Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break by James Moore

Christmas Gifts That Won't Break by James Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Christmas Gifts That Won't Break is a unique way to celebrate Christmas! This 4-week Advent study is fully equipped and loaded with resources, teacher aids, and class activities to keep any class room busy as they learn about God's gifts to us.

I liked how all the material - games, crafts, lesson, etc - is in one neat little book. And there is so much material you may not actually get to use it all! This book is brimming with great ways to drive home the truth of God's love to young children of all ages. The material is applicable and/or adaptable for ages 2 through 12 and would be a great special Sunday School series or Children's Church series.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

This study explores how the gifts of the Advent season have a permanence that speaks to generations of children past, present, and future. Everything you need to implement this study for children is self-contained in this single resource. No additional student books are required.

What are the Christmas gifts that won’t break? They are those gifts that cannot be lost, that never go out of style, and that are independent of the chances and changes of life. They are the gifts that have been graciously given by God.

Designed to be used in conjunction with the Adult and Youth versions in an all-church Advent study, this study will focus on four of those gifts that also coincide with the four outer candles of the traditional Advent wreath:

* Hope
* Love
* Joy
* Peace

During these 4-week studies, children will receive from God and pass on to others “Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break!”

DETAILS:

Published by: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 9781426708282
Price: $12.95

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Abingdon Press but the opinion expressed is my own.

The Pastor’s Wife by Jennifer AlLee

The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Okay Ladies, here's the deal about this book...

It is a fun, witty, and charming story of forgiveness and reconciliation between a Pastor and his wife. And it has one wonderfully appealing cover, too! I enjoyed the simple story line and the unexpected twist it took. The characters were likable and the story brought to life the real challenges of a ministry couple. It was a fun and touching read that I enjoyed especially since I am a Pastor's wife.

However, while I liked the overall book, there were some details that I didn't appreciate as much. I hold to some differing theological beliefs than what where conveyed in this story and I thought that there were some points that could have been stronger. Also, I recognize that this book is intended for adult woman, but I know that many teens read adult fiction and so on that note I would caution teen girls not to read this book due to one conversation that takes place. It's not that the conversation was wrong, but simply not appropriate for teens.

The author’s writing is enjoyable and is an entertaining read, but this book may not be for everyone or may be one that you just borrow.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Abingdon Press, but the opinions expressed our strictly my own.

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Other Books for Pastor’s Wives:

• From One Ministry Wife To Another by Susie Hawkins (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes, by Lisa McKay (readornotread.blogspot.com)

Pastorpreneur: Outreach Beyond Business as Usual by John Jackson

Pastorpreneur: Outreach Beyond Business as Usual by John Jackson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pastorpreneur is a good book for any pastor, deacon, or leader in the local church. This book will challenge you to think outside of tradition and "they way it's always been done" to what is the best way to impact your community for the Glory of God.

John Jackson shares from experience some "outside the box" ideas, including check lists, to help you creatively and effectively reach the un-saved and un-churched.  He addresses 5 strategies in the 156 pages of this book:

• Grab the Community’s Attention
• Build Strategic Partnerships
• Conduct Faith-Building Events
• Challenge People to Find their Niche
• Multiply Your Impact

While I can't say that I agree with everything he writes, I do think that this book will help strengthen your vision and plan for reaching new "fish for the bowl" rather than just "swapping fish*". (*Page 55)

As the wife of a pastor I walked away from this book being challenged to really focus on reaching beyond my church connections.  As the author writes about, it’s very easy for the “church goer” to become surrounded by Christians and forget connect with the unsaved by building relationships that will show them the difference in your life.

This book may be a bit wordy at times, but the overall message and challenge is worth your time if you are involved in ministry of any type.

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The review copy was provided by Abingdon Press.