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Two new book reviews posted
By John Rothra | August 9, 2008
Two new book reviews have been posted. These examine Roy Fish’s When Heaven Touched Earth and G. A. Pritchard’s Willow Creek Seeker Services. Fish’s work examines the often overlooked awakening of 1858, sometimes called the ‘prayer revival’ due to its spread through prayer. Due to its proximity to the Second Great Awakening, this revival is often forgotten, possibly since it lacked any distinct leadership such as Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, or Charles Finney.
Pritchard’s work offers an objective examination and evaluation of one of the most influential models of church services in recent decades: Willow Creek’s “seeker service.” This style of worship service and evangelistic outreach has been the subject of much criticism and praise. Pritchard ignores the rhetoric and offers a balanced look at the service.
Topics: Evangelism, JRothraMinistries Updates |
August 9th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Just wondering if Pritchard’s book mentions when the research on was actually done? I read another review that seem to imply it was as early as 1983, which I think is too early for some the staff that I believe was interviewed. I’m guessing late 80s.
August 10th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Jim,
I don’t recall if the book states the years the research was done, but if I remember correctly, it was done in the years just prior to the reviews by the Willow Creek members. I think 1983 is too early. It’s possible that Pritchard began his research then. However, I can’t say with any precision the dates of the evaluation.
As with any work of this time, one must always consider that it is written with a specific time setting and that things may have changed since it’s publication. Nevertheless, the book, such as Pritchard’s, remains a valuable resource within its subject.