Kris Vallotton is one of the main ministers at Bethel in Redding, CA. He is part of the school of the prophets, and I think this is one of the books he uses for that school/conference. I wanted to read the book before possibly attending one of the conferences someday.

This book covers how to continue training in prophetic ministry, including discerning a difference between prophetic and prophet/prophetess, what the role of each is, and practical advice for growing closer with God and avoiding typical traps of sin in this ministry. I resonated with a lot of the details that he shared in his own life, and I felt like he shared just enough to be clear without oversharing. His practical advice for beginning in the prophetic is stellar, though I find some of his theology a little shaky (I especially wasn't crazy about his atonement theory, though I understand why he included it). I also disagreed with some of his political statements, and was uncertain about his emphasis on "the nations" (I need to read more about this). Even so, this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book and my appreciation of his practical advice.

The first half of the book is about understanding the calling and office of prophet/prophetess and/or the gift of the prophetic, and the second half is about building a team. He teaches great tactics about mentoring others with this gift, especially seeing and avoiding pitfalls. Basically, you can glean from this second section even if you aren't starting a "team" like he's describing.

He's up front that he doesn't cover "everything" in this book, and he points you to other books he's written on various topics...but he also lists resources besides himself.

I'm excited to read more by him.

Bolz writes a practical...ish book about the prophetic, what it looks like, and how to wield the gift (which is accessible to anyone, btw).

If you are looking for practical tips and strategies of the HOW to participate in prophetic ministries (meaning, models and steps)...this is not the book for you. He gives a lot of examples, but that's not what this book is meant to do. This book is more an overview of identifying what prophetic ministries are, the difference between prophetic words and prophetic wisdom, and how to avoid pitfalls when starting out.

Still, this is a really helpful book. I find Bolz's definition of prophecy a little more narrow than Woodward's (whose definition I prefer) but they are generally on the same page. I was thankful that Bolz discussed "messing up" quite frankly, and that "getting it wrong" is just as important as "getting it right", and further sheds light on details how we give grace to speakers who are new, but if a new prophetic gets something wrong, we shun him/her...and that isn't the way it should be.

Bolz absolutely nails the sins that people in these ministries struggle with and the things/behaviors to watch out for. These sections were fantastic.

Still, it's always good to read different perspectives. This book was timely for me and gave me some good things to think about, and some great insight on what this ministry could look like. I don't think this would be the first book I would read or recommend if I was starting out learning more about prophetic ministries. It's definitely one to check out, though.

Again, definitely don't agree with everything he says or all of his theology, but the book is still very helpful.

Francis Chan writes letters to the church about the issues he's seen in the American church. Chan has spent time as a megachurch pastor and as an underground missionary overseas which changed him deeply.

I really love what Chan has to say to the church - parts are hard to read, but it is such a good critique. Chan is clear, to the point, and offers no apologies. He illuminates the bible with a fresh perspective, reminding us of what really matters in our Christian walk, especially as leaders. I love the messages he has both specifically to leader and laypeople - he has a lot of experience.

Recommended.

This book was a game changer as the authors walked us through how culture affects the way we read and interpret the text.

I sing the praises of this book. It's a fantastic starting point for examining how we think and thinking about HOW we think affects HOW we read the bible. Seriously, read this book. You will be challenged. You may feel uncomfortable, but that is part of the journey. It's not that West is WRONG or East is better, but that we have to understand original intents and notice our cultural blinders. This book is about noticing, and while they offer advice on what to watch out for, they aren't necessarily in the business of fixing.

I also started reading this book while I was on the way to and in Israel and 1000% recommended if you are heading to a part of the world that is different from your normal.

It's been awhile since I read this, but it was recommended to me around the time it came out (thx, Dad) and it's shaped the way I share good news. This was one of my first exposures that the gospel could be creative, and that I could be one of the people to share it.

For my own memory, I can't remember when I first read this, but somewhere between 2009-2012.

April May, a fresh-out-of-college graphic artist, stumbles upon an overlooked New York sculpture and grabs a friend to make a video about it. What happens next is that there are, in fact, 60 sculptures like it all over the world, all erected in a span of 10 minutes...and these two video makers are overnight internet celebrities.

I love what Hank has to say in this book - I love his vulnerability, the way he states his thoughts about humanity and the internet and and fame and pride and the polarization of the world...and the way he so clearly loves the human race. This is such a timely read geared towards an audience who WILL be influential in just these areas (srsly, this upcoming generation is so great!). We should all be more like Hank.

Also...I cannot WAIT for the sequel!

David Bayles cuts to the chase and demystifies the process of art in the art world. For too long, young artists (and old artists) have been kept from canvases because of fear. Bayles reminds us that there is no magic to making good art or getting art done. Like writing is butt in chair, pen on page, art is feet by easel, brush in hand. The way to stay consistent in the process will depend on the artist, but it's possible.

This book is like lifting the curtain behind the artist "facade". Behind our abilities and confidence, there can be a lot of fear and uncertainty stepping to the canvas, no matter how experienced or inexperienced we are. The good news that Bayles has is that this is just part of the experience of making anything - it's what we do with that 'fear' that matters!

Bayles is at a different end of the spectrum of art than I am - I'm still a little more loosey-goose-y when it comes to art, and I disagree with him on a few notions. But - the demystification of the art process and generally being a creative person (even though he doesn't use the word "creative" in his book) was extremely helpful as I'm in a place of not only doing art for the benefit of my community, but also calling other people into exploring making art. I'm really excited to use the info I gleaned from this book to remind myself and others - it's not a magical process. Artists haven't even always thought of themselves as artists! And most importantly, Artists aren't extraordinary - they're just like you. Abilities can be learned. The importance of process and finished product (differs between viewer and artist. These are such important concepts both for artists and people who don't consider themselves artists.

I especially loved his definition of terms.

I'm excited to share this book with others and hear what they think!