Truth That Sticks by Avery T. Willis Jr. and Mark Snowden

A lot of research has been done around the fact that the best way to get most people to learn something is through storytelling. This book proposes a programme of ‘Bible storying’ to enable effective discipleship.

It’s really convincing, and I am now acutely aware of how little people remember of what they’re taught. It’s also well written when you take into account its dual authorship.

I want to underline that I think this is a good and useful book, but I’m not sure it quite hits the bullseye for me. After reading it I’m really aware that my natural teaching style is ineffective, but I don’t know how to make it better! This is particularly difficult when it comes to studying a Bible text which itself isn’t a story. To my mind the book would have benefited from an example study.

Ironically, my single biggest issue with this book is that it isn’t written in the style that it’s preaching about!

Overall, I think this book is a really, really good first step. If you’re not sure about preaching styles, let this convince you…but don’t expect this to be a ‘how to’ guide to telling stories.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski

This book is a manual written for current and future university students, designed to give them good preparation for coping with the spiritual battleground that is the uni campus.

I was excited about this book. It seemed to directly address a real problem, talking about real issues and not backing down. It was also really practical, so even though the opening chapters were talking about theology, the application was wonderfully clear.

But that said, I think the book let itself down when it tried to become too practical. In particular some imaginary conversations were recorded to show how certain logic can overcome incorrect worldviews, but it just didn’t seem realistic enough for me.

The two chapters on sex and politics stood out as particularly unhelpful. While I fully agreed with almost everything the author said, the analogies were flawed and talked about things which don’t seem that much of a concern any more. Maybe it’s because I’m from the UK but politics didn’t massively interest anyone I knew when I was at uni!

Overall I think this book’s heart is in the right place. It will certainly encourage Christian teenagers to enter university prepared to discuss their opinions in an informed manner. That said, I don’t think this would do much more than provide ammunition for a teenager who was ready to rebel at 18.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

500th post and preaching

Well, apparently this is the 500th post on this blog so I thought I’d revisit why I do it.

I think God gives people gifts but that it’s the responsibility of the individual to nurture and make best use of them. Apply when required.

For me, I think God’s called me to communicate his truth. I don’t get the chance to preach every week and currently don’t have a book contract (but I’d you want to offer me one get in touch) – as a result I thought I ought to keep up the practice here and with my Bible studies so that when I eventually step into that role more fully, I can do so more to the glory of God.

At the end of the day I’d rather make my mistakes and learn my lessons now rather than if I publish a book. Ironically, more people are likely to read this blog than I’d preach to if I were up there every Sunday

That all said, it’s my privilege to let you know that I’m preaching this Sunday morning at the Crown Church. It would be wonderful to see you there!

Read promiscuously

I don’t know how many visitors to this blog are avid readers, but I certainly am so thought this might be a good thought for a Thursday lunchtime.

I follow Mark Driscoll’s blog with a passion, and he’s currently publishing a series of posts on ’11 leadership lessons from 12 disciples’.

While there’s a whole bunch of good stuff that he’s bringing out from the 12, I couldn’t help think as I read the latest entry that what I’m actually getting is ‘Mark Driscoll’s top 11 leadership lessons with illustrations taken from the 12 disciples’. No doubt, if another blogger was writing the same series, the 11 lessons would be different!

My thought, therefore, is this: we ought to be more promiscuous in our reading. I could listen to Pastor Mark preach all day, but then my theology would be limited. While Mark’s a charismatic with a seatbelt, Terry Virgo is a charismatic without a seatbelt and would challenge some of his theology. Jamie Brown is a worship leader in an Anglican church, and is one of my favourites. Pete Cornford is the leader (or will be in a couple of months!) of a far smaller church yet still has wonderful insights.

I’d definitely say: read stuff you disagree with. There’s nothing better than reading a sentence that makes you think, ‘That’s wrong, surely? No, wait, it could be right!’

The way that works for me is that I’m a reviewer for a whole bunch of publishers. I don’t really choose what I read, so I’m forced to read stuff I wouldn’t buy. Isn’t that great?

We should all do it.