Finally got my hands on a copy of this book from Matthias Press courtesy of GLO Bookshop, Motherwell. A highly rated review of Christian ministry with a back cover full of positive reviews. Mark Dever says it is the BEST book he has read on the nature of Christian ministry! That’s not hyperbole he says! Here’s a great quote from the opening chapter/pages of the book:
“And that’s the thing about trellis work: it tends to take over from vine work. Perhaps its because trellis work is easier and less personally threatening. Vine work is personal and requires much prayer. It requires us to depend on God, and to open our mouths and speak God’s word in some way to another person. By nature (by sinful nature, that is) we shy away from this. What would you rather do: go to a church working bee and sweep up some leaves, or share the gospel with your neighbour over the back fence? Which is easier: to have a business meeting about the state of the carpet, or to have a difficult personal meeting where you need to rebuke a friend about his sinful behavior?” p. 9.
The Trellis and the Vine, by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne, Matthias Media, 2009.
The Word is near you... 