Word and Power Church, The

Rating:
Summary: A must read for those who want it all . . . power and truth!
Review: Banister has an outstanding ability to bring reason and passion together. This is the blueprint for the church in the next century. So many of us know that we want more, but ignorantly hold to what's comfortable . . . and hauntingly dissatisfying.

The Word and Power Church will hopefully become a rallying cry for the body of Christ to embrace the Truth of God's Word and the Power of His Spirit.

Rating:
Summary: An incredible work for those looking past dry orthodoxy...
Review: Banister pens an incredible work for those looking to move beyond dry orthodoxy and into passionate, spirit-driven relationship with Christ. He pushes you to take that plunge into the unknown, to that place you so much want to go, to where you feel God tugging you... that place where what's going on in your heart matches what's going on in your head... to where you not only know ABOUT God, but have an experience of Him.

I like Banister's honest approach (i.e., he speaks of his role as a pastor, and of preaching, but still feeling this tension). He doesn't back down from his own shortcomings, offers a clear perspective about his own biases, and never fails to let you know where he stands...

His goal... it seems it to bridge that gap between orthodox evangelicalism and passionate pentecostalism-- and show us that we (he writes from the side of evangelicalism) need not sacrifice thick Truth in order to worship-- and experience God passionately, as our "Charismatic" brothers and sisters do. Nor, do they have to negotiate their passions when seeking out deeper revelations of God in His word. It's not that you have to choose this OR that, Banister suggests. Rather, we are invited to experience God in Word and in Spirit-- in Word and in Power-- or, as Jesus suggests, in Spirit and in Truth.

Is an excellent book to read, as well, if you are coming from the Pentecostal side of Christianity, and are looking for solid theological footing, and wondering if you must comprimise your style of worship, your exercise of the prophetic gifts, etc., in favor of depth. This is not to suggest that you would lack depth simply because you are coming from that perspective. And, Banister conveys that well.

We can learn from each other. Indeed, we SHOULD learn from each other. For we are one in Christ.

Rating:
Summary: Both/And, not Either/Or
Review: People in the middle are often roundly criticized by those on either side of an issue, but the middle is usually where the truth is at. The author of this book seeks to enrich the Christian community by embracing both the what the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches have to offer and what the Evangelical churches have to offer. The division of these traditions into word and power churches is a little overly simplistic and may be initially offensive, but if you read the whole book you find yourself agreeing with the spirit of what the author is trying to accomplish. Why are there such differences in emphasis among Bible-believing, orthodox Christians? Although some of this diversity may be a good thing for reaching different types of people in different types of communities, we could all use a huge dose of humility to see the value in the culture and emphasis of other Christian groups. This book is a wonderful contribution in this direction. Even if the reader is uncomfortable with some of the practices and/or conclusions of the author, reading this book is a good idea for those trying to understand where others are coming from.

Rating:
Summary: Both/And, not Either/Or
Review: People in the middle are often roundly criticized by those on either side of an issue, but the middle is usually where the truth is at. The author of this book seeks to enrich the Christian community by embracing both the what the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches have to offer and what the Evangelical churches have to offer. The division of these traditions into word and power churches is a little overly simplistic and may be initially offensive, but if you read the whole book you find yourself agreeing with the spirit of what the author is trying to accomplish. Why are there such differences in emphasis among Bible-believing, orthodox Christians? Although some of this diversity may be a good thing for reaching different types of people in different types of communities, we could all use a huge dose of humility to see the value in the culture and emphasis of other Christian groups. This book is a wonderful contribution in this direction. Even if the reader is uncomfortable with some of the practices and/or conclusions of the author, reading this book is a good idea for those trying to understand where others are coming from.

Rating:
Summary: Autobiographical Fluff
Review: Several years ago I purchased this book, as something my associate pastor and I could read together. After just one or two chapters, we abandoned it and have never bothered with it again. I went on to read it for myself later.

If you are interested in the subject of Pentecostalism, or related matters, I can suggest several vastly better books ("better" in the sense of dealing with important passages of the Bible, issues and disputes, and so on). This book is a hybrid of Bannister's pastoral autobiography and feelings, combined with some simple op-ed material about the relationship between Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal churches, plus stories. Did I say "simple"? I should say "simplistic".

Bannister shows no real ability to handle the Scriptures here; he really doesn't even try. Almost everything in the book revolves around himself and his feelings and subjective impressions about things. The contents are very much experience-centered and needs-driven. He claimed to have been on the verge of a nervous breakdown, for which I feel great sympathy. But I don't think someone who had been on the verge of a nervous breakdown was in a good place to make momentous belief-shifts, or analyze American Christianity, or write a book about it (unless he was just speaking hyperbolically, which I guess he might have been).

FYI, Bannister no longer pastors the church about which he writes.

You would be better off buying that "Four Views on Spiritual Gifts" text edited by Wayne Grudem, and Regal Press has some good stuff on the whole subject of the Third Wave, gifts for today, and related matters. You will soon find this book in the $4.99 box at your local Kroger's "Christian Book Sale" bin.

Rating:
Summary: Changing times for a changing church
Review: This book is easy and quick-paced reading. It focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of both evangelically-based (word) and charismatically-based (power) churches. The thrust of the book is churches which are focused on the extremes of either. What I like about the book is that it does not attempt to change one's view (as flawed as it may be) on the "ideal" church and its worship services and functions, it simply, yet effectively, directs the reader to biblically-based and historically-based alternatives to understanding God and the ways that He works. Be they through verses in the Bible or a more dramatic emotional experience. I do not agree with every single thought neither am I moved by every single story and example. However, that does not make the ideas proposed any less effective. Having said that, I am going to order a dozen of these books and give them out to other open-minded Christians who are ready to be at the forefront of a changing church. God help us all.

Rating:
Summary: Changing times for a changing church
Review: This book is easy and quick-paced reading. It focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of both evangelically-based (word) and charismatically-based (power) churches. The thrust of the book is churches which are focused on the extremes of either. What I like about the book is that it does not attempt to change one's view (as flawed as it may be) on the "ideal" church and its worship services and functions, it simply, yet effectively, directs the reader to biblically-based and historically-based alternatives to understanding God and the ways that He works. Be they through verses in the Bible or a more dramatic emotional experience. I do not agree with every single thought neither am I moved by every single story and example. However, that does not make the ideas proposed any less effective. Having said that, I am going to order a dozen of these books and give them out to other open-minded Christians who are ready to be at the forefront of a changing church. God help us all.

Rating:
Summary: This book is excellent!!
Review: This book shows how one church has blended the stengths of the two great movements - the charismatic and evangelical. The analogy is made that these two rivers can merge into one, and in fact it has been merged at the author's church. It is encouraging to see that the future of the church body as a whole can and should be united. A wonderful read. I enjoyed every chapter!