Customer Reviews

The Minister's Manual, 2004 Edition

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

 

 

This book contains a terific selection of complete sermon outlines plus illustrations. Any pastor, teacher, or music minister will find this this book helpful. Each sermon is complete with illustration, hymms and scripture readings. The sermons follow the revised lextionary. I highly recomend this book.

As an elder who is called upon occassionally to conduct worship services, I have found this book to be very useful. The variations and thoughts in the prayers have helped me pray congregational prayers which reflect what is in my heart without being the same expressions as the last prayer. They also help to put into words what others may appreciate being said.

The sermons are what they propose to be...they are not theologically deep, are not denominational, and do not have many scriptural references other than the initial text. However, they provide excellent structure and outlines to which you can add, and make it your own. There are also helpful short anecdotes and stories to make interesting illustrations.

As a lay preacher I have used a couple of different preacher's annuals for sermon inspiration and ideas, but this Minister's Manual by James Cox is by far the best one I've ever used. It has so much more than the others; in fact, I've been using it to plan entire worship services.

I like the topical sermons and the illustrations, and the organization is very easy to follow. I also like that James Cox's annual is hardcover rather than paperback, because it lays flat on my desk next to the computer. The other ones I've purchased are harder to use.

I highly recommend this preaching annual.

This book has no true spiritual insight to offer but rather focuses upon the entertainment value of hermeneutics and personal presentation. I'm certain that the author is a Rick Warren wanna-be. Although this book likely has an appeal among evangelic faiths, I was disappointed with it and returned it.

For those seeking a really useful minister's manual, I recommend either "Christian Minister;s Handbook" by Roderick E. Huron or "Nelson's Minister's Manual" by Thomas Nelson.

I have purchased 2 Ministers Manuals for use by Methodist Ministers serving in Bulgaria. One minister has used the manuals since 1994, the other is a first year minister. I have been told they are very helpful

The lectionary based resource offers readers ideas regarding children's lessons, music, and a sermon message. Whie readers may not need all this it offers helpful suggestions.

I recently moved from a position as a youth pastor (multimedia, praise songs, crazy stunts) to become the pastor of a congregation which meets in a retirement village. (Average age of my parishioners is 80+.)

I'd never planned a Sunday service. I didn't even know how to sing the traditional hymns! But I trust God, and my elders (the whole congregation is at least 30 years older than me!) are training me well and with great love.

This book has really helped me to understand how to design a well-paced worship service. The lectionary notes have been very beneficial to my sermons (now if I could only learn not to say "dudes"...)

I totally recommend this book. As congregations grow older and church financial resources are diminished, there is a great need for basic how-to instructions for new/bivocational/volunteer ministers, and many of us have a full-time "day job" which means that we have to plan our services and write our sermons quickly and efficiently.

This volume covers common lectionary texts for years C (Jan-Nov), and A (Dec). An excellent, easy to use, one volume "pump primer" for the pulpit/sanctuary.