Book Reviews: Giving Blood

Giving Blood: A Fresh Paradigm for Preaching by Leonard Sweet (Zondervan)

Leonard Sweet, professor at Drew University, president of SpiritVenture Ministries, chief writer for sermons.com and author of six other books, uses blood types and characteristics of blood to describe different styles of sermons and preaching.

Sweet provides “lab practicums” throughout the book and groups chapters into sections with “interactives” at the end of each section. The first chapter, titled “Under the Microscope: Preaching in a Google World,” sets the tone for the unique style of this work. He sees Scripture as the blood stream, and he coins the word “narraphor”—narrative plus metaphor—for the preacher’s “blood bank.” He doesn’t shrink from discussing the negative aspects of preaching, giving them inventive names, as well. The final chapter —“Giving Blood: Salvation and Resurrection”—is particularly encouraging. The book includes exhaustive endnotes.

Anyone who enjoys the art and ministry of preaching will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Skip Holman, minister of discipleship

Northeast Baptist Church

San Antonio

I Beg to Differ by Tim Muehlhoff (IVP)

In his latest work, Tim Muehlhoff, professor of communication at Biola University and co-author of The God Conversation, writes about conflict and its resolution from a Christian perspective.

The book is divided into three sections—“Understanding Communication,” “Organizing a Conversation” and “Putting it into Practice.” Each chapter within the three sections includes questions and summary points. The book centers on communication with people with whom you disagree. Muehlhoff consistently uses Scripture to make his points. The book includes exhaustive endnotes, a subject and name index, and a Scripture index.

Muehlhoff’s book would provide a good ready-reference on communication and conflict resolution.

Skip Holman, minister of discipleship

Northeast Baptist Church

San Antonio

Discovering Your Leadership Style: The Power of Chemistry, Strategy & Spirituality by David T. Olson (IVP / PRAXIS)

Religious researcher David Olson, director of the American Church Research Project, opens his book with “What Makes Leadership Christian.” Olson effectively dissects leadership. He identifies six styles—sacred, relational, building, inspirational, mission and imaginative. He uses what he calls a “leadership stool” with three legs of spirituality, chemistry and strategy, with leadership as the seat. At the end of each chapter, Olson includes “ten commandments” for each leadership style, as well as Scripture to identify each. He also explains which styles work well together.

This is a good resource for leaders who desire to build other leaders.

Skip Holman, minister of discipleship

Northeast Baptist Church

San Antonio