George BarnaRessenyes

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From Bible-based principles to practical guidelines for leading your Ministry to triumph in the area of Church stewardship. Insight into how you can expand the ministry when people are giving less money for the work of the Church. Etc.

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vida cristiana, toma de decisiones, religión

Com este livro, obtenha uma melhor compreensão acerca do conceito, do processo, dos parâmetros e do impacto de uma visão espiritual do futuro, dada por Deus. Entenda a diferença entre visão e missão, desafaça os mitos sobre visão nos quais muitos líderes cristãos acreditam, aprenda as características da visão piedosa, alguns passos práticos para descobrir a visão de Deus para sua vida e seu ministério, entre outras questões importantes para a Igreja.

I was somewhat distracted by the unusual structure and the poor editing. (A good editor would have convinced Barna that the structure didn't work.) I also had some concerns about some of the conclusions (for example, as much as he said he was not providing a formula, that's exactly what he did. Also, some conclusions were based on what I found to be questionable (i.e. Arminian) theology.) However, there were some good snippets and soundbites. Unfortunately, a series of snippets and soundbites, no matter how useful, does not make for a great read. If you are interested in the topic, this might make a nice secondary resource.

I was somewhat distracted by the unusual structure and the poor editing. (A good editor would have convinced Barna that the structure didn't work.) I also had some concerns about some of the conclusions (for example, as much as he said he was not providing a formula, that's exactly what he did. Also, some conclusions were based on what I found to be questionable (i.e. Arminian) theology.) However, there were some good snippets and soundbites. Unfortunately, a series of snippets and soundbites, no matter how useful, does not make for a great read. If you are interested in the topic, this might make a nice secondary resource.

This is a very informative, inspiring book about vision. Each chapter starts with chapter highlights which give the reader valuable insight into what is ahead. Material is broken down into digest-able chunks. There are a lot of basic definitions. Clear information on what vision is and isn't, difference between Godly vision and worldly/business/human vision, as well as many myths people have regarding vision (and the corresponding realities) are presented. The book begins by breaking down the difference between mission and vision and moves on to developing a vision and implementation. The major focus of the book is pastor vision but the last chapter focuses on individual vision development and implementation. I found even the material meant for pastors can easily be applied to lay people and development of personal Godly vision. Barna uses examples from the greats of the Bible: David, Nehemiah, Paul etc to prove his points and encourage the reader. There is also extensive helpful information about how to seek God's vision as opposed to a vision we individually create for ourselves. The reader is encouraged through extensive encouragement and benefits for keeping vision and further challenged with vision killers. Finally, the appendix is an invaluable study guide to further help readers develop and implement vision in their lives personally and in their churches.
Overall this book was encouraging to me personally as a lay person. I have a lot to think on and ponder as I seek God's vision for my life as a result of reading this book. It was an encouraging motivating book that I would recommend to new pastors who are just starting or in seminary and more seasoned pastors who seek vision improvement (or first time creation even) as well as lay people within the church.
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing. This has in no way influenced my review. I was under no compulsion to write a review. All thoughts are my own.

Common sense book about America's spiritual decline. There are a lot of statistics and facts to back up the premise, but most interesting was the call to action that Christians must take if they are to "retake" America.

The reality of activism and getting out to vote for candidates that believe the same way you do is a pretty simple idea, but the reality of actually getting people to do that is difficult.

In Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, researcher and author George Barna throws his hat into the increasingly-crowded Family Ministry arena. The reader will discover the same things that we have come to expect from Barna: massive and thorough research, insights from the Christian community, and helpful evaluation of the data. Much of what Barna has to say focuses on the church's responsibility to create environments where discipleship happens in the lives of children. While he repeatedly acknowledges that discipleship is the primary responsibility of the parents, this book focuses on what churches need to do in that process. I wish he had honed his research more towards parents in evangelical churches and what they do. Such a study would have been more helpful in my opinion. If parents are charged with the responsibility of being the primary disciples of their children (and they are!), then why focus on what the church needs to do to disciple children. This book, while helpful, does not stand up to others in the field. Those interested in digging into family ministry should consider the works of Timothy Paul Jones or Randy Stinson. Those authors focus more on the home and what parents need to do to take seriously their job of discipling their children.

All in all, Barna's work is what most have come to expect from him - sound, well-researched, and well-written. Reading this book will certainly help leaders see the importance of building up future generations for the Kingdom of God.

Five Great Quotes:

"Although fewer that 10 percent of churched households spend any time at all during a typical week either reading the Bible or engaging in substantive prayer as a family unit, about 3 out of every 4 (72 percent) churched parents believe that are doing well when it comes to providing a regular regimen of spiritual experiences and instruction to their children" (133).

"Various studies have confirmed the results of some of our data: By the age of nine, most of the moral and spiritual foundations of a child are in place. From the time a child is born until he or she is in the early primary grades, the child is voraciously consuming cues and lessons related to each of the developmental dimensions. It seems that by the time he or she is nine, the child shifts mental gears and begins to use the cues he or she receives front hat point forward to either confirm or challenge an existing perspective. It also appears that by the time the child has reached this age, it is much more difficult to change an existing view than to form a new view" (65).

"In total, 59 percent of all 13-year-olds are 'notional Christians' - people who say they are Christian but are not committed followers of Christ in any discernible way" (38).

"This is a major reason why youth ministries that are based on large group events have little lasting impact: Nobody really knows the children, cares about them, follows up on them or personally directs their paths in the way that they should go. Teaching a gymnasium packed with kids may be emotionally satisfying for the teacher, but the process leaves much to be desired in terms of human impact" (136).

Analysis, discussion, and assessment of those in America who do not attend or associate with churches based on recent Barna research.

The research covers the "churched" and the "churchless." Most of the "churchless" at one point was associated with a church; most still maintain some belief in God and a good number believe in Christianity. As the research shows well most are not very well trained in Christianity, its worldview or ethics, although the same was true for many who associate with churches.

And then there are the sobering realities in the research. Proportionally most of the churchless are among the youth (Mosaics / Millennials); many are quite aware of the existence of the church but see no need to be a part of it. Relying on mass media approaches will not be very effective with those not associated with churches; then again, the smallest percentage ever polled would look to begin connecting with a church at its assembly. Service, personal contact, etc., are proving to be more likely entry points for the "churchless."

The problems are daunting; institutional loyalties are quite low and skepticism of institutions are quite high. Our culture's elevation of the individual and individualism has meant a corrosion in community and even the perceived need for community. One may want to condemn younger generations for "selfishness," but what if they look at church, ask, "is this worth my time?", and have no reason to say "yes"? Why should it be surprising in such circumstances, if they can find more productive and encouraging uses of their time, that they would not pursue them?

This book is a good clarion call for Christians to live the Christian faith, give people reasons to believe in Jesus and not reasons to stay away, to strive to be better known for what they are for and less about what they are against, and proclaim Christianity as a the challenging character trial it is supposed to be and not just another entertainment option to consume.

Enjoyed this look at the church and these favorite quotes:
It is an urgent plea for people of God to stop dabbling in religion and to grow in spiritual maturity.
How Christian Leaders and Christian Teachers Differ:
How Leaders Operate vs How Teachers Operate
Influence via vision and character vs Influence via ideas and words
Provide direction and motivation vs Provide intellectual challenge
Seek corporate transformation vs Seek individual growth
Love to strategize vs Love to study
Need a core of committed zealots vs Need a teachable audience
Know when to make unpopular decisions vs Teach the truth, even when unpopular
Motivate people to action vs Motivate people to think
Resolve conflict vs Stir up conflict
In fact, we have discovered that the younger the adult, the less interested they are in a smooth presentation. Excellence and professionalism are "performance strategies" that appeal to the late Builders and early Boomers. Among the Busters, however, the keys are relevance, genuineness and authenticity. They are more interested in experiencing a sincere and honest presentation that raises meaningful questions than a polished speech that provides all the answers. Preachers who address the audience without constant reference to notes, and those who do not "hide" behind a pulpit, also seem to generate a more positive response from their listeners.
The future of the Church in America depends largely upon the spiritual commitment of families.
Someday God will ask you to give an account for your time on earth. What report of your commitment to practical, holy, life-transforming service will you be able to give Him?

Supplement to Leadership Journal

This statistician is changing the way pastors think.

The challenge to you and to me is to present the truth of the gospel to people in a form they can understand, consider, and accept.

Work is redeemed only when we have God at the center of our efforts

How to overcome barriers to growth and bring New Life to an established Church.

Television evangelists 'spend about helf as much time fund raising as commercial broadcasters use to air advertisements."

There is something inherently damaging about being in pastoral ministry

A fast-paced, and accurate view of the world as we know it today, and the implications of what today will bring on the morrow, as viewed through the perception of visualizationist, George Barna.

Applying Christian principles, Barna challenges each of us to come to know, embrace, and bring positive changes to the world about us for the glory of God, and the good of mankind.

I found Barna to have good insight and perception of what the world is facing today. I highly recommend FUTURECAST to anyone concerned with what the future may hold for us individually, and as a greater part of the family of man.

I give this book my Five Star rating and my Thumbs Up award!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Tyndale Publishers for independent review at no charge.

We live in changing times. What does it all mean? How far have we come? All of these questions ultimately lead to a rather big question: where is it all headed?

Even in seemingly less transitional periods in history, mankind has always sought to know what will happen in the future. While it is foolish to attempt to make grand declarations about the nature of the future, it is possible to get a glimpse of what might be based upon current trends-- and this is what George Barna attempts to do in Futurecast: What Today's Trends Mean for Tomorrow's World. He uses the data obtained by Barna studies over the past few years to chart the ideas, attitudes, and behavioral patterns of Americans of all ages, and based upon the trends that exist today, seeks to present a plausible picture of the types of attitudes that will be prevalent over the next few decades.

The book begins with more "secular" themes, describing current trends regarding lifestyle, family, attitudes, values, media, technology, and the like. Most of what is described in this section would be intuitive for a lot of people: expectation of greater use of online and electronic media; growing diversity in lifestyles and choices and the acceptance thereof; weakening commitments to the concept of absolute truth, let alone morality. One sobering statistic: 15% of polled teenagers believe that there is such a thing as absolute truth. That means that 85% have bought in to the relativist/postmodernist view of truth to some extent-- and that will impact the future!

One trend that made sense when I heard it yet with which I was not as familiar was the growing acceptance of mediocrity in work on account of the emphasis on process. In Barna's designation I am on the tail end of the "Busters," and my children are all "Digitals." The "Mosaic" generation in between has been greatly impacted by the emphasis on self-esteem, effort, and process irrespective of accomplished result (as well described in "How To Land Your Kid in Therapy", by Lori Gottlieb, The Atlantic July/August 2011: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/07/how-to-land-your-kid-in-ther.... For this generation overall, value is placed more on process and collaboration than excellence in the final product. It was interesting to me since I am not that old but still feel the disconnect between the drive for excellence with which I was raised and in which I was cultured versus this new trend-- a microcosm of the daunting challenge of different generations attempting to come to an understanding with each other.

The second half of the book focuses more on the "spiritual" side: religious beliefs, religious practice, and institutional faith. Everything described in this section is consistent with what one would hear in other books by Barna and other books of this genre: a majority profess Christianity while a small minority gets anywhere near to a Biblical worldview (reckoned at less than 5%, and less than .5% of teenagers) and having a faith that really impacts their life; people have stronger belief in God, Jesus, and the Bible than in churches and ecclesiastical institutions; mainline Protestantism is in decline at the expense of evangelicals, especially charismatics, and the drive toward less institutional forms of religiosity and toward more "organic" and "spiritually meaningful" associations and groups. Barna's prejudice toward house churches is present although would likely be missed by people who have not read previous books by him.

The book concludes with chapters describing the projected demographic profile of America in the first half of this century along with a conclusion intended to spur the reader to action: these trends exist today but they are not dictators. The trends can be redirected.

It is a nice, hopeful conclusion, and I share in Barna's view that the best way to see transformation is when people submit to Jesus our Lord and prove willing to accomplish spiritual transformation through their obedience to Christ and the strength which He supplies toward believers.

Barna is Evangelical, and a fan of the house churches, and so the appropriate warnings about faith only and whatnot apply; likewise, he peculiarly emphasizes the idea that all spiritual gifts must be supernatural in nature, an emphasis that does not seem to be all that necessary. Yes, God gives people abilities, but that need not be supernatural-- we all find ourselves to be talented in various ways, and since God has made us, those more "natural" abilities are as much gifts from God as anything "supernatural" which He could bestow. There are also hints at many points in the book exemplifying connections between faithfulness and a certain conservative political affiliation and view of America, which is also not at all necessary.

This book is highly recommended for all who want to have an impact on the future toward the advancement of the glory of our Lord Jesus inasmuch as Barna, in my view, accurately describes much of the current condition of things and where it is likely to be headed. And, faithful to my generation, I will say that the trends "are what they are." They can be lamented and they can be decried; there would be sufficient reason for either or both. But what good will lamenting and decrying them do? Better to understand the situation on the ground so as to develop ways of communicating with people with radically different worldviews to persuade them that their worldview is insufficient and does not make the best sense of all the evidence at our disposal. Working to challenge ideas and to persuade men regarding Jesus the Christ and obedience to Him, consistent with 2 Corinthians 5:11 and 10:5, will be more effective to advance the Kingdom and God's purposes than yelling, screaming, and attempting to dogmatically assert the ideologies of a bygone era. Yet all of this must begin by being informed of the situation-- and for this, Barna's book is quite helpful.

*--book received as part of early review program½

18-25 yr olds, what did they do last week. Cultural codes in America

Not the best book out there on this subject, but it's okay.In my opinion, the author doesn't sound like he had passed through the cynical phase when this book was written. But if you can filter that effectively, or if you are cynical enough yourself, then this may be the book for you. It is a mostly deconstructive book, so if you read it and especially if you are going through the deconstructive phase, then remember that you will eventually need to go through a constructive phase. At that time, look for another book on this. Maybe "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore" by Jake Colsen, "The Naked Church" by Wayne Jacobsen, "Reimagining Church" by Frank Viola, or even "The Present Future" by Reggie McNeal.

This book is for those who want to realize their maximum leadership potential. The author is the founder of the Barna Group, a market research company specializing in Religious beliefs in America. After studying the paths of many leaders, he shares his findings to show how to avoid some common mistakes and how to become like them in effective leadership.

George Barna has written so many books on topics like leadership, the Christian faith, and church ministry that I am surprised that it has taken me so long to read one of them. That changed when I received a copy of Barna’s most recent book Master Leaders: Revealing Conversations with 30 Leadership Greats.

Barna’s imagination takes the reader along with 30 contemporary leaders to attend the Master Leader Conference. The account of this fictional conference allows the reader to eavesdrop in on many behind the scenes conversations that take place between the conference speakers pertaining to a number of leadership principles.

Although the setting of the conversations is fictional, Barna’s research is not. Barna has creatively woven together many quotes from his interviews with leaders in business, sports, government, education, and Christian ministry in a way that keeps the reader engaged.

I found that this book was very well organized with respect to the various principles of leadership Barna wished to demonstrate. Although I read the book cover to cover, one might find that particular chapters would be more relevant to their present situation.

As a pastor I found it very helpful to read a book on leadership that wasn’t written entirely from a Christian ministry perspective. The variety of leadership backgrounds presented gave a more complete picture about what leadership is in way that could be translated into almost any area.

Master Leaders will stay on my self, and I would recommend it to anyone currently serving in a position of leadership, or for anyone wanting to encourage the leaders that they serve under.

You can read the first chapter of Master Leaders in PDF format.

Note: A copy of Master Leaders was provided to me free from Tyndale House Publishers as a part of the Tyndale Blog Network. The opinions I have expressed are my own.