Money and the Christian
Mel Rees, Color Press, College Place, Washington, 1984, 148 pages, $6.00, paper. Reviewed by Don E. Crane, Special Contributor to MINISTRY.
Mel Rees, one of the most prolific writers on the subject of Christian stewardship in North America today, has produced an excellent manual on money management for the Christian. He has a firm grasp of the spiritual principles undergirding Christian money management, and this book merits a place in the library of Christian workers of all denominations.
Understanding and practicing true principles of money management is inextricably entwined with everything a person thinks and does. But stewardship should be considered only when the individual willingly accepts God as owner of all.
Knowing what ingredients make up successful money management can assist the pastor as he ministers to the needs of his congregation. Successful money management contributes to the peace and tranquillity of the individual, the home, and the church. The mismanagement or abuse of money can contribute to a lack of spirituality, frustration, discord, and finally to separation and divorce.
A special supplement at the end of the book called "Christina's Corner of Family Finance" is packed full of commonsense suggestions on how to man age the family budget. The "Money Card" and the "Child's Money Record" are but a few of the many unique and valuable suggestions to make family budgeting practical and easy for children as well as parents. This book can be ordered directly from the author for $6.00. The address is Mel Rees, Hayes Route, Box 14-F, Wood land, Washington 98674.
Recently published
Thank God for New Churches! James H. Lehman, Brethren Press, Elgin, IMinois, 1984, 108 pages, $6.95, paper. The author traveled extensively, visiting newly formed Brethren congregations, interviewing members and seeking to discover the secrets of successful church planting. The stories and insights he gained are related in four chapters, "Starting Spontaneously," "A Pivotal Time," "Gaining Momentum," and "The New Brethren."
Speaking the Gospel Through the Ages and Speaking the Gospel Today. Milton L. Rudnick, Robert Kolb, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, 1984, 232 pages, 223 pages, $24.95 for both volumes. These two volumes comprise a history and a theology of evangelism. The first volume (by Rudnick) touches on methods of evangelism from the apostolic age right up to the present, touching on many interesting methods, even including the Inquisition. In discussing the theology of evangelism, the second volume (by Kolb) seeks the "why" of Christian outreach.
Youth Baptismal Celebration Guide. J. H. Harris, Pacific Press, 1984, 27 study guides, $5.95. Each of the study guides makes use of illustrations, texts, and a "Discussion and Reaction" section to help prepare youth for baptism. Packaged in an attractive folder that includes a "Spiritual Need Evaluation" survey.
Blessings and Consecrations. Section on Worship of the Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, Abingdon Press, 1984, 64 pages. This small book provides readings and suggested orders of service for special occasions ranging from "An Order for the Breaking of Ground for a Church Building" to "An Order for the Dedication of a Church Building," with many other special consecrations for children, church workers, musicians, and even musical instruments. While it is designed specifically for United Methodist congregations, it could prove useful in any church.
Money Problems and Pastoral Care. Paul G. Schurman, Portress Press, Philadelphia, 1982, 96 pages, $3.95, paper. Deals with money management for clergy, plus suggestions for counseling those with financial problems.
Have I Told You Lately . . . ? Joe A. Harding, Church Growth Press, Pasadena, California, 1982, 141 pages, paper. Presents an inspirational vision of what preaching can and should be in a growth-oriented church. Dr. Harding is pastor of the rapidly growing Central United Protestant church in Richland, Washington.
Pastoral Preaching. Gary D. Stratman, Abingdon, Nashville, 1983, 112 pages, $6.95, paper. The author's concern is that by "preaching to problems" we may miss out on the wider counsel of God's Word. He suggests ways to make Biblical preaching more applicable to felt needs within the congregation.
