7 Family Ministry Essentials: A Strategy for Culture Change in Children's and Student Ministries

DR. MICHELLE ANTHONY is the vice president and publisher of learning resources at David C Cook and a popular speaker in the area of family ministry. She is the author of Spiritual Parenting, The Big God Story, and Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family. Michelle has graduate degrees in Christian education, Bible and theology as well as over twenty-five years of family ministry experience. Michelle and her husband, Michael are the parents of two adult children and live in Colorado. 

MEGAN MARSHMAN is the director of student resources and production for David C Cook and has led and challenged thousands of students in their faith at Hume Lake Christian Camps. With a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Azusa Pacific University, Megan speaks nationally at churches, conferences, and university chapels. She and her husband, Randy, live in Long Beach, California.

7 Family Ministry Essentials: A Strategy for Culture Change in Children’s and Student Ministries (David C. Cook, June 2015)

With decades of ministry experience, Michelle Anthony and Megan Marshman capture the guiding essentials of life-changing family ministry.

These seven essentials for children and student leaders emphasize:

1. Empowering families to take spiritual leadership in the home
2. Forming lifetime faith that transcends childhood beliefs
3. Teaching Scripture as the ultimate authority of truth
4. Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit to teach and transform
5. Engaging every generation in the gospel of God’s redemptive story
6. Making God central in every biblical narrative and daily living
7. Participating in community with like-minded ministry leaders

7 Family Ministry Essentials will energize and equip you with the practical steps, inspirational stories, and biblical foundation you need as you lead those in your ministry.

To see what others are saying about this resource, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

Anthony and Marshman have given us a very needed resource for ministry in our present culture.  We live in a time that is very scary for parents and those responsible for leading our children and youth in the church.  While it may seem a hopeless feat at times, we can be encouraged primarily through God's Word but also through resources such as 7 Family Ministry Essentials that hold a high view of Scripture for guidance and Jesus Christ as the only source of true gospel transformation.

I appreciate that the book doesn't give a bunch of lists and formulas for supposed success in the area of spiritual formation.  What it does give is clear direction beginning with God's Word and helpful suggestions for applying God's Word in the right ways.  At the end of each chapter, are "Ministry Assessments" that include thought provoking questions that are directed toward implementing a spiritual formation approach to family ministry in the areas of:

• Church Staff and Volunteers
• Parents
• Children/Students

"If the families we serve are not armed with the fact that Scripture is reliable and can be trusted, they'll fall victim to whoever has the savviest argument."

I appreciate that Anthony and Marshman provide a resource that will help church leaders and parents alike discern the voice of God above all the noise in our world today and helps us share His voice with the generation coming behind us.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review.

Blessings,
Jennifer

The Ticket

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Ticket Firefly Southern Fiction (May 20, 2015) by Debra Jeter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Vanderbilt University professor, Debra Coleman Jeter has published fiction and nonfiction in popular magazines, including Working Woman, New Woman, Self, Home Life, Savvy, Christian Woman, and American Baby. Her story, "Recovery," won first prize in a Christian Woman short story competition, and her nonfiction book "Pshaw, It's Me Grandson": Tales of a Young Actor was a finalist in the 2007 USA Book News Awards. She is a co-writer of the screenplay for Jess + Moss, a feature film which premiered in 2011 at the Sundance Film Festival, screened at nearly forty film festivals around the world, and captured several international awards. She lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband. She is currently working on a novel based on the life of her grandmother, Effie Shultz McClain (1900 to 1985).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tray Dunaway longs to be part of the popular set at school but, she's growing too fast and her clothes no longer fit. The only person who understands Tray's need for acceptance is her grandmother, but when Tray wears Gram's hand-sewn clothes to school, the kids make fun of her tall, boney appearance. Tray's luck improves when Pee Wee Johnson, a down-and-out friend of her father's, buys two lottery tickets and gives one to Mr. Dunaway as a thank-you for driving him to Hazard, Illinois. When her father's ticket turns out to be the winner, Johnson demands his cut of the proceeds, but Tray's dad refuses. What seems like a stroke of good fortune suddenly becomes a disturbing turn of events as Johnson threatens to cause problems for the family and Tray.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Ticket, go HERE.




Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

A More Christlike God

About the author:

Brad Jersak (PhD) is an author and teacher based in Abbotsford, BC. He is on faculty at Westminster Theological Centre (Cheltenham, UK), where he teaches New Testament and Patristics. He also serves as adjunct faculty with St Stephen's University (St. Stephen, NB). He is also the senior editor of CWR (Christianity Without the Religion) Magazine, based in Pasadena, CA.

Find Brad online: website, Facebook, Twitter

About the book:
A More Christlike God (April 2015)

What is God like? A punishing judge? A doting grandfather? A deadbeat dad? A vengeful warrior?

Believers and atheists alike typically carry and finally reject the toxic images of God in their own hearts and minds. Even the Christian gospel has repeatedly lapsed into a vision of God where the wrathful King must be appeased by his victim Son. How do such good cop/bad cop distortions of the divine arise and come to dominate churches and cultures?

Whether our notions of 'god' are personal projections or inherited traditions, author and theologian Brad Jersak proposes a radical reassessment, arguing for A More Christlike God: a More Beautiful Gospel. If Christ is "the image of the invisible God, the radiance of God's glory and exact representation of God's likeness," what if we conceived of God as completely Christlike---the perfect Incarnation of self-giving, radically forgiving, co-suffering love? What if God has always been and forever will be cruciform (cross-shaped) in his character and actions?

A More Christlike God suggests that such a God would be very good news indeed---a God who Jesus "unwrathed" from dead religion, a Love that is always toward us, and a Grace that pours into this suffering world through willing, human partners.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1JHG9yp

To see what others are saying about the book, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

Brad Jersak has written a thorough, thought provoking and helpful book that tackles a very important subject...how one views God and the gospel.  Throughout his book, Brad consistently throws a shining and revealing light on Jesus God's Son.  In the Foreword to the book, Brian Zahud says:

"Jesus is the Message of God.  Jesus is what God has to say.  Jesus is the full and faithful witness to how God is to be understood.  Jesus didn't come to save us from God, Jesus came to reveal God as Savior. Jesus didn't come to reconcile God to the world - Jesus came to reconcile the world to God.  If Jesus' life is the definition of God, the defining moment of Jesus' life is the Cross."

Brad spends a little over 300 pages fleshing out the above thoughts in a conversational toned book.  And while you won't agree with everything Brad has to share ( I did not), you will be left with much to think about and take to God's Word for Biblical study.  In that sense, this resource will be helpful to you.

*I received a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my honest review.

Happy Reading,
Jennifer

The Midwife's Tale

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Midwife’s Tale Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015) by Delia Parr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.


My Thoughts:
Historical Romance isn't typically my favorite genre to read; however, I appreciated and enjoyed Della Parr's The Midwife's Tale.  She weaves a tender tale of love, hope and faith with characters that are well developed and endearing.  This book is the first in her series At Home in Trinity.  I will be placing this title on my keeper shelf and making a point to read the others in the series.  If you are looking for a light and easy read full of inspiration and encouragement, this is a book you do not want to miss.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

London Tides

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing London Tides David C. Cook (June 1, 2015) by Carla Laureano

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I studied literature and criticism at Pepperdine University and earned a degree in English in 1997. Since then, I’ve worked in a number of different industries as a salesperson, marketing manager, copywriter, and small business consultant. In addition to my work for corporate clients, I wrote for publications produced by the World Health Organization.

I love the history, culture, and mythology of Ireland and Scotland, which form the settings for most of my work. I also enjoy incorporating my background in martial arts and fencing into the action elements of my stories.

I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). I was selected as a finalist in ACFW’s 2012 Genesis contest in the speculative fiction category. My debut novel, a contemporary romance entitled Five Days in Skye, was released by David C Cook in June 2013 and went on to win RWA’s 2014 RITA Award for Inspirational Romance. My three book young adult fantasy series, SONG OF SEARE, is being released from NavPress in 2014 and 2015.

I live with my husband and two sons in Denver, Colorado.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace ... only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together ... or tear them apart for good this time?

If you would like to read the first chapter of London Tides, go HERE.

My Thoughts:
London Tides is the first book I've read by Carla Laureano.  I'm a fan! This is the second book in the MacDonald Family Series and I'm sad I missed the first one, but will be going back and reading it very soon.  Laureano's characters have a depth to them and their stories are multi-layered.  The thing I appreciate most about the story is the genuine way Laureano writes about the places, people and their responses to life circumstances.  I loved Grace and feel there is a little bit of her in all of us.  Ian and Grace's story will grip you and you will be thinking of them long after you've turned the last page. There is a little grit to their story but steadfast love and truthfulness shine brightly on the pages of London Tides.  Don't miss this series!

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Fatal Trauma

About the author:

A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.


Find Richard online: website, Twitter, Facebook

About the book:
Fatal Trauma (Abingdon Press, May 2015)

A gunman who has nothing to lose faces a doctor who could lose it all to prove his innocence.

When Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are held at the mercy of a dangerous gunman, the lives of every emergency room patient are at stake. At the end of the evening three men are dead. One of them is a police officer who couldn't be saved despite Mark's best efforts. The other two are members of the feared Zeta drug cartel.

Though the standoff is over, the killing is not, because when the drug cartel loses its members, revenge is not far behind. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.

At the height of the conflict, three questions remain: Who is the shooter? Who will the next victim be? And can Mark prove his innocence before the gun turns on him?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1AIM9U5

To see what others are saying about the book, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

I always hate to give an author anything less than a stellar review, but Fatal Trauma fell a little flat for me.  The story read for me like a second installment in a series.  The reader is dropped right in the middle of Mark's relationship with Kelly with little backstory given.  The whole time I was reading, I had questions that weren't answered about them both.

With that said, Mabry knows how to write a story with twists and turns that you don't see coming and an ending that was completely unexpected.  I just couldn't connect with the characters and some of the scenerios were a little far fetched to feel genuine.  Don't count Mabry's writing out though...I've read other novels by him. This one just isn't his very best writing in my opinion.

Happy Reading Ya'll,

Jennifer

Justified

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Justified David C. Cook (June 1, 2015) by Varina Denman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on the three-book Mended Heart Series. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Justified, go HERE.






Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer