Bethany House Book Reviews

The Strategically Small Church

Strategically Small Church, The: Intimate, Nimble, Authentic, and Effective by Brandon J. O'Brien

{From the Back Cover:}

Our culture's infatuation with bigness - bigger cars, bigger house, bigger businesses - has infiltrated the church. But smaller doesn't equal second rate. Leadership Journal editor and former pastor Brandon O'Brien shows how small churches are uniquely equipped for success in today's culture.

O'Brien celebrates churches that are taken full advantage of their small size and analyzes how other churches can learn from their strategies. For example, strategically small churches:

• facilitate a higher level of commitment from laypeople
• focus attention on fewer programs, increasing effectiveness
• nurture close relationships across age and life-experience barriers

But perhaps most important, O'Brien ask churches to rethink what it means to be success. Sometimes small is just right.

{My Thoughts:}

As a layleader in my own small church, I was very interested to read this book to determine what I might be able to apply to our church. I am definitely a pro-small church advocate, especially in terms of relationships and discipleship, and I appreciated the author's boldness to advocate the same.

Somewhere to Belong

Somewhere to Belong (Daughters of Amana, Book 1) by Judith Miller

{From the Back Cover:}

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?

Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

{My Thoughts:}

Set in 1877, this story of two young women, as different as can be, will introduce you to a different way of life. Oh, to live in simpler days, and yet...

I have enjoyed reading many Judith Miller books over the past couple of years {including A Surrendered Heart & The Carousel Painter}, and she never fails to please. I look forward to reading the future books in this Daughters of Amana series.

Homosexuality and the Christian

Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends by Mark A. Yarhouse, PsyD

{From the Back Cover:}

Homosexuality is one of the most controversial topics of our day, and we all need clear, biblical answers that are grounded in love and compassion. As a Christian and a leading expert in the field of sexual identity, Mark Yarhouse provides honest, accurate information about hot-button questions like:

• What causes homosexuality and same-sex attraction?
• Can attractions or orientation be changed?
• What is "sexual identity" and why does it matter?
• What should I do when a friend opens up to me about his or his homosexual attractions?

Always keeping in mind the real, hurting people - Christians and nonbelievers alike - who are struggling with the issue, Dr. Yarhouse provides a balanced and accessible look at today's research. He also introduces a new way to think about the topic, carefully separating "same-sex attraction" from a "gay identity." This book provides a much-needed, deeper understanding of homosexuality that will help our churches, our communities, and our families speak the truth in love.

{My Thoughts:}

I picked this book up because homosexuality is one of those topics that the church is almost too afraid to address, other than to say it's "bad". The problem is that the people struggling with this sin {hey, I'm a sinner, too - I just struggle with different sin issues} are often "shunned" by the church rather than loved by the church.

Are these sinners not the same as the sinners who Jesus came to minister to? The tax collectors, the prostitutes, the downtrodden of society? Why are we running away from them?

This book answers some of the "tough" questions with grace. This is a great resource for anyone who knows somebody struggling with this sin issue.

Thanks to Bethany House for providing me with copies of these books for review.