Gospel workers are called to be both/and people:
Often, these requirements feel as though they’re in tension. But this book shows that rather than leaning ...one way or the other, or seeking to strike a balance, authentic gospel ministry is found in pursuing both/and. To settle for less puts ourselves and our churches in danger.
Gary Millar has been involved in training hundreds of gospel workers at Queensland Theological College. Pointing to Christ as our supreme example, he helps readers to reflect on and refine their own ministry practice in a range of different areas—while also enjoying God's grace where they fall short.
As you look at all things through the lens of the gospel, you'll increasingly become the fully-formed follower of Jesus and servant of his church that you have been called to be.
Ideal for church staff and lay leaders, students preparing for ministry, and ministry apprentices and interns, as well as for any Christian who is heavily involved in their local church.
(Review written for 'Both/And Ministry')
In Both/And Ministry, Gary Millar teaches you how to live and lead like Jesus.
Millar teaches his readers how to pursue the tensions that are present in Christian life and ministry. While the subject matter is theological, Millar stays practical and writes with candor. Ministry is “the stuff you do at church,” and I appreciated his down-to-earth writing.
The book opened my eyes to see that this both/and reality is thoroughly biblical. Millar is nuanced, bringing various passages to light with thoughtful interpretation.
Both for the Glory of God and the Good of Others
I was most interested to read about both/and ministry. It is both dependent on God and committed to working hard. It is both confident and humble. I thought about how while I sought to be faithful with the gifts God has given me, he has also given me more opportunities to serve him and grow me as I want to be ready to do anything.
I was most surprised to read about both/and leadership. While I had heard of servant leadership, I was surprised to see that there is much more. It is both theologically driven and practically wise. It is both patient and urgent. In my own leadership, I saw how I can be perceived as both “one of us” and “set apart.”
The book ends by saying both/and ministry is the pathway to authenticity, joy, and lifelong growth. I came away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of how both/and ministry can be both for the glory of God and the good of others.
I received a media copy of Both/AndMinistry and this is my honest review.
(Review written for 'Both/And Ministry')
The Christian life and Christian ministry are a both/and situation. I think most people are familiar with the term 'now and not yet' as it pertains to the kingdom of God. But I loved how this book broke the both/and down into specific areas of ministry and made them really personal. This is a quick read that sparks a lot of personal reflection. I think it's a great resource for slowing down and considering the complexities of Christian ministry.
(Review written for 'Both/And Ministry')
The back cover description for this book immediately caught my attention. The difference between an Either/Or attitude and a Both/And attitude. Seems like the difference may be minimal and insignificant, but Millar extracts the pertinence of our need to be both/and as called by God.
I think the concept of this book has been a struggle for many leaders for a long time but often difficult to verbalize. This book does a great job of unpacking the details of that ...struggle for leaders to understand and sift through.
The concept itself is the tension naturally created between characteristics that seem incompatible. The back cover description gives the following examples: confident vs. humble, theologically driven vs. practically wise. We are called to be all of these but often can't figure out how to practically live them out together.
This book was extremely eye-opening for me as it walks through Scripture to reconcile the tensions we navigate with our calling to be Christ-like.
Millar structures the book with an introduction and seven chapters. He interweaves Scripture, real life experiences, practical visuals, and more.
I think this is a great read for all people who are in any leadership role to help navigate the complexities of living the Christian life with excellence.
I received a copy of this book from The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review.
