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Short Notes

By Paul Beasley-Murray and Alun Brookfield.

Growing Together in Unity and Mission: Building on forty years of Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue (SPCK, London 2007; 64pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 0 281 05393) forms "An agreed statement of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission", and deals with such issues as belief in God as Trinity; the church as communion in mission; the living Word of God; baptism; the Eucharist; ministry; authority in the church; discipleship and holiness; and Mary. To my surprise it proved a fascinating read.

First published in 1996 and re-printed on several occasions, David Adam, the former vicar of Holy Island, Lindisfarne, has produced a second edition of The Rhythm of Life: Celtic Daily Prayer (SPCK, London 2007; 145pp; £12.99 hardback; ISBN 0 281 05865 2), which provides material for four daily offices every day of the week. David Adam is a great wordsmith, although his scope is somewhat limited in this book.

A Celebration of Summer (SPCK, London 2006; £10.99 hardback; ISBN 0 281 05714 1) and A Celebration of Winter (SPCK, London 2006; £10.99  hardback; ISBN 0 281 05715 X) by David Adam, are two uplifting  collections of poems and prayers, beautifully illustrated with over twenty fine art paintings in each volume. These are books not just to read, but to reflect upon. They both would make ideal gifts for any thoughtful friend.

Again beautifully illustrated, but very different in character is Redemption (SPCK, London 2006; £ hardback; ISBN 0 281 05594 7) by Alister McGrath, Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford, who seeks to engage the mind as well as the imagination as he explores the meaning of the death of Jesus by interacting with both theologians and painters. A book to read and to give away!

Building a strategic church (Kingsway, Eastbourne 2007; 218pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 1 842912 88 1) by David Beer, a Baptist minister who now heads up the Purpose Driven Church movement in Europe, contains a good deal of common sense. My one reservation is the extensive use of alliteration. For example, the chapter on Team Spirit has the following sub-sections: Transform lives; Explore new ways of being a team; Accommodate each other's strengths and weaknesses; Manage the church; Sacrifice for the sake of others; Pray together; Include, not exclude; Reward achievements; Invest in one another; Translate ideas into words and pictures.

The Fire Within: Sermons from the Edge of Exile (first published in Britain by Wild Goose Publications, Glasgow, 2007; 170pp; £10.99; ISBN 978 1 905010 38 7. Previously published in South Africa in 2004 by New World Foundation, Cape Town) by the controversial South African Christian leader Allan Boesak, is a marvellous collection of fourteen stimulating sermons, all biblically based. In his sermon on 1 Corinthians 13, I loved the suggestion that Christian churches should have a sign on the front door: 'Love Spoken Here'. Here is real prophetic preaching.

Baptists in North America: An Historical Perspective (Blackwell Publishing, Oxford 2006; 296pp; £25.99; ISBN 1 4051 1864 4) by William H Brackney, who has written widely on maters relating to Baptist identity and history, is a lively well-written account of the way in which Baptists have become one of the major denominations in North America. Currently there are some 110,000 churches with an excess of 34 million members.  

Fire and Bread: Resources for Easter Day to Trinity Sunday (Wild Goose Publications, Glasgow 2006; 356pp; £14.99; ISBN 978 1 905010 30 1) edited by Ruth Burgess of the Iona Community, is a wonderful wide-ranging resource for worship leaders.

The Encyclopedia of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity (Routledge, Abingdon 2006; 500pp; £100 hardback. ISBN 0 415 96966 2) edited by Stanley M Burgess is a wonderfully interesting book to delve into. Its 135 articles range from the Gift of Faith to the Catholic Charismatic Movement, from Korea to Rituals. Each article is followed by a helpful reading list. The one drawback is the price!

The fact that the New Testament Commentary Survey (IVP, Nottingham 6th edition 2007; 160pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 168 7) by Don A Carson is now in its 6th edition is an indication of the value of this work for all serious students who want an up-to-date survey of available resources on the New Testament. Even although I did not always agree with his judgements, I found it a stimulating work to dip into.

The Story of Ruth: Twelve moments in every woman's life (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan 2007; 104pp; £10.99 paperback; ISBN 978 0 8028 2735 7. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Joan D Chittister, with artwork by John August Swanson, and first published in hardback in 2000, explores the moments of loss, change, transformation, ageing, independence, respect, recognition, insight, empowerment, self-definition, invisibility and fulfilment. Primarily 'spiritual reading' for women, it provides an imaginative approach to the book of Ruth.

Dead or Alive: the truth and relevance of Jesus' resurrection (IVP, Nottingham 2007; 224pp; £6.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 156 4) by Daniel Clark, Associate Vicar at Christ Church Clifton in Bristol, is essentially an extended theological tract, combining logic with testimony. A useful book to recommend to seekers on an Alpha course.

Engaging with the Holy Spirit: Six Crucial Questions (Apollos, Nottingham 2007; 138pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 179 3) by Graham Cole deals thoughtfully with the following questions: What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? How may we resist the Holy Spirit? How do we quench the Holy Spirit?  How do we grieve the Holy Spirit? And How does the Holy Spirit fill us? A great resource for a sermon series on the Spirit.

Fabricating Jesus: How modern scholars distort the Gospels (IVP, Nottingham 2007; 290pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 172 4) by American New Testament scholar Craig A Evans is a helpful guide to all those confused by the claims made by Dan Brown and others about 'other' gospels. A book for sceptics as much for Christians, this is apologetics at its best.

Celebrating Christingle: all you need to prepare your service (Kevin Mayhew, Stowmarket 2005; 79pp; £11.99; ISBN 1 84417 454 9) by Baptist minister Nick Fawcett, contains six services - four for use around Christmas and two slanted towards Advent and Epiphany. In the words of the author, the Christingle is "a rare occasion when parents and children en masse willingly come together to hear the Christian message. And I say 'Christian' rather than 'Christmas' intentionally, for Christingle is indeed about the former - affording the opportunity to speak sensitively€¦ about God's love in Christ as shown in his birth, life, death and resurrection". This is a most helpful resource.

Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures (SPCK, London 2006; 345pp; £12.99; ISBN 0 281 057915) by Eddie Gibbs and Ryan K Bolger, both based at Fuller Theological Seminary, California, is a lively survey of emerging churches both in the UK and the USA. The authors conclude: "Emerging churches are not young adult services, Gen-X churches, churches-within-a-church, seeker churches, purpose-drive or new paradigm churches, fundamentalist churches, or even evangelical churches. They are a new expression of church. The three core practices are identifying with the life of Jesus, transforming secular space, and commitment to community as a way of life. These practices are expressed in or lead to the other six: welcoming the stranger, serving with generosity, participating as producers, creating as created beings, leading as a body, and taking part in spiritual activities". A weakness of the survey, however, is a total failure to engage critically with the claims of emerging churches; furthermore, as a pastor of what would presumably be regarded as a traditional church, I was constantly irritated by the failure to recognise how many so-called traditional churches have changed and how a good number of these churches are engaging in both effective and creative mission.

Radical Hospitality: Benedict's Way of Love (Wild Goose Publications, Glasgow 2007; 233pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 905010 31 8) by Benedictine monks Daniel Holman and Lonni Collins Pratt looks at hospitality in its widest of senses. "Hospitality is the answer to hostility. Jesus said to love your neighbour; hospitality is how".

Better to travel hopefully: Father David's diary in Ilkley 2005-2006 (Darton, Longman and Todd, 2007; 238pp; £9.95; ISBN 978 0 232 52704 9) by David Hope with Hugh Little, tells the story of David Hope's return to local ministry after having served as Bishop of Wakefield, Bishop of London, and Archbishop of York. A light, amusing read.

The State of the University: Academic Knowledge and the Knowledge of God (Blackwell, Oxford 2007; 222pp; £19.99; ISBN 978 1 4051 6248 7) by Stanley Hauerwas of Duke Divinity School, North Carolina, is a lively and, for many, controversial collection of essays, all loosely connected with the theme of theology (in its broadest of senses) and the academy. This is a book for academics rather than ministers. However, a three page appendix on 'seminaries in trouble' is well worth reading. Take this quotation, for instance: "I suspect the reason why so many leave the ministry or find themselves in such compromised positions in the ministry is due to the unrelieved boredom of facing a life-time of being 'nice'"! 

By Their Own Young Hand: Deliberate Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideas in Adolescents (Jessica Kingsley, London 2006; 264pp; £17.99; ISBN 1 84310 230 7) by Keith Hawton and Karen Rodham with Emma Evans, examines the increasing self-harming trend among young people. Currently somewhere between 20,000 to 30,000 adolescents present to hospital each year in the UK because of self-inflicted overdoses or injuries, and this is but the tip of the iceberg. A copy of this well-researched but practical handbook should be in the hands of every youth leader.

A Preacher's Companion: Essays from the College of Preachers (Bible Reading Fellowship, Oxford 2004; 167pp; £9.99; ISBN 1 84101 254 8) edited by Geoffrey Hunter, Gethin Thomas and Stephen Wright, consists of a host of practical essays on preaching, which are divided into five parts: models of preaching, contents of preaching, methods of preaching, contexts of preaching, and the preachers and listeners. I particularly appreciated the foreword by James Jones, who, among others things, tells of how he prays for four things each times he preaches: "power so that the word€¦ might accomplish what God intends, namely that it brings life to the hearer;  .. love.. for God and for the people. I am very aware we can take into the pulpit all sorts of baggage of hurt and use the sermon to settle scores or move agendas forward; authority, the sort of authority that characterised Jesus' teaching and preaching so that even when his detractors heard him they recognised that they had never heard anybody speak with such authority€¦; and truth, that through all the anecdotes and parables people might see the Truth, who is, of course, Jesus".

To the Ends of the Earth: the globalization of Christianity (Paternoster, Milton Keynes 2007; 237pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 1 84227 475 0) by Kenneth Hylson-Smith,  sets out to show that far from being a saga of decline and imminent demise, the story of the post 17th-century global Church is one of unparalleled progress and expansion. It is an encouraging read. However, the author fails to discern that in countries such as the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the decline in the churches would be much greater, but for the growth of the church amongst ethnic communities.

Mark: IVP New Testament Commentary Series (IVP, Nottingham 2007; 351pp; £11.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 186 1) by American Presbyterian Ronald J Kernaghan offers a lively approach to the Gospel of Mark and has much to offer the preacher. It is excellent value for money.

Integrity: leading with God watching (IVP, Nottingham 2006; 176pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 160 1) by Jonathan Lamb, is a reflection on the challenges of ministry in the light of Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. Effectively, it is a 21st century version of Richard Baxter's The Reformed Pastor. A book to take away on study leave or on sabbatical!

The basis of Let the Children come to Communion (SPCK, London 2006; 150pp; £10.99; ISBN 0 281 05795 8) by Stephen Lake is that "children are equal members of the church by virtue of their baptism and therefore should have full access to the sacraments". For me as a Baptist, this is an unconvincing argument primarily because of the flawed understanding of baptism. Primarily practical rather than theological, it is limited in vision in so far as the discussion relates purely to Anglican churches. 

Restorative Justice: how it works (Jessica Kingsley, London 2007; 472pp:; £28; ISBN 978 1 84310 074 4) by Marian Liebman is a comprehensive guide to the philosophy of restorative justice and its practical application in a wide range of settings, showing how it can help both victims and offenders when harm has been done. Although primarily written for people involved in the justice system, it is a helpful resource for anybody.

First published in 1994, this second edition of An Introduction to the Old Testament (Apollos, Nottingham 2007; 528pp; £21.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 187 8) by Tremper Longman III and Raymond B Dillard, has been thoroughly revised by Tremper Longman and is an excellent textbook for theological students and others wanting to understand the historical background and the theological message. It also includes a literary analysis of all the books in the Old Testament.

First published in 1987, Silent Grief: Living in the Wake of Suicide (Jessica Kingsley, London revised edition 2007; 220pp; £13.99; ISBN 978 1 84310 847 4) by Christopher Lukas and Henry M Seiden is a book for and about 'suicide survivors', those who have been left behind by the suicide of a friend or loved one. However, it is also a book for those who wish to understand the traumatic effect of suicide upon individuals left behind. This revised edition has been updated and describes new forms of support, including internet forms, and also addresses changing attitudes to suicide and an increased willingness to discuss suicide publicly. A helpful resource for any minister faced with the pastoral care of a 'suicide survivor'.

A Thousand Tongues: the Wesley hymns as a guide to Scriptural teaching (Paternoster, Milton Keynes, 2nd edition 2007; 208pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 1 84427 550 4) by the late John Lawson, was first published in 1987, and has been published again to mark the tercentenary of Charles Wesley's birth.  Essentially a study of Christian doctrine in the light of the hymns of Charles Wesley, the author shows how Wesley's hymns were steeped in Scripture. For example, the four verses of 'Love divine, all loves excelling' contain references to 46 Scripture texts. However, with the decline in hymn-singing in British churches, one may well wonder what attraction this book may hold, with perhaps the exception of the older generation of Methodists!

The Mystery of the Child (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 2007; 269pp; £13.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 8028 1766 2. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by American historian-cum-theologian Martin E Marty is a literary celebration of childhood rather than a sociological analysis of the place of children. Although children may bring problems, in the first place Marty argues that they are a cause for wonder. Wide-ranging in style, this is an inspirational read.

A sharp, hard-hitting and eminently readable response to Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion is provided by Oxford theologian Alister McGrath,  together with his wife, Joanna Collicutt McGrath, a lecturer in Psychology of Religion, in The Dawkins Delusion: Atheist fundamentalism and the denial of the divine (SPCK, London 2007; 78pp; £7.99; ISBN 0 281 05927 6). Alister McGrath is unusually well qualified to undertake this demolition job of Richard Dawkins, for not only was he himself once an atheist, but he also gained a doctorate in molecular biophysics. After reviewing such issues as 'Has science disproved God?', 'What are the origins of religion?', 'Is religion evil?',  the McGraths conclude: "The fact that Dawkins relies so excessively on rhetoric, rather than evidence that would otherwise be his natural stock in trade, clearly indicates that something is wrong with his case. Ironically, the ultimate achievement of The God Delusion for modern atheism may be to suggest that this emperor has no clothes to wear. Might atheism be a delusion about God?". This is a book to buy, lend and recommend!

Globalizing Theology: Belief and practice in an era of World Christianity (Apollos, Nottingham 2007; 382pp; £17.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 173 1) by Craig Ott and Harold A Netland, both of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, consists of fourteen scholarly essays in honour of Paul G Hiebert, also of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. The essays are divided into three sections: (1) World Christianity and Theological Reflection; (2) Methodological Issues for Globalizing Theology; and (3) Implications of Globalizing Theology. Conservative in approach, this 'Festschrift' will no doubt find its way onto the shelves of missiologists, but has no relevance to pastors in local churches.

First published in Australia in 2005, Liturgies for the young in years (SPCK, London 2007; 120pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 05789 4) by Dorothy McRae-McMahon, a minister in the Uniting Church of Australia, provides some thoughtful worship material for five to seven year-olds, eight to twelve year-olds, twelve to eighteen year-olds, as well as for family services and for parents and teachers. Leaders of church uniformed organisations could find this helpful.

One World: The Interaction of Science and Theology (Templeton Foundation Press, West Conshocken, Pennsylvania 2007; 131pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 59947 111 2. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by John Polkinghorne, scientist turned theologian, was first published in 1986 by SPCK. This 2007 edition differs only by the addition of a five page 'preface' together with an additional bibliography. It is difficult to praise this well-written book enough: there is no better guide to the relationship between science and religion. 

The War on Terror: How should Christians respond? (IVP, Nottingham 2007; 158pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 175 5) by Nick Solly Megoran, lecturer in political geography at NewcastleUniversity, is a thought-provoking analysis of the Christian response to the current 'War on Terror'. As the author rightly says, "War does not present a new theological problem to Christians, but each new war presents challenges in the way that Christians have to think through their established positions".

A Book of Hours (Ave Maria Press, USA 2007; 223pp; £9.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 93495 05 7. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh ) by the spiritual writer Thomas Merton, is made up of extracts from the writings of Thomas Merton arranged as prayers to be offered at the dawn, midday, dusk and night hours of each day. An unusual book, it could perhaps be used by ministers on retreat.

Serialised in 1981 in the Sojourners' magazine, The Selfless Way of Christ: Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life (Darton, Longman and Todd, London 2007; 112pp; £8.95; ISBN 978 0 232 52707 5) by Henri Nouwen consists of short reflections on what it means to follow Jesus. Nouwen warns his readers of the temptation to be relevant, spectacular and powerful. A challenging read!

Angels and Demons:  perspectives and practice in diverse religious traditions (Apollos, Nottingham 2007; 277pp; £14.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 182 3) edited by Peter G Riddell and Beverley Smith Riddell, contains thirteen very wide-ranging essays examining how angelic and demonic concepts are expressed in different religions. Most of the essays have very little relevance to the British scene: the outstanding exception is 'The charismatic devil:  demonology in charismatic Christianity' by Nigel Scotland, which is a most stimulating overview of  'expansive', 'moderate' and 'progressive' charismatic thinking.

Depression: The way out of your prison (Routledge, Hove 3rd edition 2003; latest re-printing 2006; 329pp; £9.99; ISBN 1 58391 286 X) by Dorothy Rowe, a clinical psychologist, is a best-selling guide to depression for both the sufferer as well as for those seeking to help. The author's thesis is that the key to resolving depression is self-understanding: "Depression is a prison which we can build for ourselves. Just as we build it, so we can unlock the door and let ourselves out". Would that depression were that simple! Nonetheless this is a helpful guide.

Nearing Death Awareness: a guide to the language, visions and dreams of the dying (Jessica Kingsley, London 2007; 128pp; £11.99; ISBN 978 1- 84310 857 3) by Mary Anne Sanders, although not a specifically Christian book, is highly relevant for ministers accompanying the dying in their closing hours. The author writes: "Once they sense the imminence of death, some people begin to view this time as a wondrous gift, when they can examine who they really are, explore their spirituality and grow in love and self-acceptance€¦  A Paradox seems to exist for humanity in that a person can seem to grow dramatically in a spiritual sense as the physical self gradually but decisively shrinks".

Making Christmas Happen: daily reflections to help you keep the sparkle in all the preparations (Kevin Mayhew, Stowmarket 2006; 93pp; £?; ISBN 1 84417 669 X) by Susan Sayers is an ideal book for individuals or groups to use in the period of Advent. At the end of each week there is 'something to think, something to pray, something to do'.

The Resurrection of Jesus: John Dominic Crossan and N T Wright in Dialogue (SPCK, London 2006; 220pp; £10.99; ISBN 0 281 05811 3) edited by Robert B Stewart is made up of the transcript  of a public conversation between N T Wright and John Dominic Crossan, only 32 pages in length, followed by a further eight essays by various scholars analysing the arguments employed. To my mind, far better value would be to buy N T Wright's magisterial work, The Resurrection and the Son of God, which forms the basis for the dialogue and for the other essays.

The Encylopedia of Religion, Communication and Media (Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon 2006; 467pp; £90 hardback; ISBN 0 415 96946 8) edited by Daniel A Stout, is an amazing mixture of diverse themes. Through 124 entries, it explores how and why the world's religions have used different means of communication. Subjects covered range from mosques to sermons, music video to profane communication, censorship to film. This is fascinating dictionary to dip into. Alas, the price will put it out of reach for most readers of Ministry Today.

Worship, Window of the Urban Church (SPCK, London 2006; 145pp; £14.99; ISBN 0 281 05783 4) edited by Tim Stratford, consists of a series of nine essays reflecting very different experiences of worship, albeit almost entirely Anglican, within an urban context. For me the most stimulating contribution was by Martin Wallace, 'seeing with God eyes' - I particularly appreciated his emphasis on honesty in worship.

New Perspectives on Breaking the 200 Barrier (Beacon Hill Press, Kansas 2005; 128pp; ISBN 083 412 1786. In the UK available through Kingsway) by Bill Sullivan, is a revision of the author's earlier Ten Steps to Breaking the 200 Barrier. I found this book a disappointment - reminiscent of the church growth writings in the 1970s and 1980s, it fails to live up to its title. For me the one key observation is that if churches want to grow then they must move from being 'board-led' to 'staff-led'.

It was with a great sense of anticipation that I came to review The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor (IVP, Nottingham 2007; 192pp; £8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 183 0) by John Stott. In spite of all the praise on the blurb from various Christian leaders, I confess I was disappointed.  Anybody familiar with John Stott's writings would have immediately sensed they were on territory previously covered. This is a shame, since one of the things I have admired about John Stott is the way in which his theological has been constantly in the process of developing. Nonetheless, it is a well-crafted book, and there is plenty material for the preacher.  

Theology and Families (Blackwell Publishing, Oxford 2007; 278pp; £22.99; ISBN 978 1 4051 5275 4) by Adrian Thatcher, Professorial Research Fellow at Exeter, contains a fascinating series of theological reflections not just on families, but in particular on families and children. The author tackles such issues as 'Do families need marriage?', 'The defence of children's rights', 'Choosing childlessness', 'Families and the 'domestic Church', and 'Families and the local church'. This study on children and the church will undoubtedly become a standard work of reference. 

An Architecture of Immanence: architecture for worship and ministry today (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 2007; 327pp; £13.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 3209 2 Available in the UK from Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Mark A Torgerson, Professor of Worship Arts at Judson college, Illinois, particularly focuses on church architecture from the 1920s to the 1980s. Unfortunately this book will be of little relevance to readers of Ministry Today, for very few of us will ever be able to indulge in the kind of grandiose building schemes dealt with here.

Meeting the Saviour: The glory of Jesus in the Gospel of John (Bible Reading Fellowship, Oxford 2007; 154pp; £6.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 497 5) by Derek Tidball, Principal of the London School of Theology, consists of 26 chapters, and  takes the reader through John's Gospel. Thoughtful, but light in touch, it would make a great guide for a month's devotional readings for pastors, as well as their people.

Even more popular in style is Discovering Peter and Jude (IVP, Nottingham 2007; 144pp; £4.99; ISBN 978 1 85684 228 0), a 'Crossway Bible Guide', by Derek Tidball's wife, Dianne, who is pastor of North BusheyBaptist Church.   This is ideal for small groups to study. 

The First Book of Samuel (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan 2007; 720pp; £28.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 8028 2359 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by David Roshio Tsumara, a professor of Old Testament at the Japan Bible Seminary, Tokyo, is part of 'The New International Commentary on the Old Testament', an acclaimed series written by evangelical scholars. Although scholarly in character, this commentary on 1 Samuel is accessible to all those interested in wrestling with the biblical text. However, it is not really a commentary for preachers.

By contrast, Leviticus (Apollos Old Testament Commentary, Nottingham 2007; 538pp; £? Hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 177 9) by Nobuyoshi Kiuchi, Professor of Old Testament at TokyoChristian University, is a commentary for preachers. Along with scholarly notes and comments on the text, there are sections devoted to 'explanation' and 'New Testament implications'.   This is a commentary from which every minister could benefit.

2007 is the 100th anniversary of Pentecostalism in the UK. The father of the British Pentecostal movement in its early days was the Anglican vicar, Alexander Boddy. It is therefore appropriate that at the time of this anniversary, Paternoster should publish Alexander Boddy: Pentecostal Anglican Pioneer (Milton Keynes, 2007; 245pp; £17.99; ISBN 978 1 84227 346 3), a highly readable biography by Gavin Wakefield of Cranmer Hall, Durham.

Palm Sunday and Holy Week Services (Abingdon, Nashville 2006; 81pp; £?; ISBN: 0 687 49778 7) by Robin Knowles Wallace, is a fairly basic resource for busy pastors. 

One of the more recent contributions to the series 'New Studies in Biblical Theology' is Sealed with an Oath: Covenant in God's unfolding purpose (Apollos, Nottingham 2007; 242pp; £12.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 165 6) by Australian Old Testament teacher, Paul R Williamson. Although this is accessible scholarship, no help is given to the preacher seeking to apply biblical insights to today's world.

It is difficult to know what to make of Spiritual Healing with Children with Special Needs (Jessica Kingsley, London 2007; 160pp; £14.99; ISBN 978 1 84310 545 9) by Bob Woodward, who gives an account of individual healing sessions with children with complex special needs. According to the Code of Conduct of the National Federation of Spiritual Healers: "Spiritual healing is restoring the balance of body, mind and spirit of the recipient. It is a natural, non-invasive, holistic approach that has the intention of promoting self-healing, to bring a sense of well-being and peace to the recipient". Is this an example of natural grace? The author concludes: "To be allowed to help create healing spaces - sacred spaces - where vulnerable children and young people with special needs and often restless behaviours, can find a measure of stillness, quietness and peace is, I think, without any doubt, a blessing and a grace".

Not Sunday, NotSchool: Through-the-year children's programmes for small churches (Bible Reading Fellowship, Oxford 2006; 190pp; £9.99; ISBN 978 1 84101 490 6) by Elizabeth Zuercher, is packed with ideas and activities for leaders working with 3-11s. The book also includes an alternative programme for Halloween and an excellent series on journeys for a five-day holiday club. This imaginative book will prove a God-send to many!

The Bible Readings for Special Times series from the Bible Reading Fellowship (Oxford) is a great pastoral resource. Each booklet priced at £1.99 is 30 pages in length, and consists of twenty four undated reflections on real life. The series includes New Baby (2006; ISBN 978 1 84101 487 6) by Lindsay Melluish; Marriage (2005; ISBN 978 1 84101 427 3) by Anna and Nick Brooker; Going to College (2006; ISBN 978 1 84101 447 0) by Michael Volland; Moving House (2006; ISBN 978 1 84101 457 9) by Catherine Hickey; and Retirement (2005; ISBN 978 1 84101 430 3) by David Winter.  Buy them in quantity - and then give them away!        

Recent booklets from Grove of Cambridge, all 28 pages in length and costing £2.95, include the following:

How to develop a youth work project: learning from Noah (Youth 6, 2007; ISBN 978 1 85174 651 4) by Nigel Pimlott of Frontier Youth Trust is a practical guide not only to developing youth projects, but also gaining the necessary funding; 

Celebrating celibacy: sexuality, intimacy and wholeness for the single adults (Pastoral 109, 2007; ISBN 978 1 85174 650 7) by Stephanie Couvela argues that celibacy can be "a passionate, vibrant, emotionally rich sexual experience and a source of intimacy, joy and wholeness" - a useful booklet not just for older singles, but also for a young singles group; 

Introducing Times and Seasons (2) The Easter Cycle (Worship 190, 2007; ISBN 978 1 85174 648 4) by Philip Tovey (ed), Patrick Angier, Andrew Atherstone and Colin Buchanan is a somewhat technical work and will have limited appeal to non-Anglicans; 

A call for apostles today (Evangelism 77, 2007; ISBN 978 1 85174 647 7) by Martin Garner, a Church Army officer, argues that the most effective way of reaching un-churched people today is the establishment of apostles and apostolic bands working in parallel with, but not under the authority of, the local church;

Catholic and Charismatic? Exploring the riches of the Spirit (Spirituality 100, 2007; ISBN 978 1 85174 646 0) by Simon Winn and Stuart Batten is a thoughtful exploration of Catholic renewal, and will no doubt appeal to people within that circle.