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Shannon O'Dell, the author of Transforming Church in Rural America, is the pastor of Brand New Church, near Harrison, Arkansas. In the book, he shares his story of transforming a small rural church of 30 into a large rural church of more than 2000. He shares both the positives and negatives of his adventure of transformation. As I read the book, I connected with so much that he wrote about. He wrote about many of the unique problems of the rural church, such as strong family influence, limited resources, and the resistance to change. Not only did he share these problems as they presented themselves, but he also shared how his church overcame them and reached more of his area for Christ. I immediately recognized how his principles might help rural churches overcome many of the barriers they face and become more effective in their ministry.

I highly recommend this book, especially for those pastors struggling in rural church settings. If that's you, in this book you will find a brother who's right where you're at, facing the same problems and circumstances. Not only has he struggled as you have, he's also found solutions to move forward. You'll find inspiration to move forward, too. You should get this book to see what really is possible for rural churches.

In 2009, I personally experienced Brand New Church when I attended a Sticks Conference there. Believe me, the church is definitely in a rural setting. Here's a couple of pictures I took there.

Purchase the book here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Leaf Publishing for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Radical is subtitled "Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream." David takes the present Americanized version of Christianity to task, using the Bible as his guide. And our version comes up wanting. The first one hundred or so pages are heart-piercing. Using his experiences with Christians in third-world countries as a backdrop, David contrasts our view of sacrificial living with the reality of theirs. He then expands to many different areas where we have shaped Jesus to fit us instead of letting Jesus form us as He wants.

The question behind every sentence of the book is this: "What is Jesus worth to you?" This question is asked in reference to your lifestyle, your dreams, and all other areas of life. This question digs deep into your heart.

But Radical doesn't leave you full of conviction, wondering what your next step should be. David, using the Word of God, gives you difficult, but possible and attainable routes to make Jesus worth everything to you.

The publishers of Radical, Multnomah, so much believe in the message of Radical, that they are offering the first chapter as a free download, which you can get by clicking here. They are also offering, free, I might add, a small booklet containing the first few chapters of Radical in a condensed form. The booklet, The Radical Question, can be ordered, free of charge (no shipping charges either!), by clicking here.

I give the book Radical five stars. If there's only one book you take on your summer vacation, take this one. You may rethink your vacations from now on. Get this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogging for Books book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Plan B's subtitle is "What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up The Way You Thought He Would?", and that's the whole premise of the book. In a very conversational style, Pete walks us through both possible reasons and responses to times of life when things just don't turn out they way we want, when we have to go to Plan B. As I read the book, at the end of each chapter, I would think, "That's the chapter written for me." Turns out, I needed to hear everything Pete had to say.

Pete includes many stories of himself, and those he knows, to illustrate how God works in and through the difficult times we all face at some point. He doesn't pretend to have all the answers, either. But he does help us find some solid ground to stand on when it feels like our foundations are crumbling beneath us.

I highly recommend Plan B to you. It's a great read. Pete really connects with his writing style and transparency. You'll find comfort, even when you might not find answers. I think you'll want to share it, too. I'll soon have a few in my office.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Learning to Soar uses Deuteronomy 32:11 as the basis for the entire book.

Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions. Deuteronomy 32:11, NLT).

Willis takes this verse describing God's work in the Hebrew people during their exodus and brings it to bear on God's work in our lives today. The analogy is used throughout the book to show how God may allow some trouble or hardship in our lives to move us out of our comfortable "nest."

The book is co-authored by Matt Willis, the grandson of Avery Willis. Matt wrote quite a few "aside" sections intertwined with the book text. These sections are included to put a present-day context to the writings of his grandfather.

Since Learning to Soar was published, Willis has been diagnosed with leukemia. I feel quite confident that he will soar through this time of problems in his own personal life. (Update: Avery T. Willis passed away July 30, 2010)

As with all of Avery Willis' writings, Learning to Soar is a great tool for discipleship. If you are facing some hard times in your life right now, this book may help add a new perspective to those troubles. You may just find that God is using these times to move you from where you are to where He wants you to be.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

• When your doctor gives you a report that's not favorable.
• When a loved one suddenly dies.
• When your spouse decided he no longer wants to be married.
• When disasters that destroy many lives occur.

And that question is "Where is God?"

Where is God is also the title of the latest great book by Dr. John Townsend. Dr. Townsend is a Christian psychologist and Leadership Coach. In this book he takes us through our life's experiences where God seems to be absent and shows us where God really is. He provides a Scriptural basis for answering this commonly asked question and guides us to a Biblical understanding.

With several recent events in my life causing me to ask the question, "Where is God?", this book has come to me at just the right time. After reading the first few chapters I already felt I understood the answer a bit better. The book is easily read but gave me much to consider. It's message has already given me insight and hope. And, as a pastor, I think this book will be one pulled off the shelf frequently when I have people asking the question, "Where Is God?"

If you're facing trying times right now, wondering where's God when you need Him, you need this book. There's no quick fixes offered but good honest guidance in determining your situation and seeing God in the midst of your struggle.

And if you're a pastor, you should have this book to your library. I think you'll find yourself referring to it time and time again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”