Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Transforming Church in Rural America-Shannon O'Dell

I recently recieved a copy of Shannon O'Dell's Transforming Church in Rural America, breaking all the Rurals, and it couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. My husband was recently hired as a youth pastor of a very small rural church much like the one described in O'Dell's book, so I was interested in his take on how to transform such a church.

Using the acronym V.A.L.U.E, vision, attitude, leadership, understanding and enduring excellence, O'Dell shares his struggles and humble beginnings of transforming a small rural church desiring change but not wanting to let go of the past to get there. With humor and bits of sarcasim he shares exactly what it's like to worship and live in a rural community but also how using his VALUE system and listening for Gods ultimate timing a church can go from rural to virtual. He states the key is not in growing a congregation but growing the congregants, which I'd have to agree with.

This was a very interesting and well written book with alot of great ideas for rural churchs wanting change. Though I don't think some of these methods would work with alot of rural church's there were many methods in the book that would benefit church's of all sizes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, October 1, 2010

DVD-The Way Home



I had the privilege this week of reviewing "The Way Home" a DVD based on the inspirational true story, starring Dean Cain. The Way Home is the story of a husband and father torn between the demands of his job and commitment to his family, something alot of husbands and fathers today struggle with. But when asked to watch their 2 yr old son for a few minutes, Randy is distracted by work and 2 yr old Joe disappears. What follows is their desperate search alongside hundreds of  friends, family and churches in the community. It is the story of Randy's powerful spiritual journey back to love, faith and a Godly understanding of what must always take first priority in a man's life-his family.

My 16 yr old daughter and I loved this movie. The way Home shows what happens when we let the demands of life interfer with our family life and how God can point us back in the right direction. Great family movie that can be watched by all ages, just have the kleenex standing by. The film also includes several special features to enjoy. Will recommend this to friends and family looking for good, clean, christian viewing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”