The Power of the Call

This book is amazing. Written from a perspective of accountability to God's call on your life, Blackaby and Brandt challenge you to think beyond just getting through each day. They seem to be able to stare into the heart of God and lead you there. If you are struggling with fulfilling your ministry, it will encourage you. If you have strayed, it will correct. If you are uncertain about your call, it will help point you in the right direction. If you weren't even aware there is such a thing, it will educate and edify. This is a must read for all those seeking God's will, call and blessing on their lives for His glory and His Kingdom.

In my humble opinion, while "Power of the Call" is a good read, I got more spiritual food reading "Experiencing God" and "Spiritual Leadership".However, Blackaby and Brandt do cover many important points, including the following:1. Comparison of God's methods vs. the world's methods.2. While man can comfort, only God can bring true healing.3. The pastor needs to look to God alone for peace in life's trials - God alone is sufficient for us.4. We must love others with the love that only God can provide.5. We must remember to be joyful in the Lord and believe that His ways and timing for us are always best.6. People who are shepherds over others must regularly take spiritual inventory of their own walk with God.7. The pastor needs to rely on God rather than worldly methods for provision and he must point others to Jesus.8. A pastor must have a strong inner life before he can hope to minister to others in God's power.All in all, a good read for those who need encouragement in the Lord!

I enjoyed this book because it was one of the three texts I was required to read for a course; however, it was the only one that presented a challenge to one's personal holiness. The book discussed "the call", counseling others, our spiritual walk when things are going good and when encountering inconvenience and much worse things in life. Brandt presents his views from the professional counselor, devoted layman's perspective while Blackaby gives his opinion from the viewpoint of the leader or preacher. Each intersperces their narrative with supporting scripture. I found the book one to assure your humbleness. Some find the book "holier than thou" so warning, if you have a problem with someone telling you many of your problems come from yourself due to SIN, don't read it or you will be upset!It is worth the read.

This book does exactly what the synopsis states by showing us "how God provides fully for every situation and need a pastor will face." The contributions by Henry Brandt on pastoral counseling were phenomenal. He clearly illustrates how the pastor is to use the Word of God in counseling. He states that the vast majority of people who come for counseling are suffering from the effects of sin in their lives. They need someone to gently show them from the Bible the root of their problems and God's cure. If you've ever struggled with counseling as a pastor I would suggest you read this book.

worth reading by Christian or non-Christia