"Steering Through Chaos" by Scott Wilson

I can hear voices all over the country saying, "where was this book 10 years ago?" or "where was this when we were building the new building or launching that new ministry?" It's just one of those books you wish you had had at some earlier point in your journey. But since it wasn't available then, one would have to assume that God is going to use this book to prepare you to lead through the chaos that is yet to come. There is a greater harvest coming which will mean we have to change the way we've been doing things and Scott Wilson's book will be a great asset to you to accomplish this task.

Over the years I've also heard a number of people in leadership says, "I wasn't trained to do that" or they back away from what needs to be done and continue doing things the way they are comfortable. Leadership is not comfortable. Wilson's statement early in chapter 1 simply says, "Your church will grow only to the level of your pain threshold" resonates with many of us.

This is a book that I will keep handy in the coming days. It's a great resource. It's a reminder of how to do the things that will pave the way for all the changes that need to be brought about. We are fortunate. We don't have to make the same mistakes. We can read, pray and learn from the unique insights of Scott Wilson. This is a manual for change!

There are great questions at the conclusion of each chapter designed to help clarify the path you are to steer to. These questions would also make a great study for a church staff or church leaders to do together.

The book is peppered with Scriptures, personal experiences (which is an extension of the transparency Scott Wilson has developed and is needed in all leaders as they motor down the path God has prepared.)

I was particularly interested and benefited from, the "modified sigmoid curve" developed by Scott's personal coach, Dr. Sam Chand. It is something that every church and each department of the church would find helpful in creating an atmosphere of continual growth. With this tool alone, plateaus could become obsolete.

At the risk of "plugging" another author, Mark Batterson is often heard to say, "I believe there are ways to do church that haven't been thought of yet." This book, "Steering Through Chaos" will be a tool to help discover those ways of doing church that have yet to be dreamed of and it will be a tool that God will use to get you from where you are to where He wants you to be.

Always in Pursuit!

Book Review of Tithing, Test Me In This by Douglas Leblanc

The idea of tithing as a life style or better yet as a stewardship of all that is given to us in life was very refreshing and challenging. The idea of purposely living onless than we make so we can use our resources to support our church, ministries and those in need is veyr biblical and very much a part of what Christ modeled for us while on the earth.

Author Douglas LeBlanc interviewed 13 different people for this book. I loved the variety of backgrounds he chose. It was energizing to hear of how all the disciplines incorporated tithing into their lives simply because it was first of all commanded but even more it represented a faith that said God was their provided and they were dependent upon Him.

Too often tithing a club used by bully's in the pulpit who try guilt and manipulation in order to get people to give. It's usually preached on because the church is in trouble financially or a project needs to be funded. Seldom is tithing explored as a lifestyle or a stewardship of life's resources. It's also an indication that each of us is really part of something bigger than we are and we are called to do what we can with the God given resources.

I would highly recommend this book for those who struggle with the concept of tithing or for those who want to lead their congregation and their families into this experience.

The book is part of The Ancient Practices Series published by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Always in Pursuit!