The PAPA Prayer

I don't do a lot of book reviews. And at that, I wouldn't call them "book reviews" as you'll hear a dictionary or a college professor call them.

Even though I've labeled this post as a "Book Review", I'd call this something like a "book recommendation" or perhaps even "Here's a few brief thoughts this book gave me."

Whatever you want to call it, there is a book I just completed that I'm very anxious to share with you. It is Larry Crabb's, The PAPA Prayer

I was given this book for free. I'm so thankful for the individual who gave me this book. I probably would not have purchased it at a store. I would have passed by it thinking, "No thanks. I've already read Yancey's and Foster's book on prayer. How could this one be any different or better?"



This book views prayer from more of a relational side than Yancey and Foster...although Yancey and Foster do touch on it.

I'll be honest...I don't say things like this much. But if you struggle with your prayer life then you need to read this book. It's awesome.

I don't want to give away any of his content...he communicates it better than I ever could. I'd probably lessen the power that his truths reveal.

Please read this book! You'll see your relationship with God soar to new levels. I've recently seen this book at a used bookstore in Lake Park for $3.00. This can be the best $3.00 you've ever spent. If the money is still an issue even after the discounted price, I'll let you borrow mine.

This is an incredible book. I'll end with one of my favorite phrases from this book.

"When we mature enough to want from God what He's ready to give us, incredible things happen-sometimes around us, always in us. He may use His power to change our circumstances to our liking. He will use His power to change our hearts to His liking."

Book Review - Postmodern Youth Ministry

Wow! Finally! Praise the Lord! It's about time.

I hate it so much when the cover of a book makes it appear as if the book is about postmodernity but it actually isn't. That happens so much. In fact, right now I am staring at a few books in my library that claim to be about the postmodern shift, but between the covers there is hardly a mention of it.

Thats what excites me about this book. Tony Jones discusses the shifts in culture and how that effects Youth Ministry in a way that keeps one from wanting to put the book down. Not only that - but Jones is PRACTICAL in his approach. I love that word, practical. Say it with me, "practical." Ah, doesn't that feel good? That is a word that is left out too often in ministry, but needs to be on the front of our minds, as ministers of the Gospel.

Jones begins his book by giving a brief introduction of postmodernity. What is it? How did it get here? What does it have to do with the church? Can someone be postmodern and like saur kraut?, etc. Included in this section is a look at the history of the church, the early church fathers, and how they played a role in this cultural movement.

The author then begins to look at Teenagers and their role in this matrix. by studying their role, he helps youth workers of all types (Part-time, Full-time, volunteer) understand what needs to be done to help them understand what Christ truly means to us, but note...he doesn't tell you what to do (more on this later).

Although the Title of this Book is Postmodern Youth Ministry I feel like it will benefit church workers of all types, beyond the realms of Youth Ministry. Elders, Deacons, Sunday/Wednesday teachers, greeters, contribution counters, janitors will all be able to take a page out of Tony's book (no, don't literally rip it out). Throughout this book you'll be telling yourself "So that is why my church is like this!".

I didn't agree with everything Jones said. However, off of the top of my head I don't think I can recall a book that I agree with 100% of the content (besides the Bible, of course). So that being said, lets continue...

As mentioned earlier, Tony doesn't give a straight up, this is what we need to do answer (although he does give us great tips and things to think about). Most Youth Ministry books I've read have a formula such as "If you do these 10 things, you'll be a good youth minister" or "this is the only way you can get the church to grow", etc. Rather, Jones simply gives us the tools we need and leaves it up to us to figure out how to use them. I love that. He knows, as we all do, that mistakes will be made. He admits mistakes he has made himself. But since Jones was willing to share his knowledge, the ministers of the world (well, at least the ones who read this book) will grow from it.

I know not everyone is a Youth Minister. But PLEASE, PLEASE, PURTY PLEASE read this book if you serve any kind of role, whatsoever in your church. You'll benefit from it, I promise.

Weaknesses

- At times, the section of the history of the church seemed kind of boring. Perhaps that is just because I have heard it so much though.

- Um, the book isn't longer? I really can't think of any criticism about this book.

Strengths

-Excellently written. Information is given from a knowledgeable guy who knows what it is like "in the trenches" and doesn't present it in a "Holier than thou" attitude.

-Its a Postmodern book actually about Postmodernity

-Practical, Theological, Spiritual, all in one!

-OK, I'm getting tired of typing out all the things I like about this book. Just trust me, it's awesome! Now go pick up a copy!

Overall

9.5/10

For more reviews or to purchase this book click here