READING/FILE REPORT

Noel
PLED 974
Dr. Rod Dempsey

NAME: Gesner
DATE: 10/07/13
DUE DATE:
12/01/13

FINAL READING REPORT SUMMARY

Books

Number of pages

Comments

1. Planting Churches Cross-Culturally

321

Previously submitted

2. Perimeters of Light

201

Previously submitted

3. 11 Innovations in The Local Church

325

Previously submitted

4. Evangelism Handbook

460

See report below

5. Planting Missional Churches

363

See report below

6. The Disciple Making Church

250

See report below

7. Cross-Cultural Servanthood

206

See report below

8. Radically Unchurched

197

See report below

9. 7 Practices of Effective Ministry

186

See report below

_____
Total

2509

READING/FILE REPORT
PLED 974
Dr. Rod Dempsey

NAME: Gesner Noel

DATE: 10/07/13
DUE DATE 12/01/13
GRADE __________________________

Book (author, title, place, publisher, date)

Reid, Alvin. Evangelism Handbook. Nashville: Tennessee, B&H Publishing
Group, 2009.
Total number of pages: 460
Library Number: 978-0-8054-4542-8

One paragraph summary of book/file

The Evangelism Handbook is truly a road map to personal and mass
evangelism. It takes the believer by hands from inside the church and all the
way to the world in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. It covers four major
domains: biblical, spiritual, intentional, and missional Biblically, the author
argues that the mission must be based on scripture. Spiritually, the mission
must be led by the power of the Holy Spirit. Intentionally, the Gospel can be
advanced personally and globally. Missionally, the church has to be
transformed from being an institution to being a mission field.
List strengths of book/file
The strength of this book lies in the fact that this book is very practical.
Dr. Reid provides his readers with concrete examples on evangelism. In
chapter 3, Motives for Evangelism, Dr. Reid used Ephesians chapter two to

compare those who are lost with those who are saved. This exercise was
very interesting when I used it during the bible study I teach at my church.
My students even asked me to share with them similar examples. Another
practical example is found in chapter 17, Personal Evangelism: The How. In
this chapter, Dr. Reid lists seven ways to increase door-to-door witnessing or
other times of assigned visitations. The first one is to Smile, smile, smile,
always smile (Reid, 2009, p. 281). The second one is, Be polite, regardless
of the response (p281). He pointed out that door-to-door evangelism is
biblical. It saturates the community and it will win some to people to Christ.
(p.282).
List weaknesses of book/file
Although Dr. did an excellent job showing believer the how of
evangelism, at times, I feel that the book is too detailed. Some of the stories
are good but clutter the practical that the author intends to teach. For
instance, Dr. Reid introduced the book with the story of an imaginary church
going to a mission trip in Asia. Suddenly, he concluded the story, Tomorrow
morning your church can do the same thing. You do not need to board a
plane to Asia to go on a mission trip. Every day believers across the United
States awaken and step into the fourth largest unchurched nation on
earth.(Reid, 2009, p.2). These type of stories dominate the entire book. My
advice to Dr. Reid is to keep these stories to minimum.
Quote sentence or paragraph that best reflects the author's thesis:

Life is a mission trip. Take it! Cultivate that vision in your people and
watch them begin to function like missionaries. And relive the book of Acts in
your very lifetime. It will take a movement like that not only to reach the
world but also to reach the West. (Reid, 2009, pp. 2).
Why have you chosen the above quotation?
The key words in the thesis statement is, Relive the book of Acts. This implies that the
believer has to go and preach the gospel to the gentiles (Mark 16:15). The sharing of the gospel
message of Christ is where church growth starts.

READING/FILE REPORT
PLED 974
Dr. Rod Dempsey

NAME: Gesner Noel

DATE: 10/07/13
DUE DATE 06/28/13
GRADE __________________________

Book (author, title, place, publisher, date)

Stetzer, Ed. Planting Missional Churches. Nashville: Tennessee, B&H
Publishing Group, 2006.
Total number of pages: 363
Library Number: 978-0-8054-4370-7
One paragraph summary of book/file
In twenty nine chapters, Dr. Stetzer provides church planters the tools needed to plant
churches that are biblical and relevant to the culture. The purpose, he wrote, is to see a
biblical church planted in a local culture.(Stetzer, 2006, p. xii). From the first chapter, Basics
of Church Planting to the last, Breaking the Mold: Church-Planting Movements, Dr. Stetzers
focus was on mission. He defines mission as, taking the approach of a missionary being
indigenous to the culture, seeking to understand and learn, adapting methods to the mission field
(p. xii). Dr. Stetzer based his argument for planting biblical, missional and cultural churches on

five major terms: missional, incarnational, theological, ecclesiological, and spiritual. Missional
churches are churches that go and tell (p.17) about Jesus in any culture; Incarnational churches
are churches that are fresh expressions of the changing gospel, new missional contextualized
churches in every setting across the globe (p.25); theological churches are churches that restate
the truth of the bible; ecclesiological churches are churches that represent a covenant
community (p. 185); and spiritual churches are churches that function under the power of the
Holy Spirit.
List strengths of book/file
This is a book that every church planter is urged to use because of its practical nature on
the subject of church planting or missional church. Also, Stetzer add more value to this book by
using facts and example from other well-known specialists in the field such as Georges Barna.
This book also introduces some of the most influential ideas circulating around about church
planing. Finally, the annotated bibliography provides the reader a wider field for further
research.
List weaknesses of book/file
Although it is a daunting task to find anything wrong with this book, Dr. Stetzers
position on Matthew 18:20 is very disturbing. He wrote, The presence of Christ does not
necessarily mean that a local church exists (p 156). My concern is that what else can replace the
presence of Christ? Christ is the foundation of the church. If the foundation is removed, where
will the church structure standing?
Quote sentence or paragraph that best reflects the author's thesis:
The goal of church planting is to reach people. They may be postmodern in their

thinking, or they may be Korean or African American or young families or established

professionals or counter-cultural or baby boomers or combinations of the above. (p. 1)
Why have you chosen the above quotation?
This statement embodies the content of the book. It is all about reaching people for
Christ. It is about approaching people, establishing relationship with people for Christ, and
building a Christian a community. And all this has to be done in a way that does not clash with
the message of the gospel and under the power of the Holy Spirit. This results in the spiritual
transformation of a group of people. This covers the five major themes of the book: Missional,
incarnational, theological, ecclesiological, and spiritual.

READING/FILE REPORT
PLED 974
Dr. Rod Dempsey

NAME: Gesner Noel

DATE: 06/15/13
DUE DATE 06/28/13
GRADE __________________________

Book (author, title, place, publisher, date)

Hull, Bill. The Disciple making Church. Grand Rapids: Michigan, Fleming H.
Revell, 1990.
Total number of pages: 250
Library Number: 978-0-8007-5627-7
One paragraph summary of book/file
The The Disciple making Church addresses the problem with
discipleship not only in the early churches but also in todays churches. The
author pointed out how evangelism takes precedence over discipleship. And
those leaders who favor discipleship in a mission aboard church face many
challenges. As a remedy to this problem, Dr. Hull argued in favor of
discipleship from three angles (1) Christ instructed the church to take part in
it. (2) Christ modeled it. (3) The New Testament disciples applied it. (p. 10).

His aim is to (1) To make discipling more acceptable to the established

church. (2) To encourage pastors and church leaders to accept their biblical
mandate. (3) Leadership development. (p. 11).
List strengths of book/file
This book is a practical curriculum on discipleship. The author described in plain
language the steps to take to move a church from a Christocentric model church to a
churchocentric model church. He showed the biblical transition from the two models by using
Three major tracks to guide a church through a transition, and he developed a Three-tiered
seminary course that offers the inspiration and know to make a discipling church. (p. 149-162).
Finally, I gave credit to Dr. Hull for the appendixes which contain very helpful guide for
developing leadership community.

List weaknesses of book/file

The book repeats the same information in the previous two that Dr. Hull wrote. A reader
with the knowledge of the previous two books does not need to purchase this book. There is not
much new information regarding the subject of church discipleship.
Quote sentence or paragraph that best reflects the author's thesis:
The discipling church is the normal church. Disciple making is for every Christian and
every church. (p. 10)
Why have you chosen the above quotation?
This quotation is the core of the book. It represents the intent of the Dr. Hull which is the
development of a discipleship curriculum for churches and Christian. Besides, the thesis
statement reflects the elements of the table of contents where the author outlines four points: (1)

What does disciple making mean?, (2) The first church Jerusalem, (3) The Mission
Church, (4) The Discipling Church.

READING/FILE REPORT
PLED 974
Dr. Rod Dempsey

NAME: Gesner Noel

DATE: 06/15/13
DUE DATE 06/28/13
GRADE __________________________

Book (author, title, place, publisher, date)

Elmer, Duane. Cross-Cultural ServantHood. Downers Grove: Illinois, IVP
Books. 2006.
Total number of pages: 206
Library Number: 978-0-8308-3378-8
One paragraph summary of book/file
This book is about servanhood, its burden and challenges across cultures. First, Dr. Elmer
argues that servanthood must be intentional because it is not natural. Second, servanthood is a
process made of six elements (1) openness, (2) acceptance, (3) Trust, (4) Learning, (5)
Understanding, (6) serving. Finally, servanthood has its implications as leadership and power are

exercised. The author uses Jesus as the greatest model of servant. He argues that transition from
heaven to earth requires great adjustment and humility to serve the new environment biblically
and culturally.
List strengths of book/file
The step-by-step process of becoming a servant listed by the author gives practical
meaning to the book. According to Dr. Elmer, a true servant is to (1) welcome other into his/her
presence, (2) communicate respect for others, (3) build confidence in relationships, (4) seek
information for change, (5) See through the others eyes, (6) become like Christ to others. (p.
38). Those steps are easy to follow if one needs to become a servant. The format of the book is
another strength. The three distinct parts make the book easy to grasp at a glance. It is made of
(1) Part I: Servanthood: Basis Perspectives, (2) Part II: Servanthood: The Process, (3)
Servanthood: The challenges.
List weaknesses of book/file
This book is read like a novel. I think some of the stories that the author shared with his
readers do not add to the values of the book. For instance, the introduction is the story of the
author and his wifes honeymoon. His wife does not know how to cook eggs as eggs are prepared
in the authors culture. This cause some strain in their relationship at an early stage of their
marriage. I think this story is personal and should not have been shared with the readers.
Quote sentence or paragraph that best reflects the author's thesis:
Servanthood is revealed in simple, everyday events. But its complex because
servanthood is culturally defined that is, serving must be sensitive to the cultural landscape
while remaining true to the Scripture. (p. 12)
Why have you chosen the above quotation?

This quote is the embodiment of the authors perception of genuine servanthood. It

relates to both the simplicity and the complexity of servanthood. This quotes expresses both the
burden and the challenges of true servanthood as it should be practiced at home or abroad. It is
not just servanthood but cultural and biblical servanthood.

READING/FILE REPORT
PLED 974
Dr. Rod Dempsey

NAME: Gesner Noel

DATE: 06/15/13
DUE DATE 06/28/13
GRADE __________________________

Book (author, title, place, publisher, date)

Reid, Alvin L. Radically Unchurched. Grand Rapids: Michigan, Kregel
Publications, 2002.
Total number of pages: 197
Library Number: 978-0-8254-3633-8
One paragraph summary of book/file
This book is about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Jesus.
It presents the need and the opportunity to reach the radically unchurched. First, Dr. Reid gave to
his readers a description of radically unchurched people. He identified them as people who have
no clear personal understanding of the message of the gospel, and who have had little or no

contact with the a Bible-teaching, Christ-honoring church. (p. 21). From chapter one to five, the
radically unchurched was profiled in profound manner. Second, Dr. Reid shows his the how to
reach the radically unchurch people. He recommended using the mass media, the internet, and
social media to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to the new generation. He gave concrete
examples of how small gestures like washing cars for free, and giving away popcorn can be very
powerful tools in the evangelist arsenal in reach out to the unchurched. He concluded with a
strong recommendation to passion. He wrote, The single greatest need in the church today is
passion. (p. 194).
List strengths of book/file
The practical nature of this book is a strong statement of the authors background as a
member of the Southern Baptist Convention employee. The authors passion for lost souls
transpires in his book. He takes the evangelists or missionaries by hands, and walks them
through the process of soul winning. He quoted many great men of the Great Awakening to make
his arguments. The quotes that truly stand out are the one from John Wesley who wrote, (1) Let
God set me on fire, an people will watch you burn., (2) Give me one hundred men who fear
nothing but God and hate nothing, and I care not whether they be clergy or lay, I will with them
alone storm the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of God on this earth. (p. 195). Finally, the
easy read format of the book is compelling. The book is divided into two sections only as
explained above. The linguistic style was clear and concise.
List weaknesses of book/file
This book fails to thoroughly inform the reader about the reasons why it is necessary to
reach the radically unchurched. The motivation for evangelism was not transparent in this book.
The author could have compared the features of the lost and the saved as Paul did in Ephesians

chapter two. Although this book is a good book teaching evangelism, the need to show the
lostness of the lost ones was missing throughout.
Quote sentence or paragraph that best reflects the author's thesis:
The single greatest need in the church today is passion. We need, as Jim Cymbala put it,
a fresh wind, a fresh fire. Not a wildfire, but fire that brings both heat and light, both enthusiasm
and substance. A passion focused on our great God. (p. 195).
Why have you chosen the above quotation?
A lack of passion for God is what limits the Church to reach out to the radically
unchurched. Stopping the declining nature of the Church in America requires passionate people
like the prophet Isaiah who said to the Lord, Here am I, send me (Isaiah 6:8); people like
Jeremiah who spoke of Gods words like fire in his bones (Jer. 20:9); people like John the
Baptist who preached like fire against the establishment of his time. Among all these people,
Jesus was the greatest passionate servant leader who loved so much that he died for what he
believed in: Salvation of man for Gods glory.

READING/FILE REPORT
PLED 974
Dr. Rod Dempsey

NAME: Gesner Noel

DATE: 06/15/13
DUE DATE 06/28/13
GRADE __________________________

Book (author, title, place, publisher, date)

Stanley, Andy; Joiner, Reggie; Jones, Lane. 7 Practices of Effective Ministry.
Colorado Springs: Colorado, Multnomath Books, 2004.
Total number of pages: 186
Library Number: 1-59052-373-3
One paragraph summary of book/file
This book is about evaluating church programs. It presents seven practices on how to effectively
manage various church programs. As the authors wrote, The 7 Practices of Effective Ministry is
not so much about what to do as it is about what to ask It will provide you with a new lens
through which to evaluate your current programs and any you may be considering (p. 10). The
authors divided the book into two parts. On the first,

List strengths of book/file

List weaknesses of book/file

Quote sentence or paragraph that best reflects the author's thesis:

Why have you chosen the above quotation?