Confessions of a Reformission Rev.

This book was one that I was pretty excited to read. Not because of me wanting to be emerging or anything of the sort, but I just wanted to know more of the man who has been instrumental in turning many young people to Christ up here in the Seattle area. Although, I used to go to his church for a little while back in the early 2000's I still knew very little of Mark Driscoll or the history of Mars Hill.

Much has been written about him, mostly against him in conservative circles for his association with the emergent movement. I will tell you that this book does clear up anybody's thinking that he is still involved with the emergent movement, for he is far from that movement and mindset, which I was surprised of. The reason I say this is that he calls out Brian McClaren, and those in his circle, with their wrong views of Scripture

This book is the story of not just Driscoll, actually very little about the man Driscoll and more about the church Mars Hill, from beginning, up to the time of the book (2006) and even included some things they were hoping to implement. I actually came to this book very skeptical of his tactics and not knowing at all his "goals" in ministry. What I came out believing about Driscoll is a high respect for his love of the lost. This is evident: Mark Driscoll loves the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, soul and mind, and truly loves his neighbor as himself. I would hope no one would deny this.

As far as his "tactics" or "strategies" in place, I find them a bit edgy, and I think Driscoll would take that as a compliment. Driscoll talks much of having a certain number of attendees as his goal and he seek(ed)(s) how the best way to achieve these numbers are possible. He admits in the book that he spoke to many people on this subject, from pastors like Rick Warrren to people who study secular organizations. This part of the book is what discouraged me in that the numbers were so very important to him. What did not discourage me is that his goal was not to have "fluffy" Christians, but truly Christ following, missionary minded Christians. Which again makes me separate him from the seeker movement and people like Finney, from the Second Great Awakening.

Although I disagree with his thoughts on how to reach the lost, and even calls my method of handing out tracts "silly," I will say that I respect him that he truly wants to see true repentance from the lost city around him.

If you pick up this book you will be challenged to love the lost around you, but what I fear is the method that is taking place at Mars Hill. Some of his theology I have a hard time with (prophetic dreams) and also his courseness, not only in his jokes but also his speaking to those that he serves with and is called to shepherd.

If you are truly interested in understanding Mars Hill and Mark Driscoll, this is a must read that will allow you to understand him from his mouth not others. But, that does not mean that I agree with his implement strategies. Link to buy

Charismatic Chaos

John MacArthur does a very good job in being gentle yet truthful in showing where the charismatic movement leads to, and that is when you have the no-holds barred "pastors and churches" that can do anything that "God has told them" The bible is our only authority and because "God has given us everything pertaining to life and godlines" we rest assured on this that He has given us the " faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" This book is a little outdated but still shows what was happening even in the early 90's. I believe this movement has truly blown up since then and now considered almost "main stream" even though the teachings have been proven to be completely heretical. (i.e. Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland)

Even if you are a Charismatic I would encourage you to pick this book up to see some of the things that are happening in your own "movement." MacArthur spends most of his time to talk about the "hyper Charismatic" but does so becuase this is where eventually the Charismatic movement has led to. MacArthur not only gives actual events and theology preached but defends everything in light of Scripture which for most in this movement it gets tough for them to defend since they believe the canon is still open and God doesn't only speak through the Word.

Tough subject, but very much needed. Link to Buy