Customer Reviews

The Power of the Call

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

 

 

I enjoyed this book because it was one of the three texts I was required to read for a course; however, it was the only one that presented a challenge to one's personal holiness.

The book discussed "the call", counseling others, our spiritual walk when things are going good and when encountering inconvenience and much worse things in life.

Brandt presents his views from the professional counselor, devoted layman's perspective while Blackaby gives his opinion from the viewpoint of the leader or preacher. Each intersperces their narrative with supporting scripture.

I found the book one to assure your humbleness. Some find the book "holier than thou" so warning, if you have a problem with someone telling you many of your problems come from yourself due to SIN, don't read it or you will be upset!

It is worth the read.

I must say I was disappointed after reading this book. I have seen my own life and the lives of many church members transformed by Blackaby's "Experiencing God" material. Based upon the book jacket comments, I had hoped this volume would have similar significance for pastors particularly. I was mistaken.

First, the majority of this work is written not by Henry Blackaby, but by Henry Brandt. Blackaby follows Brandt's chapters, giving his own thoughts on the material Brandt has covered. Brandt is solid biblically and theologically, but he simply isn't Blackaby.

Second, the title of this book is misleading -- "God's Standards for Christian Leaders" would have been much more accurate. There are four sections presented by Brandt and Blackaby: God's standard for your calling, God's standard for your message, God's standard for your heart, and God's standard for your ministry.

Third, this volume does NOT focus upon the unique calling and experience of pastors. The book jacket states, "God Himself is the power in the pastor and the Christian leader's call! Pastors spend their days -- and often their nights -- ministering to others. But who ministers to pastors? God does!" The sections listed in the previous paragraph of this review are addressed to Christian leaders in general, not pastors in particular. While a few comments are made that focus on pastors, the vast majority of the content could apply to anyone serving in a Christian ministry.

This book isn't bad; it is just entirely different than the work described on its jacket. If you want a book written by Henry Brandt describing God's standards for Christian leaders in general, with comments interjected by Henry Blackaby, then buy this one. If you want a volume directed specifically to pastors describing the power of God's call to ministry, then look elsewhere.

This book does exactly what the synopsis states by showing us "how God provides fully for every situation and need a pastor will face." The contributions by Henry Brandt on pastoral counseling were phenomenal. He clearly illustrates how the pastor is to use the Word of God in counseling. He states that the vast majority of people who come for counseling are suffering from the effects of sin in their lives. They need someone to gently show them from the Bible the root of their problems and God's cure. If you've ever struggled with counseling as a pastor I would suggest you read this book.

In my humble opinion, while "Power of the Call" is a good read, I got more spiritual food reading "Experiencing God" and "Spiritual Leadership".

However, Blackaby and Brandt do cover many important points, including the following:

1. Comparison of God's methods vs. the world's methods.
2. While man can comfort, only God can bring true healing.
3. The pastor needs to look to God alone for peace in life's trials - God alone is sufficient for us.
4. We must love others with the love that only God can provide.
5. We must remember to be joyful in the Lord and believe that His ways and timing for us are always best.
6. People who are shepherds over others must regularly take spiritual inventory of their own walk with God.
7. The pastor needs to rely on God rather than worldly methods for provision and he must point others to Jesus.
8. A pastor must have a strong inner life before he can hope to minister to others in God's power.

All in all, a good read for those who need encouragement in the Lord!

The Power of the Call offers a wealth of Scripture that applies to every topic addressed in the book. Extensive outlines make the book easy to follow. The Subject Index is a valuable quick-reference tool.

Although The Power of the Call contains the gospel message, the greatness of God's grace and mercy does not receive nearly the emphasis that is placed on sin and repentance. God's grace is the motivation and the cure for dealing with sin, not only in regeneration of unbelievers, but also in the sanctification of believers. Believers should preach the gospel to themselves daily as they examine their lives and deal with sin.

The Power of the Call will benefit those in vocational ministry, as well as lay workers, especially those in need of encouragement. It lays out qualifications for ministry while emphasizing the importance of right motivations. It helps the reader pinpoint the goals of ministry and warns of possible pitfalls.

I've read the other reviews of this book and found their thoughts provoking both good and bad, however my approach is not as a Seminary or Bible College Student, but as one allowing the Holy Spirit to Teach me all things. This book conveys certain truths in my current walk with God, and is very arousing to that aspect of life in Christ.

I am finding, because I have not finished reading the book, as some books I read for nourishment, and this is one of those to me. It could take upwards of several months for me to finish. However, as I shared with my wife this morning, I share with you now. This is probably the second best book that I have ever read, second only to the bible. Now, it could be the time of my life where this is speaking to me, my life is constantly being transformed as I mature in the Word of God and as our Ministry takes further steps in Holiness. [...] and [...]

I am excited to see what God is about to reveal to me, the fresh Word of Holiness, God's gracious gifts being fully activated in Life and Ministry.

I will write more about this great treasure of God, once I complete the read. Until now, If you are in the wait mode of God, Seeking further Revelation and continuing support in your ministry in all aspects, then get a copy and allow the Holy Spirit to nurture you, too!

In Christ name,
Tom

This book is amazing. Written from a perspective of accountability to God's call on your life, Blackaby and Brandt challenge you to think beyond just getting through each day. They seem to be able to stare into the heart of God and lead you there. If you are struggling with fulfilling your ministry, it will encourage you. If you have strayed, it will correct. If you are uncertain about your call, it will help point you in the right direction. If you weren't even aware there is such a thing, it will educate and edify. This is a must read for all those seeking God's will, call and blessing on their lives for His glory and His Kingdom.

I found little of this book to be relevant to pastoring. Many general statements about Christianity were made, some of which were encouraging and confronting, but little that was pastoral in nature.

Brandt's words were more timely than Blackaby's as Blackaby generally read Brandt's stuff and followd it with, "Yeah, exactly, nice job Mr. Brandt."

There is also a disturbing notion that Christian leaders should expect Moses and Jesus and Elijah type experiences in their ministry.

Also gives the notion that if you become just like Brandt and Blackaby every single person you ever meet will be led to the Lord immediately.

worth reading by Christian or non-Christia