Since I like reading and love learning, why don't I enjoy reading more ministry manuals? Whenever I open one I tend go into full-throttle analytic-assault mode and start challenging the author's claims. When someone suggests that their strategy or method is the key to success, I'm dubious. I have a strongly held core-belief that ministry is about building loving relationships. I worry that the method and strategy books oversimplify things and risk advocating ministry that is less than authentic and less than loving.

Recently, I was invited to read and review “Shift”, by Brian Haynes. I didn't know how I'd like it, but I was at least a little bit excited to hear the experiences of a fellow children's minister.

In his new book, Brian Haynes encourages ministry leaders to 'shift' their current strategy to 'family ministry'. Too many parents look to the church (instead of to themselves) to spiritually nurture their children, and too many ministers pour so much energy into church programs that they neglect the spiritual formation of their own kids (a contention which he backs up with personal experience).

The antidote, according to Brian, is having the courage to adjust our lives according to the Old Testament blueprint for Spiritual development. Specifically: encouraging and empowering parents to be primary spiritual influencers in their children's lives. His plan incorporates planned 'faith talks', and impromptu 'God sightings'. He also uses core-competencies to keep track of progress and seven milestones 'that every person growing in his or her relationship with Christ experiences and celebrates.' Each milestone has church and family components, and the church provides a lot of support to parents in the way of events, seminars, and conferences.

Me: “OK you're starting to win me over with your emphasis on family relationships, but isn't this just another strategy? What if your milestones and celebrations aren't as meaningful in my context?"

Brian: (p. 42) “Cookie cutters are for cookies. What I am about to show you is a strategy designed specifically for Kingsland Baptist Church in suburban Houston, Texas. The principles behind this strategy are universal... You're the expert regarding your church and your ministry.”

Me: “I get it. I should get ideas from your plan and let this overarching philosophy guide me as I develop a plan for the people in my life.”

I admit it, this book disarmed the critical-thinking ninja in me just long enough to get through to my heart. Hey, I think I just enjoyed reading a ministry book!