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A DOOR OF HOPE: SPIRITUAL CONFLICT IN PASTORAL MINISTRY
Robert Thornton Henderson. Waterloo, Ont.: Herald Press, 1997. 159 pages.
A Door Of Hope is written from a pastor to pastors about the spiritual conflict they face when they seek to bring change to a dead church. Robert Thornton Henderson has been in pastoral ministry for 40 years and is presently working with the Presbyterians and other Christian leaders to encourage church renewal and pastoral evangelism. His book is inspired by Hosea 2:15 where God promises to turn the Valley of Achor into "a door of hope".
When I first noted the subtitle, I thought that this would be a book on helping pastors develop a deliverance ministry. In fact, it is a refreshing book that chronicles the movements of four pastors toward discovering God's purpose for the Church and the commitment needed to to bring about that change in the local church.
I recommend this book for anyone who feels alone and without hope in their journey to bring renewal and transformation to their parish. Through the questions and conversational style, the author makes this a great starting point for any pastor who is asking questions about why the church exists. The spiritual conflict will heighten when "The Vision" is grasped, but the promise of God is assured to open "A Door Of Hope".
DOUGLAS BRAUN IS SENIOR PASTOR AT ARNOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH IN ABBOTSFORD, B.C.
SURVIVING CHURCH CONFLICT.
Dave Peters. Waterloo, Ont.: Herald Press, 1997. 159 pp.
Conflict seems to be a way of life in society, and many people encounter conflict in the church. Peters draws heavily on New Testament solutions to conflict. His approach is not to propose a formula for overcoming conflict, but to share a concern for the spiritual health of peacemakers in addressing conflict and tension in the church.
Peters identifies two major levels of conflict: internal conflict involving tensions within the body of believers; external conflict involving conflict faced by Christians persecuted for their faith. In the midst of conflict and tension, he asserts three truths are operative in the church: the activity of God's grace, the necessity of worship and the role of peacemaking.
Ultimately, peacemaking is God's work, and Christians are called to join the spiritual struggle between the holy and the unholy. Through the cross, Christ initiated the offensive by actively tearing down the walls that separate people from God and from each other. Refusing to be reconciled, according to Peters, is a problem related to sin.
This book challenges Christians to live in peace and to engage in peacemaking as a way of life. Peacemakers need spiritual wisdom built upon vulnerability to become transformational as servant people of God. Neither ignoring conflict nor leaving a church because of it reflect the heart of Christ that we obtain oneness in the church.
Debilitating tensions can cripple people and weaken churches. We are to forgive in love, even when someone refuses to make peace with us. Love does not tear down; instead it builds up the body of Christ. Peacemaking is not working alone; it involves the entire church, but especially leaders who pursue the character of Christ in their ministry. This book would be an excellent resource for church leaders and also a good addition to church libraries.
ABE KONRAD IS A CONFERENCE MINISTER WITH THE ALBERTA MB CONFERENCE AND A MEMBER OF LENDRUM MB CHURCH IN EDMONTON.
Hilda J. Born. Self published, 1997. $19.95
Although the story is written by daughter Hilda about her mother, Maria Martens Klassen Loepp, it is written in the first person "to give her a voice". It relates Maria's story as a young person in Russia during the revolution, her immigration to Canada, marriage, children and becoming established. Many little anecdotes enliven the story, and it is well illustrated with photos.
When i look back i laugh.
Derrick Mueller. Hepburn, Sask.: thisway creative communications, 1998.
Illustrated by his son Caleb, this book contains 17 short chapters of anecdotes of marriage and family, which, in retrospect, are humorous. With the stories come implicit lessons from life. A fun book to read. However, better editing would have improved the final product.
Good Work. How to Live your Values in the Workplace.
Bruce Hiebert. Kelowna, B.C.: Northstone Publishing, 1997.
In 9 chapters, Hiebert discusses what work is and how to find the right kind of work for oneself. He discusses the spiritual side of work, and how to see the relationship between work and the rest of life. It's a book not just for managers, but for everyone who wants to integrate faith and values with work.
The Story That Shapes Us.
Sermons by John Neufeld. Winnipeg, Man.: CMBC Publications, 1997.
This book of 30 sermons was published in recognition of Neufeld's work as president of Canadian Mennonite Bible College from 1984 to 1997. Although a reluctant preacher, Neufeld learned to engage the Scriptures and prepare sermons that are relevant to life today. Scripture texts are included with each sermon. The sermons are presented under the following categories: Stewardship of the Gospel, Education and Church Leadership, Church Year and Special Occasions, Sexuality, Marriage and Family, and Christian Living. They are short and make good devotional reading.
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