A short book packing a powerful punch and brim-full of wisdom
Jonathan Storey
Wallace Benn's latest book, 'Ministry of the Word' - like so many of 10ofthose's shorter titles - packs an incredibly powerful punch, and far more wisdom than that which we had any right to expect, into its 36 pages. Focusing on Paul's meeting with the Ephesian church leaders (Acts 20: 17-38) Benn draws out challenges for all pastors, preachers and those - all Christians - involved in Word ministry. Reminding the reader first that "the ministry of the Word was to dominate and control every aspect of the life of an overseer/presbyter", and highlighting Paul's lifestyle of humble service of a Lord he loved, Benn then spends time considering each of the seven verbs used by Paul in the passage from Acts 20 to describe the task of Word ministry. It is an astonishing, powerful and crystal-clear model of the Word ministry that he is teaching about - rich in insight and learning, but light in touch and engaging in tone. Benn concludes this wonderful study of Paul's famous last words to the Ephesian church leaders by reminding us of Paul's sensitive and brave proclamation of the gospel "in public and from house to house" (v20), his missionary heart, and his total dependence on God. I defy any Christian to read this and not immediately want to re-read it, pray about it, and preach God's word with energy and love - both, as Richard Baxter said, "privately to a particular sinner" and in public. A brilliant little book.
Jonathan Storey
Grace Church Cheltenham
