I didn’t realize how ignorant I was of the scope of multi-site churches. For example, I considered multi-site a model. Many of the reservations I held about the concept stemmed from the preconception that it was a model, duplicated fairly similarly between each church that utilized it. In fact, each church brings its own interpretation and realization to multi-site, fleshing out its core values according to its own vision and mission.

There is a basic definition of multi-site:

“one church meeting in multiple locations - [which can be] different locations in the same region, or in some instances different cities, states, or nations. A multi-site church shares a common vision, budget, leadership, and board.” (p 10)

One of the most interesting lessons I learned is in regards to DNA. Vital to implementing multi-site is being able to recreate your DNA in each venue. I had previously assumed that your DNA included every aspect of your church: design, format, style, etc. But transferring your DNA to another site is really more simple than that. Your DNA is your vision, mission and values, the core of who you are that has already been tested. Starting a rock-style service in the gymnasium for young adults with a video feed to the preaching is actually creating a second venue.

The book circulates between various churches encompasses the “road trip” part of the title. The authors have visited and interviewed these church leaders, learning about each one and delving into the knowledge base each has developed. People ask why I read so many books each year. I tell them that I’d rather learn lessons through the books of those who have worked through the issues before than to start over and reinvent the wheel.

There is a wealth of knowledge in the experiences of each church along the way. Every chapter explains one facet of the concept that is modeled by that church. While your church may not need some of the information, you will be encouraged to try and explore others that meet the needs of your own church. In Chapter 4 you learn about the various location options for your next site. Chapter 6 explores the technology and personnel needs for an internet campus. Multi-site churches can run into structure and leadership issues; find out about ways to deal with them in Chapter 8. As you are growing and other churches want to partner with you, how will you assimilate them as another campus/site? Find out how LifeChurch.tv handles it in Chapter 11. How many sites do you need? How many can you launch at once? Is it possible to go international? These are some of the questions answered in this book.

I feel I should also mention that when “Road Trip” answers it question, the authors don’t tend to take a side note approach to it. They are purposeful in providing concrete examples from various churches, retellings from pastors and church leaders, and share the rough spots with the happy ending. It’s in depth, but it isn’t tedious. It’s eye opening and heart catching.

A Multi-Site Church Road Trip is a recommended read for anyone wanting to know what multi-site is about. It is a must for any pastor/board and leadership team that is even remotely considering multi-site. It helps open you to the possibilities, to the reality that multi-site happens in different ways and you don’t have to be worried about the box it is often dropped into.

—
Thanks to Zondervan for providing my copy of “A Multi-Site Church Road Trip” for review.

In Never Say Never, Lisa Wingate tells the story of Kai Miller and her attempt to put down roots after living a childhood moving from place to place. Kai ends up in the small town of Daily, Texas after escaping from a hurricane near her home and discovers the never before experienced welcome of a small town. She met and saved Donetta Bradford during a risky evacuation during the storm and an unlikely friendship begins to develop. Donetta, having had a similar childhood, is able to aid Kai in ways she could not have imagined. The story is told from the perspective of both Kai and Donetta which makes small town Texas come alive. If you are looking for a lighthearted, entertaining book, then Never Say Never is a great choice!
*Thank you to Bethany House for providing the book free of charge for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Reviewed by Sandra
http://langford7.blogspot.com

To order the book and find out about the author Rudi London go to:
http://www.amazingroad.com/

I watched the first two DVDs of “What’s in the Bible” series from Phil Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales. The titles are “In the Beginning” and “Let My People Go.” In the first part of this DVD I found out what happened to VeggieTales. I never knew about the trouble Phil had with VeggieTales, It was very interesting to find out, but also sad.

What I was expecting was really high quality shows, and that is what I saw. The DVDs are full of very colorful, high quality puppets and material. Fast action going from one puppet to another. Very Loveable puppets who entertain and also educate young children.
Your children are sure to find new charaters to love and they will become favortives for years.

I enjoyed the parts that the real children had in the DVDs explaining what they knew about Jesus and the Bible. They were very precious. You will want to buy each DVD as it comes out. Don’t miss out on all of the fun.

Reviewed by Wanda Chamberlain
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/

What made the book interesting to me were the notes added by the editors. They included Historical and cultural details, information on Jane Austen’s life, references to Sense & Sensibility in films, an unscientific ranking of the novel’s most frustrating characters and themes of faith drawn from the novel and from Jane Austen’s life. I actually caught myself laughing out loud as I read some of the side notes. The comments helped lighten the tone of the book and made it painless and even fun to read. If I were homeschooling my daughter, I would definately use The Insight Edition! If you are a die-hard Jane Austen fan or a novice like me, this edition will show you why Sense and Sensibility is considered a classic.

*Bethany House supplied this book free of charge as part of their book review program. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have always wanted to give my children an understanding of the evolution vs. creation debate. I have wanted them to see the foolishness in the theory of evolution and the logic of the creationist perspective. I have known that it’s not enough to just say, “Evolution is just plain ridiculous”, but I have also felt intimidated by the subject and overwhelmed about where to begin. I’ve also felt my own inadequacy of not being “scientifically-minded”. Shatterproof addresses each of my concerns beautifully!

Shatterproof is a clear, well-planned 6 week unit study that provides an easy way for any parent to give their child a basic understanding of the evolution vs. creation debate. With tangible, practical, and fun activities, it proves the creationist to be the more logical. The science is presented in an orderly and understandable way that is not intimidating.

Each lesson can be done in about 45 minutes, maybe less. Every lesson begins with a Bible verse. The materials needed are listed next. Materials are easily found around the house or in the back of the book. Each activity has an estimated time next to it and very clear explanations and answers. Truths are learned in a fun, engaging way!

Reviewed by
houseofplenty@yahoo.com

The author does a marvellous job in addressing and refuting the major forms of compromise between the millions of years of evolution and the Genesis account of history.
He also does away with the common assertion that “Genesis is merely poetry and thus the events in it can be ignored at will”. He discusses the use of the word “day” in the creation week and addresses the various misinterpretations of it intended meaning. The author also discusses the events of each day of creation and the implications and significance that they have on a young or old earth interpretation.

While the author has clearly endeavoured to keep the book to a surprisingly small size considering the breadth of topics that it addresses, he counterbalances this lack comprehensiveness with many references to other more thorough works for those readers who may wish to delve deeper into each topic.

I think that this work would have been far better off had it been more comprehensive in its coverage of most topics, even if this meant the book being 400-500 pages. I just felt that the author barely even skimmed the surface of each topic and really failed to give an appropriate amount of coverage to most topics. Maybe it was the author’s intention to only give the reader a “bite size” piece of each topic, but I fear that this may instead have the unintended effect of giving the impression that there really isn’t much to Young Earth Creationism.

All in all, even though this book is geared toward the “neophyte”, I think that readers with any knowledge level of Young Earth Creationism would glean some information from this book.

Four stars

Reviewed by: The Old Wise Man

That’s what the book is about: trials. Tough topics such as death, grief, pain, revenge are handled and given the proper solutions: faith, silence, intercession, forgiveness, knowledge that God remains on His throne, and in His infinite wisdom, he turns tragedy into triumph, meaning to provide you with good out of a difficult trial. (See Gen 50:20. Also Romans 8:28 “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.”)

From chapters dealing with how our Lord Jesus loves each of us as a parent, and has control over every aspect of our lives, Lucado then delves into how God uses trials (and even Satan) for His ultimate good: to refine the faithful, to awaken the faith of “sleeping” Christians, and to teach the church.

He also tackles the fruitlessness of revenge and how peace can only come from treating others as you would want God to treat you: with generosity, with forgiveness, with love.

He then recommends silence in order to hear God’s voice. No peace can be had without being still and knowing that He is God. (Ps. 46:10) And then he encourages us to intercede for others’ trials and pains. Finally the book deals with grief and death: and how for Christians, there is no hopeless goodbye, just hope-filled eternal life in the presence of God.

The book ends with a prayer for troubled times which summarizes the contents by recalling how God has turned grieving into dancing all throughout the Bible, and which pleads for the Lord’s mercy and grace in every painful situation.

In the end, the book is encouraging and universally appealing to Christians of all kinds. This is a wonderful gift book, even during good times, which reminds us that God is in control.

Reviewed by
Lionel Valdellon

I have to admit, I didn’t think at first that I needed to read this book. I passed it several times in the bookstore. It was given to me as a gift for Christmas because my wife saw me eyeing it so frequently. I am glad she did, for I am both challenged and encouraged by it.

Bridges starts off reminding us that holiness is a personal responsibility. Many of us trust in God to handle the particulars of our lives, re-creating us (see 1 Corinthians 5:17) and drawing us closer to Himself. We realize that we are not perfect, but we trust that we are not condemned, either. We get focused on gaining victory over sin and the bad habits of our lives, but never really get very far. His answer is that we are too self-focused, to be victorious, rather than understanding that “sin grieves the heart of God.” He tells us, “every time we sin, we are doing something God hates” (28).

He also encourages us that while we are responsible for our part, God has already accomplished His part in making our lives holy. We can trust in the holiness of Christ to make up the difference where we are unable. We have power in the Holy Spirit to break the habits that hold us back. We must take the time to break old habits, those that formed over years of living, but are based in or cause us to sin.

One of the keys to holiness is that of obedience. God doesn’t call us to be victorious, but He does expect us to be obedient. In regards to making use of the Spirit’s power: “To live by the Spirit is to live both in obedience to and dependence on the Holy Spirit” (74).

He puts out some practical helps to living holy and in obedience, stressing the fact that while we might fail at first, that should not be unexpected. “Any training - physical, mental, or spiritual - is characterized at first by failure. We fail more often than we succeed. But if we persevere, we gradually see progress till we are succeeding more often than failing” (102). We must also be careful not to be led by our emotions, but by our reason and our wills.

Returning to the dialogue about habits, we are finally encourage to create new habits, habits of holiness. One of the keys to breaking the sinful habits in our lives is to “never let an exception occur.” He is speaking in part about rationalizing one last indulgence in a habit. “When we allow exceptions we are reinforcing old habits or else failing to reinforce the new one” (134).

I recommend this book to any and all. It is a real, practical, easy to read and easy to understand discourse on holiness. We cannot shirk from God’s call to be holy, regardless of its implications or difficulties in our current lifestyles. “The Pursuit of Holiness” is timeless help for all.

Author Gita Nazareth%u2019s otherworldly novel has been wooing crowds in Heaven and at last, has made it to earth%u2019s lesser shores. Forgiving Ararat embraces and reflects what is most painful and most powerful about our human condition. What is gratifying is this novel does it in the manner we find echoed in all our most precious books; those special ones which tuck into our hearts and that stay with us all our lives.

Untangling flawed main character Brek Cuttler, either in her thirty-one years of troubled living, or her confusing looping, long, afterlife, is an ambitious task. Our confusion over the mystery and mood of this imperfect young woman%u2019s troubled past and present, hold a remorseless draw even as shifting secrets reveal themselves.

I found myself occasionally wearied by plot twists and ominous portents still spilling loose, or as time and vantage shifted yet again. Yet, such minor annoyances were barely worth the breath it takes to report.

Though very different in tone and analysis from William P Young%u2019s The Shack, many readers will be drawn, understandably, to Forgiving Ararat, for both novels do seek invitation to mercy, forgiveness and love as paths to true redemption.

Forgive me for saying this, but Brek Cuttler learns the more complex lesson of the two books; one I shall not give away here only to say the dual devotion at Ararat as a pledge and a promise, is tacit at the heart%u2019s end of this great tale.

Young mother and wife, Brek, carries childhood wounds, psychic and more, forward into an immature adult life. Many pay the price for her adolescent mind, yet my own compassion for the losses Brek could not recognize at journey%u2019s start make this a painful grief of a tale.

Dante wrote in Paradiso XVII: You will leave everything you love most: this is the arrow that the bow of exile shoots first. Heartbreakingly this is the truth learned by Brek Cuttler and other characters, who move, maimed, across human and heavenly time here.

Equally powerful, the novel ached as bildungsroman, a coming of age tale. Brek Cuttler blunders, fails; is selfish, and childish. All unwilling, and yet not, she makes a most grueling scuffle and toil toward maturity. She is loathsome but she is also tender innocent, much like Harper Lee%u2019s Scout– were it a kinder day– and a better life, and a gentler view. As indeed is possible for all characters in this tale, if spared righteousness, man or divinity, or what passes for in-between.

For some perhaps it is the channel of his peace, or the peace of Gita Nazareth%u2019s kind eye swinging with enough hope from Zion. For it is by forgiving that one is forgiven.

If you are looking for more of an endorsement, you won%u2019t any clearer. This one is shining bright for all that it rests quietly on earth. Seek to comfort, seek the book, and seek me out if I am wrong. Better yet, pass along the good news yourself. If it does not sing to you, let it be. Another can use the light.

Obviously, this book deals with some very tough issues and may be inappropriate for younger or more sheltered readers, but for those who are exposed to issues like homosexuality, infidelity, new-age philosophy, drug-use and other issues that seem to bombard our children from every angle, this book does a great job of addressing those issues in a biblical way. Written in perhaps what some would call a culturally relevant way, some of the language (slang words used) might be offensive to some more sheltered readers, but again, for those who have been exposed to this already,this book could be a great asset and discussion tool. I do recommend that parents read it first and prepare their answers, from a biblical perspective, ahead of time. Discussion questions are provided at the end of the book.

Summary
The book is divided into three parts: Gather, Sharpen, and Launch. Recognizing that the time is short, and the need great, Julie exhorts all parents to disciple their children to impact the world instead of the world impacting their children. In her part on gathering, she lays out a plan for the parents to chart their own course with their families and to hop on board the one million arrows campaign and challenges each family to own the mission of discipling their children.

Part two guides the parents in gathering the arrows (children) to sharpen them. She helps the reader to understand how to shape your arrows in your home and beyond. In so doing, you will ultimately be able to send your arrows off into the world to impact the kingdom of God.

The final part of the book is how to launch your arrows. This can be a difficult process for all parents while also being perhaps one of the most rewarding times in a parent%u2019s life.

Throughout the book, you get to know “Papa”%u2013Dr. M.A. Thomas. He was the inspiration behind the book and the movement, One Million Arrows.

God gave “Papa” the vision of gathering one million orphaned and abandoned children, sharpening them as %u201Carrows for God,%u201D and launching them to start one million churches in the these communities of India who had never heard the name of Jesus. He has been faithfully working toward the vision since, and today he has launched 16,000 orphan arrows as ambassors of Christ into India, and planted 21,000 churches.

Review & Recommendation
Julie Ferwerda has accomplished two great goals. First, she has penned a biblical call for discipleship to take place in the home. Second, she has given due honor to a man who influenced her life, ministry, and mission.

I believe she sums up best the heart behind the book. She writes, %u201CI have underestimated what God can do through my kids now%u201D (144). Most parents, myself included, grossly underestimate what their children are capable of at young ages.

With blurbs from Christians like Josh McDowell, Dennis Rainey, Dr. Alvin Reid, and Franklin Graham, Julie has come out firing on all cylinders so to speak. One Million Arrows is an excellent book that deserves the attention of every parent. The book can be used in churches to challenge families to raise their children with the intent of impacting the kingdom in the future. You can learn more about the movement at One Million Arrows.

Julie Ferwerda has a special place in her heart for orphans and has designated that all proceeds from the sale of One Million Arrows be used for international orphan ministry.

Review by Terry Delaney
ChristianBookNotes.com

This book is different.

Rod White (and all those who also helped to write, edit, and inspire this book) are more concerned about what we can be instead of what we shouldn’t be. It’s a story of the driving “proverbs” that make Circle of Hope the authentic community of faith that it is. If you don’t believe that the Church can actually live out the radical calling that Jesus set before us, then I suggest that you read this book. If you want to know what it actually looks like for a church to be a “safe place”, then read this book (or visit Circle of Hope).

Overall, this is a well-written, heartfelt, insightful book that I would HIGHLY recommend.

The following paragraph from the preface sums up beautifully what the curriculum is about and why curricula like this one are so important: %u201CThis curriculum is an offensive weapon in the spiritual battle between truth and deception, and Christianity and atheism. Students are given answers to many of the questions they face in today%u2019s atheistic minded culture and are encouraged to turn to God for wisdom. Because scientific theories constantly change, your students will be given basic tools that will help them evaluate information for themselves.%u201D

%u201CShatterproof%u201D covers six very important scientific criticisms that Bible believing students will be confronted with in life and it further explains the fallacies of these criticisms.
Due to the somewhat complex nature of the issues that are covered, the author tailors the information to two different age groups; grades 4-6 and 7-8. Further explanatory notes are also supplied to ensure that the topics aren%u2019t too daunting for instructors who aren%u2019t so scientifically savvy.
The author also includes dozens of references to web articles for further information on the scientific details that are used throughout the curriculum.

Many cut-out cards and colour photos are supplied in the book which is used as aids for the activities. I can%u2019t imagine that there would be a single child in the room that wouldn%u2019t be thoroughly engrossed by the many hands-on activities and experiments that are incorporated into these lessons.

Overall, this resource is very clear in its layout, and is very easy for the instructor to prepare for and to perform. This is a much needed resource that targets a much needed area.
Four stars

The writer uses scriptural, medical, personal and various examples to layout the case for the believer’s victory even in these hard times. It has steadied my faith in God with a resolve second to none.

This book is a weapon of mass instruction, a compendium of spiritual arsenals for the battle of the mind and a glittering jewel of hope coupled with an infusion of courage to the discouraged.

The book (THE WEEPING IS OVER) is a must to have, a must to read and a must to give as a gift.

Reviewed by festus