By Bryn MacPhail. If The Presbyterian Church in Canada is to have any hope of resolution on the issue of homosexuality, the discussions must aim to bridge the gap between the differing approaches to Scripture, as opposed to focusing on the contrary conclusions reached by each side. … Read more
Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity, by Eugene H. Peterson
Reviewed by J.H. (Hans) Kouwenberg. Peterson’s threefold concerns are the practice of prayer, the reading of Scripture, and the giving (and) receiving of spiritual direction. This is “a conversation” with this book and not precisely a “book review.” … Read more
Do the Conversions Last?, by Robert O. Ferm and Caroline M. Whiting
Reviewed by Jack Charleson. The statistics presented clearly indicate that the majority of enquiries made at Billy Graham crusades are of a genuine nature and have a lasting impact on the life of the individual. … Read more
The Word of God
Thomas F. Torrance underlines the centrality of the Word of God written and the Word made flesh. … Read more
In Love With God – Coquitlam Presbyterian Church
By Bob and Olive McBay. A closer walk with the Lord is encouraged at CPC by a growing emphasis on prayer, Bible Study groups, men's and women's ministries, outreach to children and youth, care of newcomers, reminders of the monthly Renewal Fellowship prayer meetings, Spirit-led sermons, and making Jesus the centre of everything. … Read more
Evangelicals and the Bishops’ Pastoral Letter, ed. Dean C. Curry
Reviewed by Mark Vander Vennen. This book seeks to be an evangelical response to the Catholic bishops’ substantial pastoral letter, “The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response”. Frequently the several entries under each heading represent different, even opposite, positions on the arms race. … Read more
Conductor or Virtuoso?
By David J. Montgomery. The rigid distinction between elders who teach and elders who rule, while valid, has been overplayed and strengthened unjustifiably by making the administration of the sacraments an exclusive function of the office of ministry. … Read more
The Real Preacher
By James I. Packer. The business of preachers of the Word is to be mouthpieces for God’s message, seeing their ministry of the Word as prophecy: precisely speaking the Word of God with application, as a message to the hearers. … Read more
Finding God in Unexpected Places, by Philip Yancey
Reviewed by Kit Schindell. Philip Yancey shows us how we need to look for God beyond the walls of the church, in the slums and jails or watching a pod of whales. This is not a gritty book, dragging us through "sordid reality", nor is it cute and coy bedtime reading. … Read more
Call It What It Is
By John G. Stackhouse, Jr. Every year as I teach my survey course on world religions at university, I dread having to teach the Christian faith for two main reasons. First, all religions have difficult and complicated features. But Christianity has inexplicable mysteries at its very heart that simply have to be discussed even in an introduction to its teachings. … Read more
Landmines in Ministry: Proceed with Caution
By Evelyn M. Forsyth. There is a significant "paradigm shift" in all institutions in our society which is profoundly affecting the way we do things in our churches: the challenge to authority structures and traditional notions of professional relationships. … Read more
Kenneth G. McMillan Appointed a Member of the Order of Canada
Dr. McMillan has also received three Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degrees. He was elected Moderator of The Presbyterian Church in Canada in 1979. He served as General Secretary of the Canadian Bible Society for over 26 years. Since October 1983 he has been Director of Church Relations for World Vision Canada. … Read more
Spirit Alive
By Carter Blaisdell. Spirit Alive works on the principle of sending teams to churches to testify, teach, and pray with members in order that the Body of Christ might be built up in faith and witness. … Read more
Discovering Renewal – One Church’s Experience With The Alpha Program
By Jackson Clelland. The Alpha Course is an opportunity for an entire congregation to get involved in outreach, fellowship, learning, and growing in our faith. In a spirit of expectancy, God shows up to provide the resources for the program, to heal, and provide what is missing. … Read more
Renewal Through Alpha
By Issa A. Saliba. Nicky Gumbel, who was a barrister, has become an advocate of grace. His testimony shines through much of his presentation, further enhanced by precise diction and a distinctly English accent, which easily grabs one's attention for 40 minutes. … Read more
Fountain of Youth
By Kathryn Dyck. Christian youth in Manitoba have been experiencing renewal over the past few years — truly a "Fountain of Youth." God's hands have guided the work of those who have volunteered their time and talents to Manitoba's Presbyterian Youth Council (PYC) … Read more