]However, Ash challenges this believe by arguing that preaching is powerful and authoritative not because of the preacher but because of the Word they preach. The Biblical texts Ash draws his conclusions from about preaching are found in Deuteronomy. The reason for this is because according to Ash, “it seems…that Deuteronomy gives us God’s mandate for preaching.”[3] Chapter one focuses on the authority of preaching, which Ash argues is a borrowed authority from God’s Word.[4] In the second chapter Ash expounds on the transformative nature of Word-centered preaching. Lastly, Ash focuses in chapter three on the assembly, and how God’s Word shapes his people.

In terms of weaknesses, I thought Deuteronomy was an interesting choice of a proof text to argue for the importance and relevance of preaching. I don’t doubt any of Ash’s arguments from Deuteronomy or that there is clear continuity from Deuteronomy to the New Testament church. However, since much of his aim seems to be convincing the skeptic, I’m surprised he didn’t reference a New Testament passage such as Matthew 28, where Jesus tells the disciples to make disciples, “teaching them to obey all that I have commanded.”

In terms of strengths, I thought he struck the heart of skeptical thinking toward preaching. He addresses the ecclesiological thinking pioneered by Robert Schuller when he writes, “We live in a culture where…the most friendly thing we can say in welcoming newcomers is, ‘We want to know what you think.’ But – dare I say it – God does not want to know what we think. He wants us to know what he thinks.”[5]

I also thought Ash was encouraging to pastors. I would guess everyone who preaches regularly would have felt a renewed confidence in God’s Word and His ability to use their ordinary sermons after reading this book. The book was also quite practical. He offers tips on clarity in preaching[6] and the importance of urging people to act on truth rather than simply contemplate it.[7] Also helpful were his comments on monologue vs. discussion. Ash writes, “Discussion is comfortably in line with the spirit of the age. We are happy to discuss and interpret.”[8] I need to keep in mind that people need to be confronted by God’s truth in a way that will compel them to respond in action rather than simply contemplate. I’m reminded of the man in Pilgrim’s Progress who joined Christian for a while and was eager to discuss theology, but Christian finally had to depart from him when he saw that the man didn’t finally want to believe any of it.[9]

The book was full of helpful quotes. One was from J.I. Packer to aspiring preachers, “Read yourself full, think yourself clear, pray yourself hot, let yourself go.”[10]

Overall, it was a good book that is sure to be an encouragement to preachers.

[1] Christopher Ash, The Priority of Preaching, Revised edition (Fearn, Ross-shire, Scotland; London: Christian Focus, 2009). 13.

[2] Ash. 17-18

[3] Ash. 21.

[4] Ash. 37.

[5] Ash. 35.

[6] Ash. 62.

[7] Ash. 64.

[8] Ash. 35.

[9] John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress (Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2009), https://www.crossway.org/books/the-pilgrims-progress-hccase/.

[10] Ash, The Priority of Preaching. 67.

John Stott’s book Between Two Worlds contains a wealth of wisdom from across centuries of preaching, marinated in decades of Stott’s personal pastoral ministry, and written through the pen of a gifted communicator.

Stott himself points out that there are hundreds of books on preaching, so why write another one? What’s unique about his book Stott writes, is that he blends together history of preaching, issues facing preachers today and practical tips in preaching.[1] Most books focus on just one of those areas. The reason the book is called Between Two Worlds, is because Stott likens preachers to bridge builders who try to link the biblical world with today’s world, interpreting scripture in its historical context, but making it relevant to today’s.[2]

Critique

One of the only critiques of the book was with Stott’s argument regarding the use of technology in preaching. I fully agreed with Stott on his thoughts about the effects of technology on preaching and society in general. However, I was surprised by some of Stott’s suggestions. After arguing against over-exposure to technology he then advocates for implementing it into sermons (i.e. film slides, video, projector, pictures, etc.). He writes, “Whatever is dull, drab, dowdy, slow or monotonous cannot compete in the televised age. Television challenges preachers to make our presentation of the truth attractive through variety, colour, illustration, humour and fast-flowing movement.”[3]

I’m not advocating for a monotonous and dry reading of a manuscript devoid of all elocution and illustration. But neither do I think we should turn Sunday morning worship into the fast-paced, frenzied, seamless, pauseless, entertainment experience that describes every gameshow on television. Stott believes preaching must resemble culture to win the culture. I agree that we should preachers must knowledgeable of the culture in order to effectively communicate with people. However, the presence of God should cause reverent contemplation. I fear that following Stott too far here could make a worship service into a seamless entertainment experience that causes people to become sedated by the smooth transitions and fail to realize they are worshiping God.

Positive & Applications

To start, Stott recommends reading widely to stay culturally informed. One suggestion he made was to read a weekly newspaper thoroughly, rather than giving a daily paper a cursory read.

Second, I very much enjoyed Stott’s section on making time to read. He urges the pastor to read as much as possible and argues that it is vital for a healthy pastoral ministry. He writes, “the minimum would amount to this: every day at least one hour; every week one morning, afternoon or evening; every month a full day; every year a week.”[4] This was a very helpful breakdown and one that seemed attainable.

Third, he recommends not drawing too much attention to your sermon outline. Stott argues that the structure of the sermon is meant to be the skeleton supporting the body; you don’t need to see it. This was helpful though need not be followed by every preacher.

Fourth, Stott shares a quote from Mark Twain when he writes, “The difference between the right word and the nearly right is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.”[5] The right words are important in communication. A word or a chain of words can paint a picture, illicit emotions or stick in a listener’s mind. Good preachers do this well.

Stott warns against the spiritually inadequate diet of very short sermons,[6] as well as the importance of practicing what we preach. His words are striking: “Unless you preach everywhere you go, there is no use to go anywhere to preach.”

This book by Stott was a wonderful read and one I’d recommend to every person hoping to grow in their preaching.

[1] John Stott, Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today, Reprint edition (Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans, 1982). 9.

[2] Stott. 10, 138.

[3] Stott. 76.

[4] Stott. 204.

[5] Stott. 234.

[6] Stott. 294.

Overview

Tim Keller in his book Preaching argues that there are three levels of the ministry of the word. Level one is gospel conversations, level two is a host of teaching opportunities including seminars, classes and counseling. Finally, level three is preaching. Keller’s book is written for those engaged in teaching the gospel at any one of those three levels.[1] Keller also argues that though preaching isn’t the only ministry of the Word it is irreplaceable in the church.[2] Keller’s book is broken up in three sections: (1) Serving the Word, (2) Reaching the People and (3) In Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power. In my own words these sections respectively focus on (1) the sermon, (2) the listener, and (3) the preacher.

Critique

On the negative side, the book at times laid out a standard for preaching that felt unattainable. Keller sets forth a list of imperatives for the preacher after which he writes, “Feel overwhelmed? Me too.”[3] All of his points were eminently helpful, but perhaps, a bit more encouragement would have been good for those preaching the gospel faithfully, albeit imperfectly.

I also wish he would have shared more specifics of his sermon preparation. He outlined sermon preparation in the appendix, but it focused more on putting together a sermon outline. I wanted to know how he consults commentaries, how many extra-biblical sources he reads for a sermon, what his outline looks like that he carries into the pulpit, etc.

Lastly, Keller tries to explain why the Spirit accompanies certain kinds of preaching. He writes, “when instead of merely giving information or showing their learning [preachers] lift up Christ and show people his loveliness – then they are aligning themselves with the Spirit and they can expect him to accompany their message.”[4] I personally thought he perhaps made promises here Scripture doesn’t. As faithful as we are we should be slow to think we can get the Spirit to do what we want. However, Keller’s insight about the similarity between humble, Christ-exalting preaching and the main work of the Spirit was well taken.

Positive

This is an excellent book on preaching. Several sections were helpful.

He has a very practical section on preaching Christ-centered sermons. He explains that the redemptive work of Christ is the message of the whole Bible, and therefore it is also the context of every passage.[5] Also helpful was his section on preaching Christ in every passage whether it be image, figure, theme or genre.[6]

Keller is probably the greatest current preacher to intellectuals, and that showed in his book. His section on engaging with the post-modern person and secularism was wonderful. Particularly he argues that secularism just like any worldview or belief set must be examined and justified.[7]

There were several takeaways for me from the book.

His emphasis on personal holiness in the preacher and a heart transformed by the Gospel was very helpful.[8] If the gospel isn’t affecting a preacher in private, why would it affect them publicly as they preach? This was a good reminder to always be pursuing personal holiness and reminding myself of the gospel daily.

Keller writes that preachers cannot engage with our listeners passionately unless we know the content of our sermon well. Otherwise, we will be preoccupied trying to remember our next point.

Keller also explains that the only way to uncover insights in sermon application is to read widely.[9] There simply is no shortcut to this. I was surprised Keller didn’t add prayer and meditation on the passage to this, but his point about the importance of reading is still well taken.

Overall, Keller’s book was extremely helpful. Keller is widely considered one of the most gifted preachers in reformed evangelicalism and his book is well worth reading.

[1] Timothy Keller, Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism, Complete Numbers Starting with 1, 1st Ed edition (New York, New York: Viking, 2015). 7

[2] Keller. 6

[3] Keller. 206.

[4] Keller. 194.

[5] Keller. 48

[6] Keller. 76-80

[7] Keller. 132.

[8] Keller. 166.

[9] Keller. 177

The Crux

In The 4-Hour Workweek Timothy Ferris seeks to persuade the reader to invent a product or service, hire an administrative assistant and other employees, then let them run it while you check in periodically throughout the week (four hours total) and travel and enjoy yourself.

The Negative

In full disclosure this is one of the worst books I’ve ever read. Ferriss’ entire goal of working only four hours a week is predicated upon other people working a 40-hour week. He denigrates delayed-gratification. In one amusing anecdote, he even boasts about winning the kickboxing championship by intentionally DQing opponents through a loophole he discovered. He suggests lifehacks, which upon further research are not true.

Theologically speaking, Ferriss essentially advocates for idol replacement. He wants to replace the idol of work with the idol of relaxation. Ferriss admits, even from personal experience the void that is left by quitting work. Yet, the only solution he offers is to fill your schedule with more trips in hopes that the emptiness will eventually fade away. He also mentions the sadness that comes with missing community in the workplace. But again, he promises travel and leisure will drown it out.

In casting aspersions on work, Ferriss fails to realize that work is a gift and something God made us to do. That means it’s something we were meant to do. Of course, like anything we can make it an idol, but completely removing it isn’t the answer.

Another blindspot of the book is that his proposed 4-hour work week suggests constant travel and leisure which doesn’t leave room for family or meaningful relationships. It’s a lone ranger life, perhaps with a spouse. In Ferriss’ eyes this is true living. However, sacrifices for family and community, though demanding, bring great joy and purpose to our lives. Ferriss may say he offers freedom, but in actuality he proposes a sort of slavery to leisure and travel. As wonderful as travel and leisure are they can’t give us true joy and freedom. True freedom and joy is found in loving and obeying God. We need another master than our heart’s bottomless pit of bucket list leisure activities and travel destinations. We need a good master. God is that master and we have joy when we obey him.

The Positive

Despite a severely flawed framework of thinking that undergirds the book, there are some helpful tidbits. He has some practical advice on travelling cheaply. He also has some good thoughts on productivity and prioritization (80-83).

Though I disagree with Ferris’ view on delayed gratification, an opposite fault is possible. It’s common for people to work constantly, placing everything in their life on hold, until they make millions and retire at an early age. Often, it’s too late before they realize they have wasted much of their life and now don’t have a family to share the rest of it with. Many of these people would speak to the importance of taking time for leisure or travel, particularly with loved ones. The delayed gratification mentality that is summed up in Dave Ramsey’s catch phrase, “Live like no one else today so you can live like no one else tomorrow,” is generally helpful, but we should realize God made us finite beings that need rest and time to enjoy the good gifts he’s given us to a healthy extent.

Overall, this book likely isn’t worth the time. If you have an idea for a new product or service and want to know practically how to outsource the work (ethically) and use your new income and time in a God honoring way, I suppose sections of the book would be helpful. The additional lifehacks are perhaps worth it for some readers. For those who do read it, they should keep in mind the holes in the argument of the book as well as the areas that are theologically problematic and discontinuous to Scripture and how we are to obey it.