Dave Stone (2) (1961–)

Great and simple introduction to different approaches to the task and art of preaching and communicating the Gospel. The selection of communicators offers genuine variety (13 styles, to be exact), however, Stone's categorization in that regard is not entirely academic. I suspect that academically trained communicators will receive this book as a lower brow / popular 'top 13' type collection.

In a sense, that evaluation is true. The categories used are indeed shaped by the personalities show more discussed, and not out of thoughtful reflection on the task of preaching itself. And yet that fact does not preclude thoughtful (and helpful) reflection on what is actually happening in preaching today.

To the point, Refining Your Style is aimed, rather, at the normal pastor who is attempting to self identify and so define what is actually happening in their preaching. The anecdotal and practical edge of this work, which includes an audio cd of examples, therefore cuts quickly past academic questions about communication and goes right for the ways of the pulpit. That makes it a very useful and enjoyable read, (and listen!), especially for a preacher who's trying to grow in their art.

I'd recommend this without hesitation to preachers asking questions either of self-definition and the means and focus of effective expression, or questions of our current culture and functional and creative connections to it. show less

Description:

Building Family Ties with Faith, Love & Laughter is a down-to-earth, common sense guide to strengthening the relationships within one's own home. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a stable marriage and bonding with children from infancy to adulthood, but non-nuclear families are also discussed. (Christian-based)

Review:

This 160 page book covers more topics than I thought possible! Dave stone is a Christian pastor who believes, “The most practical way to spread the gospel is show more through moms and dads who model a genuine faith for their children.” I agree with him, leading by example is a powerful teaching method. I enjoyed the overall structure of this small but mighty resource, the tips – mostly bible-based – were easy to understand and implement. I loved the side notes as well, including: “What we say to our children is prophetic, for better or worse”, “Laughing with someone is exhilarating; laughing at someone is disrespectful”, and “It doesn't matter if your children are five or fifteen, a family mission statement provides a rallying point, a focus, a center of gravity that holds your family together.” I have always known that family dinners are key, as is serving the community together, but I can't believe that I have never thought about free time from distracting electronics (phones, computers, mp3 players, etc...). Just because society is going the way of technology doesn't mean we should become obsessed with it. What happened to old-fashioned “family time”? Game night? Crafts? All are worthy alternatives to texting, especially if they are family-based. This book is going to come in handy! Highly recommended to families looking for a little Godly guidance!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author (Thomas Nelson) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. show less

Based largely on interviews with twelve dynamic and unique preachers (e.g. Gene Appel, Rob Bell, Erwin McManus, Chuck Colson, and Kirbyjon Caldwell), Refining Your Style attempts to learn how preaching can reflect your unique personality and some important principles of communication. In light of these interviews, Stone identifies and develops twelve unique – although not fully independent – communicating styles (e.g. the creative storyteller, the passionate teacher, the unorthodox show more artist, and the practical applicator) in order to empower preachers to find their own voice and learn from others. Great interviews, but author’s commentary leaves something to be desired - B show less

You can read an actual full review on my blog at www.tidbitsofexperience.com. :)