Jack Eggar uses fiction to chart a church's journey from stagnation to renewal.

For the average church leader, Jack Eggar's tale of potlucks, church business meetings and tense altercations with board members may have all the ingredients of a bedtime yarn ... or a spine-tingling horror story.

Rather than provide a step-by-step guide to reviving a local church, the unconventional premise of The Return of a Mighty Church (Regal Books) is to tell the story of a pastor who actually did it. The fictional protagonist (David Newman) is voted in as pastor at a fictional church (Midland Bible Church), a congregation that's become more interested in the décor of its sanctuary than the spiritual plight of its community.

“I wanted to grab people by the heart, not just the head,” Eggar explains in a recent interview with Ministries Today. “I wanted to explore what it would be like if a church rediscovered its purpose.”

Eggar, the president and CEO of Awana Clubs International, has served as a church planter, pastor and missionary in the United States, Korea and Fiji. But recently he has been discouraged by the tendency to “flat line” that churches face when the passion for evangelism that birthed them deteriorates into a struggle to survive.

“Most churches tend to hunker down until Jesus comes,” Eggar notes. “Eventually they find themselves extremely comfortable as they disconnect from their communities.”

At Midland Bible Church, David Newman recognizes this same principle, but faces the risk of alienating his congregation by instituting sweeping change too quickly. In a scene that may bring back bad memories for those who have faced church conflict of the extreme variety, Newman faces disgruntled members who disrupt a church business meeting bearing placards and shouting, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it!”

But the best advice he receives comes from a ministry consultant, who-ironically-refuses to sell his services to the befuddled pastor, but does offer him this suggestion: Dig out the church's constitution and bylaws, and “search for the reason your church was started. Then you can figure out how to raise the church out of this place of perpetual mediocrity and isolation from the community.”

The young preacher leads a committed but conservative congregation, leery of gimmicks and nervous about change. However, when he points out that phrases such as “evangelize our community and the world” and “serve our community through acts of service” are written into the church's founding documents, they immediately warm up to his outreach proposals.

In the end, Midland Bible Church embraces its mission and sets a course to healthy growth and community engagement, based on a five-step plan Eggars lays out in the course of the narrative: “Rediscover our purpose,” “return to the original vision,” “rededicate the church family,” “reorganize our approach to the community” and “remember and revisit our church's vision.”

It's worth noting that The Return of a Mighty Church is based on two key prerequisites that are not common to every church: first, that the founding mission statement of most churches is essentially the same-evangelistic in its thrust; second, that a church is congregationally governed, rather than controlled by the pastor or denominational leaders. Readers accustomed to pastoral leadership with broad latitude may find themselves frustrated by the seeming constrictiveness of Midland Bible Church's congregational government.

Eggars admits that this was the context of the church whose story he tells-although he has led churches with many different styles of government.

“I planned for the identity of the typical, evangelical, congregational church,” he explains. “But the principles can be applied to another style of church government. The challenge of some churches may be the opposite of that in the book-the people may come alive and rediscover their purpose and then come under opposition from their leadership.”
Matthew Green

Restoration
D. Thomas Lancaster (Firstfruits of Zion)

If D. Thomas Lancaster does nothing else in his book, Restoration, he forces thoughtful readers to come up with answers as to what they will do with the first five books of the Bible.

For most believers, the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch (Greek for “five-fold vessel”) or the Torah (Hebrew for “law”), are generally seen as a historical chronicle of our faith in its incipient form, a treasure trove of types and shadows, a storehouse of object lessons, and, quite simply, a record of the way things once were.

Not many would consider Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy as a handbook for how life should be lived by believers in the 21st century. That, however, is the thesis of Lancaster's book.

He has subtitled Restoration “Returning the Torah of God to the Disciples of Jesus.” He believes that many--but not all--of the commands in the Torah are to be adhered to today. (He allows that some of the commands cannot be obeyed today because the Temple does not exist and his readers are not living under a theocracy in Israel.)

And, in a turn I did not anticipate, Lancaster states that, albeit unknowingly, most Christians are keeping the Torah.

“Just by living the Christian life, you are keeping most of the Torah,” he says. So, if not all the Torah can be obeyed today and Christians are unknowingly observing most of it anyway, what is it that Lancaster wants of the church?

Lancaster is very zealous for Friday/Saturday Sabbath observance (but notes that it is not wrong to worship on Sunday), the keeping of the festivals, compliance with dietary restrictions and keeping the moral code (sans community punishments). It is important to note at this point that Lancaster is not a biblical novice. He seems to be aware of all the common rebuttals to his beliefs, and attempts to answer them straightforwardly and with a good disposition. For the untrained eye, this book may be the final word on the subject. For teachers of the faith, Lancaster has forcefully initiated dialogue. His thesis deserves answering.

Restoration is published by First Fruits of Zion, a Messianic Jewish ministry that encourages both Jews and Christians to embrace the observance of the Torah. Despite the controversial nature of his stance, Lancaster keeps himself within the bounds of orthodoxy by stating: “I do not believe in keeping the law in order to be saved or even to maintain salvation. But I do believe in keeping it because I am saved.”
Jon Rising

Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls:
A Guide to Christian Approaches And Practices
Gary W. Moon and David G. Benner, editors (InterVarsity Press)

Few aspects of pastoral ministry are more daunting than the task of counseling. Many leaders feel like a fish out of water, competing with the self-help titles loading bookstore shelves (not to mention the TV psychologists, offering their formulas for the masses. How can the average pastor provide substance in the face of such style?

Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls: A Guide to Christian Approaches and Practices offers a sound alternative that taps into rich theological traditions and still seeks to answer questions that the modern soul is asking.

Edited by Gary W. Moon and David G. Benner, the book is more than a history lesson or a “how to” guide. The book defines spiritual formation and direction, analyzes today's interest in spirituality and dares church leaders to pursue Christian soul care.

Various contributors explain spiritual direction from seven major Christian perspectives: Orthodox (E. Gregory Rogers), Roman Catholic (Gene Barrette), Episcopal (Gray Temple), Reformed (Ben Johnson), Wesleyan-Holiness (Wesley D. Tracy) Social Justice (Jerry A. Gladson), and charismatic/Pentecostal (Oliver McMahan). Investigating each movement's views of psychology and theology, the study offers tools rather than merely seeking late cures for bad choices.

The authors display comparisons of three types (what they call “voices”) of pastoral care-spiritual direction, psychology and pastoral counseling-as they relate to those seven Christian traditions. Readers receive more than ideas: In a creative twist, segments of the book speculate on what leaders might hear if they sat at a table with John Calvin, Martin Luther and the Wesley brothers to hear their views on spiritual development.

Pastoral counseling often works to handle crises, and guide spiritual and relational growth; and psychotherapy seeks to relieve stress patterns and review responses to life's issues. But spiritual direction invests counseling principles with biblical tradition, interaction and reconciliation. Listening ears become mentoring agents. A counselor's questions become the director's guide toward spiritual experience and development.

The final section offers advice on ways all three voices of counseling style can sing one song. By remembering soul care's true purpose, directors and participants pursue true spiritual transformation. Healing, sustaining, reconciling and guiding function as phases of this experience.

For pastors, counselors, laity, cell leaders, students and Christians seeking a deeper understanding of soul care, the pages serve as needed literature to define and train. The information can inspire more people to give, and receive, true care for today's souls.
Chris Maxwell

Best-Seller List Top 25 books

1. Rediscoverying The Kingdom
Myles Munroe (Destiny Image)
2. Captivating John and Stasi Eldredge
(Nelson Books)
3. Your Best Life Now Joel Osteen
(Warner Faith)
4. What on earth am i here for?
Rick Warren (Zondervan)
5. Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis (HarperSanFrancisco/ Zondervan)
6. Battlefield of the Mind
Joyce Meyer (Warner Faith)
7. Voices of the Faithful
Beth Moore (Integrity)
8. Ten Boys who changed the World
Irene Howat (Christian Focus Publications)
9. The Five Love Languages
Gary Chapman (Northfield)
10.The Purpose-Drive Life
Rick Warren (Zondervan)
11. Daily readings from Best Life Now
Joel Osteen (Warner Faith)
12. Battlefield of the Mind Devotional
Joyce Meyer (Warner Faith)
13. The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis (HarperCollins/ Zondervan)
14. The Bait of Satan
John Bevere (Charisma House)
15. Cure for the Common Life
Max Lucado (W Publishing)
16. Wild at Heart
John Eldredge (Nelson Books)
17. The screwtape letters
C.S. Lewis (HarperSanFrancisco/ Zondervan)
18. Blue Like Jazz
Donald Miller (Nelson Books)
19. The Threshing Floor
Juanita Bynum (Charisma House)
20. Dinner With a Perfect Stranger
David Gregory (WaterBrook)
21. The Power of a Praying Wife
Stormie Omartian (Harvest House)
22. My Utmost for His Highest (updated edition)
Oswald Chambers (Barbour)
23. The Principles and Power of Vision
Myles Munroe (Whitaker House)
24. Living The Extraordinary Life
Charles F. Stanley (Nelson Books)
25. The Bible Promise Book, NIV(1997)
(Barbour)
Compiled from Christian Retailing's Top 100 Books list from the February 20, 2006, issue of Christian Retailing magazine. List is based on distributor sales for English-language books in the United States and Canada for December 1-31, 2005. Copyright © 2006 Strang Communications. All rights reserved.

Worship

It's Not Over
Karen Clark Sheard (Word)

One of gospel's finest vocal virtuosos known for her soaring runs and jazzy improvisational stylings, Karen Clark- Sheard is part of gospel music history as a member of the ground-greaking The Clark Sisters.

Just releasing It's Not Over, her fourth solo offering, Clark-Sheard provides a musical feast of gospel, urban and R&B-flavored tracks, but even more, she delivers a part-live, part-studio praise and worship smorgasbord. Clark-Sheard tapped producer/artist extraordinaire Israel Houghton (of Israel & New Breed) along with frequent collaborator Aaron Lindsey to head the project.

It's Not Over opens with the bouncy “Rejoice and Be Glad,” recorded live at Sheard's home church, Greater Emmanuel Institutioanl Church of God in Christ in Detroit, where her husband, Rev. J. Drew Sheard, pastors. “I Never Will” borrows strong musical influences from The Clark Sisters' classic “You Brought the Sunshine.” “Authority,” one of the album's standouts co-written by Clark-Sheard, is a powerful jamming track about claiming everything the devil has stolen.

Clark-Sheard provides a number of ballads like the mellow “Favor” and the worshipful “Show Me Your Glory,” both of which she shines brightly on. Cousin J Moss joins in on the R&B-flavored “Be Blessed” and produces “You Showed Me.” She also includes a song with her son on “A Living Testimony.” This is a collection of impressive songs from one of gospel's most notable psalmists.
René Williams

Worship: Volume One: I Stand for You
Tree 63
(Inpop Records)

With their fifth release, Worship, Volume One: I Stand for You, South Africa's own Tree 63 further solidifies their place as one of today's top worship bands. I Stand is the follow-up to 2004's The Answer to the Question, which earned Tree Billboard's Most-Played Christian Radio Song of 2004 with Matt Redman's song, “Blessed Be Your Name.”

Picking right up where The Answer left off, I Stand delivers a solid blend of new studio tracks, as well as some live remakes of past Tree favorites. Writing an impressive 10 of the 12 tracks himself, Tree's John Ellis shows himself a songwriting force to be reckoned with, lending out only two songs to other writers.

One of those other writers, celebrated worship leader Matt Redman, makes a guest appearance on his own song, “Nothing But the Blood,” in a well-done and respectful version of the well-known worship anthem.

Other album highlights include the opening “No Other,” sure to become an instant hit in youth and college groups across the country, as well as the prayerful and contemplative “Great Kindness.” In a wise move, Tree revisits their most celebrated past hits in live versions and includes them on I Stand, adding an energy and motion that drives the CD along. I Stand is a first-class expression of worship that young audiences will find particularly captivating and real on their pursuit for intimacy with God.
Elisabeth Burns

An Invitation To Worship
Byron Cage
(GospoCentric)

Praise and worship leader Byron Cage is known for songs such as “The Presence of the Lord,” “There Is a Name” and “Shabach.” On the heels of his five-time Stellar Award-winning debut, Cage has just released his second GospoCentric offering, An Invitation to Worship.

The senior minister of church worship and music administration at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, Md., delivers a live church project recorded at Cage's old stomping ground, New Birth Cathedral in Atlanta. Doing exactly what the CD promises, each song invites the listener into an intimate time of worship and praise.

Cage shines on cuts such as the album's opener, “I Will Bless the Lord”; the up-tempo “We Love You,” a duet with noted artist J Moss; and on the heavenly “Majesty.” He also records a Thomas Whitfield-penned gem, “In Case You've Forgotten.” One of the few worship leaders credited with bringing praise and worship into the African-American church, Cage provides a soulful rendition of “Breathe,” made famous by Michael W. Smith.

He also gives us a dose of Caribbean praise with the island-flavored “He Reigns.” Cage's ability to glide easily from traditional to contemporary is highlighted as he sings of heaven on the mellow “Special Place,” followed by the churchy original track (with elements of the well-known church song) “Praise Him.” Providing teachable songs suitable for choirs and praise teams, Cage surely retains his moniker as the Prince of Praise.
René Williams

No Limits Live
Martha Munizzi (Integrity)

Martha Munizzi had the gospel community buzzing in 2003 with her CD The Best Is Yet to Come.

With her soulful voice and church-laden music, she became an overnight sensation while making history by becoming the first non-African American to walk away with a Best New Artist Stellar Award in 2005. Now delivering a new double CD, No Limits Live, Munizzi taps Noel Hall, former musical director for Fred Hammond, as producer.

Songs such as the mesmerizing title tune, “No Limits (Breakthrough),” the declarative “Till The Walls Fall” and the breathtakingly beautiful “What He's Done” reflect the overwhelming theme of the CD-nothing is impossible with God. Other well-written cuts include the soft, melodic “Renew Me” and the catchy “Name Above All Names.” “Great Exchange,” about trading our sorrows for what God offers, is a laid-back but potent track.

Seemingly taken directly from the Book of Psalms, the velvety, vertically-directed “Forever You're My King” sets the atmosphere for an intimate time of worship as does the powerful “He's Already Provided.” Mary Alessi, Munizzi's twin sister, makes a guest appearance on the duet “Always Welcome.”

This project leaves us with no shortage of stunning, yet simple worship songs such as the memorable “Holy Spirit Fill This Room,” a sweet tune worthy of bowed head and lifted hands, and “I Believe God,” a moving song of affirmation. No one does worship and praise like Martha Munizzi.
René Williams

The Mission Bell
Delirious (Sparrow)

With their eighth studio release, The Mission Bell, the music super-group Delirious shows that they have more on their minds than just making hits. In its 12 original tracks, The Mission Bell takes the listener on a journey from powerful anthems to quiet moments of simple worship.

Straight out of the gate, this new album from Britain's top Christian band shows its intent to make a statement, complete with a roaring choir in the power anthem “Stronger.” From there, the journey continues with highlights such as “Now Is the Time,” which features guest writer Matt Redman, “All This Time,” and the honest and heartfelt “Take Off My Shoes.”

Delirious fans as well as seekers of worship music worldwide are sure to find songs of devotion, desire, and worship to add to the soundtrack of their relationship with and pursuit of God.
Elisabeth Burns

MEDIA

Unwelcome Visitor

Frank Peretti's supernatural thriller blends a spiritual message with mainstream movie scares.

Local Woman Missing.” That was what the Antioch papers read on the day Pastor Travis Jordan's wife was kidnapped and stabbed to death. No suspects. No leads. She was just gone. And on the day he buried her, he also buried his faith. Three years later, more strange things begin to happen in Antioch. A church janitor is healed by touching a crying crucifix. Michael Elliott, teenage son of the town vet, survives unscratched from an accident that flipped his rolling van over a ravine. The sheriff's brain tumor suddenly disappears, and the hardware store owner can walk for the first time in years.

Travis is drawn into these mysterious happenings himself when his dog-the only remnant of his earlier life-crawls out of the grave where he has just been buried. The only explanation for these events comes from three men whose sole declaration is “He is coming,” and the appearance of the Widow Macon's new farm hand, Brandon Nichols.

Brandon has the power to heal, and he even bears the scars of being nailed to a cross, but is he really the returned Christ-or is something else going on? When Brandon begins to hold a bewitching power over the townspeople, Travis is joined by the new vet, Morgan Elliott, and the current pastor of Our Lady of the Fields Church, Kyle Sherman, to discover the true identity of this self-proclaimed “Messiah.” What he discovers, forces Travis to decide if he can rely on his forgotten faith to bring out the truth before it is too late for the town of Antioch.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Namesake Entertainment have teamed up to create this new feature film, The Visitation, based upon Frank Peretti's best-selling novel by the same name. The film hit theaters in January and DVDs are currently available.

The scenes of the film (rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, violence/terror and disturbing images) bear more resemblance to a horror movie/psychological thriller than a typical “Jesus movie.” There are a few places where the scenes lose their reality, however, as demons are portrayed as swarms of buzzing, flying maggots, and casting them out consists of flying papers, bright lights and screaming-unrealistic touches to what is otherwise a well-thought-out movie.

The cast includes country music star Randy Travis as the highly involved Pastor Kyle Sherman, Martin Donovan as Travis Jordan and Kelly Lynch as the vet Morgan Elliott. Perhaps the best performance we see in this film, however, is that of Edward Furlong, who plays the self-proclaimed prophet, Brandon Nichols. His portrayal of the role is believable and intense, drawing in the viewers as successfully as he does the townspeople in this movie.

The film deals primarily with the tough question: What kind of loving God would abandon His children in their worst hour of pain and despair? While the movie takes an intense approach to this issue, one thing it does not do is bring any kind of complete answer, and the Bible is used more as a physical answer to a spiritual problem than as the Word of God.

Additional issues dealt with in the movie include atheism, demon possession, fanaticism and the fears of terminal illness.
Sarah J. Cobb

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