Book Review: Becoming the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

Book Review: Becoming the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved (WinePress Publishing, 2011).

I have put off writing this review because it is a difficult review to write (the opposite of a wise leadership principle). It is challenging to write the review because while the book's development is interesting, I never found myself certain which "emphasis" I was supposed to be attending to: the emphasis on how John became the disciple Jesus loved or how "God is writing His story, and you are the main character" (page xi). Clearly, these two emphases were to be woven together to mesh, but as a reader, I did not find them easily connecting together and thus found this constant struggle. Making this review even more challenging is that the author, Michelle Lazurek is a former student from Prairie Bible College who I count as a friend and appreciate. Nonetheless, while Michelle's great heart and passion to serve Christ clearly come through, the book lacks in two significant areas: focus and editing.

Focus. Again, while the emphasis on God is at work writing His story through your life was evident, the parallels to how God worked in John's life were weak and difficult to follow. The three intentions of the book, clearly delineated at the outset (pp. 19-20) are evident, though not consistently developed or accomplished, in my estimation. There are hints of all three at different points, but they are sporadic, and seldom well-connected.

Editing. I was concerned when I learned that Michelle had self-published with WinePress and regretfully, I can see why she chose this option. A good editor would have required a fair bit of work for this to go to press. Along with the focus issue, there are frequent references to "John is rumored to" or "we assume that," that could be stated directly with either an endnote/footnote to support the claim or explain a debated issue of Johannine chronology or theology. While a theological research paper would not be expected when each instance was referred in John's life is referred to, there were too many times the reader felt like s/he was listening in on a sports trade rumor or a juicy piece of gossip being passed around the water cooler (or prayer meeting).

On the positive side, the book does highlight the truth that God is writing His story, and each person can have a significant part to play. As Michelle unpacks the metaphor into three sections "an invitation to the story," "writing your manuscript" and "publishing your manuscript," there are great personal stories as well as thoughtful and meaningful life challenges for any reader.

Finally, this book may connect more with female readers than with the men (of which I am one!).