The Power of the Call

Rating:
Summary: The Challenge of Blackaby and Brandt
Review: I enjoyed this book because it was one of the three texts I was required to read for a course; however, it was the only one that presented a challenge to one's personal holiness.

The book discussed "the call", counseling others, our spiritual walk when things are going good and when encountering inconvenience and much worse things in life.

Brandt presents his views from the professional counselor, devoted layman's perspective while Blackaby gives his opinion from the viewpoint of the leader or preacher. Each intersperces their narrative with supporting scripture.

I found the book one to assure your humbleness. Some find the book "holier than thou" so warning, if you have a problem with someone telling you many of your problems come from yourself due to SIN, don't read it or you will be upset!

It is worth the read.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Buy This Book Because of Its Cover!
Review: I must say I was disappointed after reading this book. I have seen my own life and the lives of many church members transformed by Blackaby's "Experiencing God" material. Based upon the book jacket comments, I had hoped this volume would have similar significance for pastors particularly. I was mistaken.

First, the majority of this work is written not by Henry Blackaby, but by Henry Brandt. Blackaby follows Brandt's chapters, giving his own thoughts on the material Brandt has covered. Brandt is solid biblically and theologically, but he simply isn't Blackaby.

Second, the title of this book is misleading -- "God's Standards for Christian Leaders" would have been much more accurate. There are four sections presented by Brandt and Blackaby: God's standard for your calling, God's standard for your message, God's standard for your heart, and God's standard for your ministry.

Third, this volume does NOT focus upon the unique calling and experience of pastors. The book jacket states, "God Himself is the power in the pastor and the Christian leader's call! Pastors spend their days -- and often their nights -- ministering to others. But who ministers to pastors? God does!" The sections listed in the previous paragraph of this review are addressed to Christian leaders in general, not pastors in particular. While a few comments are made that focus on pastors, the vast majority of the content could apply to anyone serving in a Christian ministry.

This book isn't bad; it is just entirely different than the work described on its jacket. If you want a book written by Henry Brandt describing God's standards for Christian leaders in general, with comments interjected by Henry Blackaby, then buy this one. If you want a volume directed specifically to pastors describing the power of God's call to ministry, then look elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Good Read, But Not Blackaby's Best
Review: In my humble opinion, while "Power of the Call" is a good read, I got more spiritual food reading "Experiencing God" and "Spiritual Leadership".

However, Blackaby and Brandt do cover many important points, including the following:

1. Comparison of God's methods vs. the world's methods.
2. While man can comfort, only God can bring true healing.
3. The pastor needs to look to God alone for peace in life's trials - God alone is sufficient for us.
4. We must love others with the love that only God can provide.
5. We must remember to be joyful in the Lord and believe that His ways and timing for us are always best.
6. People who are shepherds over others must regularly take spiritual inventory of their own walk with God.
7. The pastor needs to rely on God rather than worldly methods for provision and he must point others to Jesus.
8. A pastor must have a strong inner life before he can hope to minister to others in God's power.

All in all, a good read for those who need encouragement in the Lord!