Tag Archives: books

A Homemade Commercial for My Book

Look, I don’t have a couple of grand to spend on marketing. Yes, I know that the publisher can do things I can’t. But dang! I just can’t fork out that kind of money for some polished video and other bells and whistles.

However, given that I have an iPhone and a little creativity, nothing stopped me from making my OWN video! I know, it’s a lot longer than the kind the big marketing folk make, but who cares?

I can edit later, if needed, but I hope you like this version.

Sit back and enjoy the movie šŸ˜‰

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Filed under ministry, Reading, writing

You Can Do This! Change Your Church AND Your Community!

Look, I know it’s a bad time to ask you to buy anything, especially since, you know, inflation and all that.

However, I’d really love for you to get a copy of my new book in your hands. Believe me, you’ll find it very encouraging and helpful for you and your local congregation.

Don’t believe me? Read this comment:

A cool program for door-to-door community ministry in today’s mistrustful social environment. This is a complete step by step program that can be implemented by any small (or large) church. Street of the Week is not “in your face” or obnoxious. It leans on the power of praying specifically for the people on a given street and delivering fresh cookies!

T. Warner

Thank you for considering it, both for you, your pastor, and a friend šŸ™‚

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Filed under book review, Witnessing, writing

I Can’t Change the Subtitle. It Stays.

Recently I shared with some close friends and others for which I have great respect the first example of a potential cover for my next book. I wanted input, but mainly on the layout, graphics, etc. However, a few of them took a slight issue with the subtitle: “Reinventing Door-to-Door Ministry for a Calloused Culture and a Cowardly Church.”

What did they say about it? Well, maybe what you are thinking, too. They advised I tone it down, if only a little, because a lot of church folk have “thin skin.” That’s a no brainer.

However, not to be obstinate, but if I change the title of a book that is designed to specifically address the actual cowardice running rampant in a large part of the Church, would I not be guilty of the same?

I just can’t change it. It has to stay.

But if it helps, let me share with you the short introduction to “You’re Our Street of the Week: Reinventing Door-to-Door Ministry for a Calloused Culture and a Cowardly Church.”


The Introduction

Thank you so much for either picking up a copy or downloading the digital version of this manual for developing a ā€œStreet of the Weekā€ outreach ministry. It is a tremendous blessing to me that you have the desire to reach your community with the love and message of Jesus Christ!

            When you read the subtitle, did it shock you? You know, the part where I called the Church cowardly? I can sympathize. Honestly, it stung my spirit a little when I typed it for the first time. After all, we are the Church Triumphant marching toward Zion, and not even the gates of hell can stand against us! Yet, no scientific survey is needed to conclude that most professing Christians – even active church members – are terrified of knocking on a stranger’s door, even in their own community!

            But it’s not just the fearful saint; it’s the cynical and suspicious public that’s grown calloused to door-to-door visits. And it’s not just Christians they distrust; it’s every stranger who shows up uninvited and unannounced to their front door. There used to be a day in America when a person could make a living going door-to-door selling vacuum cleaners, brushes, encyclopedias, life insurance, and even Bibles! People were more trusting, more hospitable, and even naĆÆve. Not today. No way!

            People have caught on and don’t want to be ā€œsoldā€ anything, especially from somebody who rudely interrupted their evening meal. On top of that, the average Christian is either too nice to bother anyone or too intimidated by the ā€œdon’t judge meā€ culture to openly share their faith.

            So, how are the instructions in this little book supposed to change anything? What in this book is going to re-vitalize an obsolete, antiquated, and polarizing church ministry which strikes fear into nearly every believer? Will the instructions within calm nerves, stop knees from quaking, and miraculously inject the courage of a lion into the participant’s heart?

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  YES! I am bold enough to promise that YES, it will do just that! But there’s only one…and it’s a biggie…just one BIG requirement. Are you ready for it?


The draft is still with the editors, but it won’t be too long till it’s finished and available.

Stay tuned šŸ™‚

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The Illustrious Employments of Doctor Baker

Dear wonderful friends,

Please give me your opinion about something.

What would spark your interest…what would make you want to pick it up a book about my career choices?

It’s going to be a memoir, of sorts. But more than that, it’s a story of how the jobs I worked contributed to and made a way for what I am doing today.

Sound boring?

Fun facts:

  • I’ve held jobs in approximately 10 different industries
  • Licensed or certified in at least 5 different industries
  • I’ve nearly been crushed, shot, and bitten.
  • I’ve crawled under haunted houses, been stuck in killer radiation, and stared down hundreds of poisonous spiders.
  • I’ve worked in every form of weather, dodged multiple tornadoes, and done six-wheel drifts in a school bus full of elementary children.
  • I’ve built things, destroyed things, repaired things, designed things, and killed things.
  • All total, unless I’ve missed something, I’ve had 50 jobs, and I’m just 53.
  • And now I am the 50th pastor of a 230-year-old church, and this is my 50th job!

More than just a collection of stories arranged in chronological order, I want this to be an ode to those who are in bi-vocational ministry. I want it to encourage the idea that all work is “sacred.” I want it to be a testimony to how God can use whatever we do to prepare us for the next step or the next call to ministry.

Would you think it interesting enough to read?

What if it was full of crazy stories, funny stories, heartfelt stories, etc.?

How do you think it should be arranged? What kind of format?

As a preacher, I really don’t need a book of illustrations – I have lived the illustrations!

What should be the ultimate connecting theme?

What are your thoughts?

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From a Suggested Reading: The Need to See Scars

As I was sitting here in my study and reading a book that a church member gave me, I came across something I had to share…because I totally agree.

In his book Take the Dimness of My Soul Away, William A Ritter shares several sermons he delivered over the years following the suicide of his son. At the beginning of the third chapter entitled “Making It,” Ritter wrote something that mirrors my own philosophy of pastoral ministry.

When I read it just a couple of minutes ago, I knew I had to share it with you.

“We who follow Jesus need not hide our hurts. Not all wounds need covering. Even in the pulpit. Especially in the pulpit. People need to know that even preachers have been through some wars and accumulated some scars. But they also need to know where and how healing is taking place.” p. 38

I hope you’ve realized I’m not perfect.

I hope you’ve realized I have scars.

But please know that Jesus is the Hope through which healing and thriving is possible.Ā 

 

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Filed under Christianity, grace, ministry, Struggles and Trials

Mr. Monkey Endorses My Book

Just for fun, I am reblogging this post from several years ago (I do miss that study).

If you’ve never read my book, you can still order it. It’s a good read, even though I don’t drive a school bus anymore.


A Monkey’s EndorsementĀ 

If you have been waiting to hear glowing endorsements before purchasing my book Life Lessons from the School Bus, then wait no longer.

On today’s edition of “Monday Monkey” Mr. Monkey will share a few words regarding the book and our friendship.

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Filed under book review, Monday Monkey

Getting Out the Message

There is a message in my little book, and there’s a group of people who need to read it. 

Watch my video, then pray about the need. 

Thanks!

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Leaving My Study; Medical Update; and Drinking Urine: A VLOG

I know it was a long title, but watch the video and it will all make sense.

Update to the “urine” story: She walked in the wrong direction.

I know it’s not funny. I’m sorry. Really, I’m glad the lady survived; it could have turned out much worse.Ā She was very courageous for what she did, seriously.Ā  http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/yearinoffbeatgoodnews/las-vegas-woman-who-walked-26-miles-in-snowy-grand-canyon-to-save-family-tells-ordeal/ar-BBxDcMA?li=AAk6ORB&ocid=spartanntp

 

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Filed under current events, General Observations

“I Love to Tell the Story” (a Guest Post by: Jared Bolstridge)

Jared Bolstridge is not a blogger, nor does he play one on TV, but he is the Youth Pastor at our church. Jared wanted to help out during my break by submitting the following thoughts. As you may gather, Jared is an avid reader and loves Jesus. And to think, this young scholar is not as old as some of the clothes in my closet! – Anthony Baker

Other Books

The Bible is a book that has changed my life. It remains at the center of it and guides my everyday life. I love the Scriptures, and tell anyone who will listen that the answers to life and godliness are clearly given within.

Besides the Bible, however, there are other books that have had a deep impact on my Spiritual walk. While commentaries, theology texts, books on the Christian walk, dating books and other Christian books have been well worth the time, another category continually rises above these.

Is this wrong? Should we reject these and say only Scripture should be read?

Never! For the truth is that in the lives of these faithful believers we see the Scriptures lived out again and again. We see God work in ways never expected and superhuman perseverance by the power of the Holy Spirit. In them we see the gospel played out!

Stories

I cannot emphasize enough the role these stories play in the lives of a 21st century believer! If you have never read them before, read them and watch your world transform. If the names I have mentioned are as familiar as old friends, read them again, I certainly do. If you are a parent, pay careful attention, at all cost get these stories into the hands of your children and teenagers. Watch as their lives are transformed and rejoice as you see them dream big dreams for God!

The books that have had the most influence have been the stories of Jesus-followers who have come before me. Simple stories. Missionary stories, stories about the persecuted, stories of the great preachers of days gone by and stories about sinners being dramatically saved by the grace of God. These stories have changed my life.

What is it about a story? While one can never go wrong reading Tozer, Lewis, Swindoll or Bridges, the truths found in these fine theologians have never stuck with me the way stories have. I learned more about forgiveness from Corrie Ten Boom’s experiences than I ever did reading a book entitled ā€œ10 Truths About Forgiveness.ā€

Other Teachers

I learned courage from the likes of Gladys Alyward and Richard Wurmbrand. I learned sacrifice from Hudson Taylor and Jim and Elizabeth Elliot, perseverance from William Carey, stubborn conviction from D.L. Moody and compassion from Amy Carmichael. These were my teachers and mentors among so many others. It was their stories that have inspired me and continue to do so today.

The gospel has been played out millions of times in the lives of those before us, it never gets old, worn or tired. It is new every time. Read, be inspired, go and do likewise!

A list of suggested works:

  • Tortured for Christ- Richard Wurmbrand (Free at http://torturedforchrist.com/)
  • God’s Smuggler- Brother Andrew
  • The Hiding Place- Corrie Ten Boom
  • Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman- Autobiography
  • A Chance to Die- by Elizabeth Elliot about Amy Carmichael
  • Jesus Freaks v1 and v2- A modern Foxes Book of Martyrs, great for teenagers
  • Christian Heroes Then and Now Series- Great starting point for kids.

and so many more…

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Filed under Bible Study, blogging, Christianity, Faith, Guest Posts

A Book Title Poem

About the Books

About three years ago I received a rather large addition to my personal library. In addition to the over a thousand books in my office, nineteen banker’s boxes full of books was given to me by a former seminary professor.

This professor of theology, a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Seminary and a contemporary of David Platt, was from Canada. When his work permit in America expired he found himselfĀ unable to ship his library back home – the cost was prohibitive. Therefore, he offered them to me to keep and use in his absence. He said, “If I don’t come back in a couple of years, just consider them yours to keep.”

It’s now been three years, and I’m just now starting to unwrap the “gift.” I hope he forgot me.

The Box

FullSizeRender (4)I’ve seen how people have been writing poems by using the titles of books. Linda Kruschke is a good example (click HERE to read her latest poem, My Soul Feels Peace).

So, what I did was open up one of the boxes of books (one of which I’d already written the contents on the lid), reached down inside and pulled out a decent stack, and then arranged the stack into a pyramid…largest book on the bottom, smallest on the top.

The poem that I proceeded to write was based on the titles of the books from top to bottom.

The Poem

The Science Question

The Science of God is the study of God

It’s something we call Theology.

The Apostolic Fathers taught it well,

Setting the standards for what would be.

The science would produce Three Views on Eastern

Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism

But Apologetic Preaching would come along

To combat what we’d come to call pluralism.

What’s True for You, but Not for Me

May give you A New Perspective on Jesus,

But be mindful of The Origin of Christology

And don’t neglect to peruse some Aquinas.

There’s something about The Passionate Intellect

That leads some to question, ā€œDoes God Exist?ā€

But the wise understand Creation Out of Nothing

Was breathed by the God of The Ten Commandments.

And now that the Fathers are long past gone

The Cross of Christ is the message they give.

This new generations of scientific theologians

Who preach as they ask, ā€œHow Should We Then Live?ā€

 

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Filed under Apologetics, Christian Living, poetry, Theology