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Pastor Paul Hudson has finally received his calling to lead a church of his own. With his wife and young son, he moves to the small town of Centerville to begin his ministry and breathe new life into the floundering church, eager to prove himself and follow in his mega-church pastor father’s footsteps. But in his zealous pursuit of his own vision for the church, he quickly loses sight of God’s plan.

This book is a warning against the way of the world creeping it’s way into the body of Christ. Some people may appear to be Christians outwardly, but only God knows what’s truly in our hearts. Real faith produces good works, but not all good works are motivated by real faith. But no matter how far off the path we’ve strayed, God has the power to transform our hearts and lives, bringing redemption and reconciliation that would be impossible without Him. This is a picture of what a healthy church should look like, and what it doesn’t look like. ( )

I don't read a lot of Christian fiction but I loved this book as it speaks of a reality that few people talk about. A young, enthusiastic and dynamic Pastor is given too much power and has too little accountability in a growing church. He justifies this on the basis that if it is growing it must be a sign of God's blessing and so he continues to move forward gradually using more and more of his own strength and less and less of God's. The change happens over a long period so is less obvious to acquaintances but very obvious to those close to him. He begins to treat family and friends with contempt thinking that they don't understand him or aren't "gifted" in the same way. There is only one way the story can end...

Pride and ambition can creep into any Christian's life and ministry and this book is a timely warning especially for those in leadership who might lead others astray. In this book the Pastor has many superficial admirers that continue to praise him and his works even when his sin is hurting others and should be obvious to him. He is blinded to his sin and ignores those that care for him and try to warn him for his own sake, preferring the praise and admiration of those who will soon get bored and move on to someone else. Those who praise him are in reality a stumbling block to him as they allow him to continue in pride.

Recommended for all Christian readers ....as a reminder to stay humble, listen to God and to those that really care about our Spiritual walk. ( )

Excellent story for a book club discussion. Francine Rivers creates a story that modern families can relate to. ( )

NO OF PAGES: 435 SUB CAT I: Fiction SUB CAT II: SUB CAT III: DESCRIPTION: God summoned the ancient Israelites with the blast of a ram's horn. And he still calls people to action today! Dynamic young preacher Paul Hudson is committed to building his church---but at what cost? As he and his congregation struggle to live out their faith, they must choose between man's will---and God's.NOTES: Purchased online from CBD. SUBTITLE: