Solid foundation for what is to come
926713
The one thing that I want to clarify right from the get go is that this is Jem's story through and through. Although his best friend Oliver is an important supporting character, Through the Portal is all about Jem.

When we first meet Jem, he's a quiet, smart, put-upon young fellow who is living his life in the shadow of his wealthy, gregarious, impulsive best friend Oliver.  And it's Oliver's hijinks that get them both accidentally sucked through a portal into a parallel world to Earth called Callisto.  Once there, the boys quickly learn that Callisto has been slowly falling under the rule of the Veroci Regime and that isn't a good thing.

All people in Callisto are able to use magic (but only if a magic source is available to them-which is part of Veroci's evil plot to control Callisto.)  As Jem and Oliver become more at home in Callisto, they decide that they want to join the rumored rebellion and fight against the Veroci Regime.

Jem is joined by a young farm girl, Sierra, who has her own reasons for wanting to get away from where she has grown up. After an unfortunate incident forces their hand, Jem, Oliver, and Sierra set off to find the rebels.  This adventure takes them through many of the regions of Callisto, where they learn more about this strange world they've fallen into, and Jem becomes more and more wedded to his new life.

Through the Portal is the first book in a planned trilogy by the author, and introduces us to the main characters who will likely be integral parts of the future books while laying the groundwork for what looks to be an epic battle between the Callisto rebels and the Veroci Regime.

I know from my own writing that telling a story here on Earth can be difficult enough- creating a whole new world with its topography, inhabitants, native creatures, etc. can be mind-boggling. I felt like the author handled this well and did a nice job of giving us the important details without going overboard.

The action throughout the story is well-paced. Jem visits almost every region in Callisto, and each one has its own unique culture.  He and his friends have to do some fast thinking to avoid getting caught by the Regime, but at the same time they are just kids trying to figure out their next move.  So they need help along the way, and sometimes their forward progress required some time standing still to learn some valuable lessons.

We also have a fledging romantic subplot brewing between Jem and Sierra. It's evident throughout the book that they are drawn to each other, but they have to deal with their own individual growing pains. The author handles this delicately and really offers up the promise of more to come without being overt about it.

My main critique of the story is that the plot wasn't what I expected it to be.  From the description, you might hazard a guess that this was a going to be a "coming-of-age, best friends" kind of story where we see the growth of not only Jem and Oliver individually, but of the bond of their friendship.  That wasn't the case at all.  Oliver is relegated fairly early on to a supporting character, and Jem takes the forefront for the remainder of the book.  That doesn't deter from this book having a solid plot, but it did distract me for a period of time.

The second thing that threw me off a bit was that although I think the author intended in some places for us to see Jem as becoming more assertive in his thoughts/actions,  he came across instead as immature and whiny.  (Of course, he is a teenager so that lends credibility to the character.)

There are some minor spelling/grammatical issues throughout but nothing that detracts from the storyline.

The book ends on a high note. Jem and Sierra have just fought a major battle and won, and finally found their way to the Callisto rebels. But it's clear that this is just the beginning and the author has a lot more in store for us, so I will read the next installment.

Reviewer note: I was provided a complimentary copy of this ebook for review.
1292513
This is a solid book that tackles the essentials of the faith.  Doesn't plow new ground...but didn't expect it to.  It communicates the doctrines that evangelicals would agree on in a way that is compelling and lends itself nicely to group discussions on what matters most in our faith.  Highly recommend this book.
2423553
Solid text .... meaty substance.  A little outdated  Needs some updating esp with regard to the new Liturgy
2225834
recomend this book,a complement in the road, a map to fallow to gain ascension.
2447040
This book provides a sound basis for the development and use of our God-given abilities. He gives sound biblical support for us as spirit beings having human experiences rather than human beings straining to have spiritual experiences. It goes along way to help us shift our default thinking about what is really "normal" spirituality. As I read his material, Psalm 24 kept ringing in my spiritual ears: "Lift up your heads oh ye gates. Lift up your heads you ever lasting doors. For the King of Glory is coming in." Read this book to stir up your faith and belief that with God all things are possible.
976434
This book can be hard to get into and slow going but once you get through the first few chapters, the concepts and examples start to develop and the author provides a compelling framework and logical reasoning behind the 'content versus connections' argument. Many companies that are plugging the Internet with endless content, social media and blogs would pay to read some of the fundamentals outlined here. The biggest downside is that, aside from the thorough history presented, many of the core ideas could be presented in a one-page cheat sheet. For readers who enjoy a fast read, this is the biggest barrier but for those willing to put in the time, there's a lot of good material here.
4638050
Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church by Mark DeYmaz is a good stimulus to those who are developing ministry philosophies to face the increasingly multiethnic 21st century.  DeYmaz lays down a sufficient Biblical argument for the intentional racial integration of the church today as opposed to the homogeneous approach that dominated church thought in the latter 20th century.  He develops seven core commitments that define a Multiethnic church:  Embrace Dependence, Take Intentional Steps, Empower Diverse Leadership, Develop Cross-Cultural Relationships, Pursue Cross-Cultural Competence, Promote a Spirit of Inclusion, and Mobilize for Impact.  Although, these steps can be true of any biblically focused church, DeYmaz makes the argument that a focused level of intensity and intentionality is necessary to overcome an already segregated Church culture and nation.  The strength of the book of the authors reliance on his own experience, having built a multiethnic church in Little Rock, Arkansas and having proved each core commitment by practical experience.  His stories and testimonies add weight to his vision of a multiethnic movement around the world.
3140970
If you're looking for solid foundation with your customers, this book has the answers. Youll have them for keeps! Keep the dollars coming.
3082294
This was a good solid read.  The author is practical in the sense that he actually gives you tools to move forward in your journey which I found unique.  I was inspired, encouraged and felt equipped to propel forward.  One of my favorite quotes from the book is "The people around us awaken the destinies dormant within us".  Buy it, read it, you'll love it!
500122
Great book that offers well-rounded and well-founded insights into the future of the church and Christianity, especially for those in traditionally marginalized sectors.
218682
This was foundational and ground-breaking for me. Hudson succinctly lays out the challenges we face in the emerging postmodern world, and offers twelve characteristics of what effective ministry might look like in the 21st century.  Each of those twelve characteristics is accompanied by a series of questions so the reader can evaluate how she or he is doing on each.

Hudson's questions are challenging and sharp.  "Do you take a multivitamin daily?"  "Do you have a plan for developing new believers into mature disciples?"  Those and a multitude of other questions await you.  As I went through her list, I found myself answering "no" far more times than I wanted to.

I can't tell you how important this book was to me -- in many ways, it's the bud from which all the rest of my thinking about church re-building and re-planting stemmed.  It also caused me to begin a thorough self-examination of my own practices, habits, and areas for growth.
3848543
For use as a launching point for daily prayer before the Eucharist. These volumes are solid gold. Thoughtful, insightful, challenging, inspiring, these reflections lead the soul to a place where the interior life can establish a healthy root system.
353820
Forward: 7 Distinguishing Marks for Future Leaders takes seven unique characteristics that every leader must apply to their own life and ministry. These seven distinguishing marks for future leaders include: 1) Forward Truth, 2) Cross-Generational, 3) Futuristic Thinker, 4) Culturally Sensitive, 5) Growing Teachability, 6) Compelled by Compassion, and 7) Driven by Something More.

In Forward, SBC President and Pastor Ronnie Floyd is calling for a different kind of leader to rise up for the future. Floyd urges current leaders to begin now in developing future leaders for the work of ministry.

A number of times, Floyd states that the challenge before leaders today and in the future is that our world is so filled with various groups and tribes who identify with one another around an idea or cause; they have forgotten they are a part of something bigger (page 2). Floyd calls Forward leaders to rise beyond their own desires to be a part of something greater than themselves, something they cannot achieve on their own.

Although this resource is concise and to the point, it is packed with tools and examples of how to be forward leaders in todays world and the future world. With forward actions at the end of each chapter, Forward calls each leader to act immediately and start leading people forward. Forward is a call, process, direction, and change.

So, what are you waiting for? Are you going to be a forward leader and lead people to a better future?

This book was c/o B&H Publishing. All opinions are my own.
2354178
If you are going to build something right, you need to start with a strong foundation.  Glenn Ludwig wants to help you build just such a strong youth ministry.  Ludwig is clearly no fan of prefab programs.  Instead, he calls for a careful, reflective approach.
From a strong theological grounding to major practical issues to an assortment of special topics, a lot is packed into this short (109 page) book.  Ludwig raises numerous issues to consider as you work out what is best for your situation.  Reading Ludwig is like having a chat with a trusted mentor.
While the book is getting a bit old (published in 1988), the information is still highly relevant.  I couldn't say that about other fadish treatments of youth ministry.  The book recently went out of print, so I would advise getting a used copy soon before others snatch them up.
As someone who worked as both a youth advisor and as a director of religious education, and who is currently preparing for ordained ministry, I can say that this has been the absolute best resource in my library for my own work with youth.
A summary of the contents:
Introduction
1. This House Called Youth Ministry -- Basic issues in building youth ministry from the foundation up.
2. Master Keys -- Support of clergy, balanced program, good lay leaders, shared leadership, planned flexibility.
3. Submaster Keys -- Parish budget item, shared mountaintop experiences, training for adult leaders, a church that cares, developing a sense of belonging, offering a sense of meaning.
4. Inside Keys -- A profile on the needs of youth and the pressures they face.
5. Closet Keys -- Specific content issues for youth ministry.
6. Hart-to-Open Locks -- The really tough problems.
7. Available Locksmiths -- Sources for ideas and support.
8. The House Revisited -- A few stories illustrating why youth ministry matters.
2479736
Once again, the guys at 3DM have put together an accessible and practical guide outlining some of the core principles in kingdom movements. A great resource for those wanting to see the world around them change.
2956481
Titus for You is the latest book from the God's Word for You series from The Good Book Company. The stated aim of the series is to take you to the heart of a book of the Bible, and to apply its truth to your heart; it's designed to be used in several ways: to read straight through, to feed oneself by using it as a guide in personal devotions, and as a resource to lead and teach God's Word to others (7). Like its predecessors, Titus for You combines faithful exposition with practical application and is written at a level accessible to new believers. It's largely free from technical jargon, but instead explains profound truths in simple language.

I think Titus might be the most neglected Pauline epistle. Whenever it does get some attention, the focus is usually on the qualifications for elders in chapter 1 or the discipleship models in chapter 2. Yet Titus is rich in gospel truth, and one of the main overarching themes of the epistle is that the gospel by nature produces godliness in believers; "knowledge of the truth accords with godliness" (1:1) and the grace of God trains us to renounce ungodliness (2:11-12). And the grace-empowered godliness that accords with sound doctrine has a missional component (2:5, 8, 10).

As Chester guides us through the Epistle to Titus, he draws out these themes in a devotional and sermonic way. He demonstrates how this epistle exhorts us to "give one another a vision of the gospel that creates a life of good works, that changes our lives so that we are profitable in God's service" (10). And he demonstrates how this "good life" overflows into others' lives as a missional force. There is much in this epistle concerning practical Christian living and godliness, yet Chester ever grounds these exhortations in the gospel, reminding us that legalism is just as much an error as licentiousness. Chester offers a sound exposition of biblical grace that counters both legalism and antinomianism.

Like the other books in the series, each chapter in Titus for You contains two parts with reflection questions at the end of each part. A short bibliography at the end provides recommended commentaries. Titus for You is not a commentary; therefore other works should be consulted both for serious individual study of Titus as well as in preparation for teaching and leading. However, as a standalone resource, this book is an excellent devotional that faithfully expounds upon the main truths of the epistle and draws out practical application. I highly recommend Titus for You for devotional use and as a teaching supplement.

I received a free copy from the publisher via Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an unbiased review.
1156471
I enjoyed this book. It helped to bring five fold ministry and what it should look like into perspective.