Customer Reviews

Growth: Training vs. Trying (Pursuing Spiritual Transformation)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Growth: Training vs. Trying is a very readable book with short but pointed narratives and spritual exercises.

Each lesson identifies an area of discipline. The text isn't afraid to address common misunderstandings, mistakes and shortcoming when it comes to our exercising a certain discipline. And yet, it is encouraging and helpful in allowing the reader to see where he/she would rather be in his/her relationship with God and how to get there. The spiritual exercises are especially helpful in moving the reader from "theory" in the lesson to practical daily "application".

While the text and the spiritual exercises were excellent, the bible study questions were a bit lacking and not necessarily good in prompting meaningful discussion. I would not use it as is but rather as a roadmap/guide in exploring key ideas and develop your own questions for small group discussions.

I recommend this book because of the ideas presented and how they communicate.

The idea of training versus trying really resonated with me and I believe others. What Ortberg writes here is alone worth the purchase of the book. If using this in a small group helps others move from trying to training, it's money well spent.

This is the best book I've been through so far for helping small groups get started. It lays the foundation for what it takes to have a sucessful small group. I've been working with off campus small groups at my church for 4+ years now, and this is really good stuff.

This was a great study that we did in my Bible study during my first year of college. It got us thinking and into the habit of doing a Bible study/devotional on our own before coming to a group meeting, and it was enough to get me thinking but not too overwhelming to start (such as Beth Moore ones at times). Solid, foundational topics to focus on. I would recommend for a group or personal study. Definitely on the basic side though.

I placed my order on a Friday and received it on Tuesday which was much faster than I expected. The books look great too. I would absolutley recommend this seller to anyone.

One only has to review the table of contents to understand the logic behind this book. It's another attempt to "humanize" what can only be comprehended supernaturally. What should stand out to a saavy bible student is the lack of scriptural references and the failure to tie key points to a sound, systematic theology. This is a product of poor hermaneutics and another indication that Zondervan has lost its ability to discern doctrinally sound material. An unregenerate religionist could read this and really think they were on track (there's no differentiation between saved and lost). But hey, if your motivation is to generate profit....then it all makes sense.

To those that really want to understand spirtual growth from a biblical perspective, check out Miles Stanford. He nailed it.