Customer Reviews

Listening to the Voice of God: How Your Ministry Can Be Transformed (Pastor's Soul)

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Primarily anecdotal rather than scriptural in nature Barrier is clearly committed to five aspects of pastoral work: Word, Prayer, Listening for God's voice, Personal Transformation and Shared Ministry. This book reads easily -- like a series of ten articles culled from the pages of LEADERSHIP. No surprise there! What is perhaps surprising is how easily Barrier reveals his own flaws as pastor, husband, friend, community leader and father without dwelling on his pain. Neither exploiting his weaknesses to garner sympathy nor stretching them to fill pages, Barrier tells a story, makes a point and moves forward. This book need not be read in sequential order as each chapter stands alone. I advise dipping into the chapter addressing your situation. Read and savor as you have need. I disagree with his interpertation of Hebrews 4:12 (page 53), instead arguing for the "mind" reclaimed by Christ as also of merit in discerning the voice and will of God. This aside, Barrier has rendered me a personal service -- I've made some mistakes, but I've never confronted a High School linebacker in the service, announced a building remodel before I measured the room's dimensions, preached a one-sentence sermon, nor started a deliverence ministry without running it past our elders. Now, for certain, I won't! Seriously, I put this book away refreshed and encouraged by Rev. Barrier. His call to carefully consider whether I want to hear the voice of God challanged me. I wished I lived closer to Tucson -- I would love to continue the conversation, sharing with him my many marginal notes and questions.

It is difficult for me to understand the hate filled reviews below. I knew Roger Barrier had some who did not like him and did not agree with him, but I was unaware that the venom and anger was that bad. My experience with Roger is limited, but he is a man of compassion who knows the heart of the pastor - and that comes through clearly in this book. Scripture is our guide for life, but we are also to be aware of the leading of the Holy Spirit as He leads us. That is the message of this book and it is simple and concise.

Before beginning I must admit that I am a bit biased as I call Casas Adobes Baptist Church my home. I am not a pastor but found this book to be vital to my spiritual growth. Roger writes beautifully and from the heart and that's apparent while reading his book. The examples from his own life are touching and inspiring. I hope you will by this book and that it will help you as it has helped me, whether you are a pastor or not. I have recommended this book to many of my friends and they have enjoyed it as much as I have. Thank you Roger!

Roger's hermenutic is highly questionable. His messages are anecdotal rather than scriptural. If one is going to write a book for pastors, they had better take what the bible says about being a pastor seriously. It is clear Roger does not. He admits to many mistakes in his book, mistakes people will make, but these things disqualify him as a pastor. If he took GOD's word seriously, and loved his congregation, family, and most of all GOD, he would of voluntarily stepped down. Shamefully, if you read this book it will become clear to you that he doesn't take GOD's word seriously. Don't waste your money on this book.

Roger Barrier may seem like a bible teacher, but nothing can be farther from the truth. To begin with, he has an obsession with the false teacher Neil T. Anderson, writing off anyone who disagrees with these teachings as demonized or part of the occult. He takes an unbiblical esoteric approach to scripture and the christian life. His emphasis is on unbiblical notions of promptings, rather than sound biblical reasoning. His messages aren't based on scripture but his own shallow experience, which he uses as a pretext for his interpretation of GOD's word. You would have to be crazy to buy this book.