Primal Fire by Neil Cole

            I had heard Neil Cole's name mentioned a few times in reference to church planters and church planting movements, but I had not read any of his writings prior to acquiring a copy of his latest release "Primal Fire". So, I was very interested to read it and learn about him when I was offered a copy for free from thhe book review program for bloggers, available at www.tyndaleblognetwork.com. This book evoked a variety of responses from me. I'll explain what I mean below.
            Neil Cole is the founder of Church Multiplication Associates and is a seasoned church planter, author and leader. Primal Fire is a discussion of the five gifts of Jesus, given to the church, that are found in Ephesians 4:11. At first, when reading, I was not understanding his viewpoints, much of which challenges the traditional Biblical models of church. At that point, I would have rated it 2 out of 5 stars. But, I kept reading...
            After the opening few chapters where we rediscover these gifts of Jesus, he then begins with a 'reinterpretation' of each individual gift - Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. And this is the section where I found myself agreeing with strongly. So I moved my rating up to a 3 out 5 stars. But, I kept reading...
            In the final section of the book, he gives a fresh look at reimagining the gifts in practice. And I found this a good way of combining all of the teachings into a coherent synopsis with vivid illustrations, that allow the reader a different perspective on how these gifts can (and sometimes do) function today.
            This was not a book to bash the church or to say that everything is wrong, though I thought at first that it might be. It is a way to evaluate in the light of scripture whether or not  we see the five ministry gifts being appropriated today as Jesus intended. If you don't believe that all five of these gifts are valid for today, or that the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 are valid for today, then you won't like this book. But if you want to be challenged to think through what you believe and why you believe it, then Primal Fire may open your eyes to a realm of new possibilities. By the time I finished reading, I gave it 4 stars out of 5. And I hope to see more books from Neil Cole in the future.

A Call To Resurgence by Mark Driscoll

              There are a lot of people who know how to complain about the church. However, upon closer examination, you will often find that their complaints evolve out of personal offenses or preferences in church styles and methods. Many times, the individuals who complain have done very little in church accomplishments and their credibility is flawed. So it's refreshing when a person comes not to complain but to exhort, not on the basis of personal offense or preference but on the basis of scripture, and not as one has sat on the recliner coaching the quarterback, but as one who has a proven Pastoral track record with many wins under his belt. Mark Driscoll comes as that leader and he raises a passionate cry for the church to be the church in his latest book A Call to Resurgence.
               Pastor Mark Driscoll is the teaching Pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, which he founded and has served for close to two decades. He is a best selling author and his latest book follows his typical humorous, Biblical and challenging style. The subtitle of the book, 'Will Christianity have a funeral or a future?', sums up the  direction the book takes in it's contents.
The prospects of a future for the church do not appear positive by cultural indicators, but that is why Pastor Mark exhorts his readers to change things by returning to Biblical truths.
                I honestly wasn't sure what point he was leading up to as I read the first couple of chapters. Focusing on areas such as how we got to the state we're in, how the church is divided into tribes and the importance of the Holy Spirit, although connected, seemed not to make a distinct point at first. However, by the last chapter, discussing Mission: Seven Principles for Resurgence, he ties things together in a clarion call to focus on what is the most important thing, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
               Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book free as a part of their book review program for bloggers. I like everything Mark Driscoll writes so I am a little biased. I do not consider this book as his best work, but it is a worthwhile read and will give you many things to think about as you take up the calling to change the world by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. You can learn more about Pastor Mark, his ministry and A Call to Resurgence by visiting  http://theresurgence.com/.