Book Review - The Irresistable Church by Wayne Cordeiro

As an elder in our congregation, the chance to review a book titled The Irresistable Church: 12 Traits of a Church Heaven Applauds really was an obvious "yes." And after reading the book, I'm ready to make sure our whole elders board reads this excellent book by pastor Wayne Cordeiro.

Three key points are made in the introductory chapter that hinted this was going to be an incredibly valuable book. First, "irresistable" was defined, not by numbers or programs or other external signs of success but by the "feel" of the church. I prefer a numerical/programmatic approach and yet know that this definition of a "successful" church are not what really matters. Secondly, in setting forth this description, pastor Cordeiro clearly says that this is not only a church that will be recognized as "irresistable" by earthly standards, but in fact by heavenly standards because it follows God's design for the Church and is based on biblical ideals. Finally, this book said it did/would provide principles to follow for any church, regardless of size, location, denomination, leadership style/polity, etc. The book did not need to say "modify these for your congregation" - something that many "church advice" books say - because they are biblical values and thus timeless and abiding.

The 12 traits that Cordeiro identifies (you'll have to read the book to get them) are indeed biblical and the way he identifies, describes, and illustrates each characteristic is both clear and challenging. Without being simplistic, the book is easy-to-read (nice size chapters) and well-written in an engaging style. Interestingly enough, the tone of the book does not convey a pride or arrogance about "how we do church" either.

The only possible drawback I can see in this book is that it does not contain a plethora of Scripture references in the actual text of the book. While I am convinced that its teaching is thoroughly biblical and reflects the "traits of a church that heaven applauds" you will not find a pile of Scripture references littering the pages. Again, I personally quite appreciate this, though for some, these references may be helpful for cross-referencing and studying each trait specifically. There is a useful study guide at the end of the book that includes a number of key Scripture references for each chapter.

I highly recommend this book and believe it could be a landscape-changer if the church in North America actually began again to live out these principles.

This book, published by BethanyHouse publishers, was provided free for review by Graf-Martin Canada.

A lot can change in five years...

Five years ago today (June 21, 2006), Sarah and I started dating. There's lots of great stories behind and around the events of that day - and I'll be very glad to tell anyone about them who hasn't heard the stories! Today, all I want to say is that WOW! A lot change in five years... On June 21, 2006, I was a 34-year old single guy who had just graduated with his PhD and was teaching at a college. Five years later, I am blessed to be a very happily married man with two dear and amazing children, and I work as a Christian Education Co-ordinator for a K-12 school. Ephesians 3:20-21 says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (NIV) The Lord has certainly blessed me with way more than I could ever ask or imagine five years ago when I took a risk... and found God had already gone before me!

Every young hockey player's dream?

What is every young hockey player's dream? To play in the NHL? To be drafted first overall in their draft year? To win the scoring title or league MVP? No, it is to hoist the Stanley Cup.

Last year at this time, there was some debate about who would be the first overall selection in the NHL entry draft. Tyler Seguin or Taylor Hall? The winner was Taylor Hall who was selected by the Edmonton Oilers first overall and had a very solid rookie season before any injury ended his campaign prematurely. He will not win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, yet his season was very good. Most believe the Calder trophy will go to either Logan Couture of the San Jose Sharks or Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes.

One could argue, however, that Tyler Seguin was the real winner of last year's NHL entry draft. Last night, he and his Boston Bruin teammates claimed the ultimate hockey prize, the Stanley Cup. Seguin had a decent rookie year, scoring 11 goals and 11 assists, playing in 74 regular season games. He was a healthy scratch for the first two rounds of the playoffs, yet was inserted into the lineup in round 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning due to an injury. He was a sparkplug for the team, notching 3 goals and 3 assists in the first two games of the conference championship against the Lightning and thus he played the next 12 games of the playoffs. He played no less than six and no more than 12 minutes in each game of the Stanley Cup Finals against Vancouver, and yet last night, he was living every young hockey player's dream: hoisting the Stanley Cup!

So who do you say "won"? Taylor or Tyler

Trip to Kandahar

A simply incredible article by TSN's Gord Miller about his trip to Kandahar with Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, Jarome Iginla and others! Another reason to be proud to be Canadian!