And the Shofar Blew

I don't read a lot of Christian fiction but I loved this book as it speaks of a reality that few people talk about. A young, enthusiastic and dynamic Pastor is given too much power and has too little accountability in a growing church. He justifies this on the basis that if it is growing it must be a sign of God's blessing and so he continues to move forward gradually using more and more of his own strength and less and less of God's. The change happens over a long period so is less obvious to acquaintances but very obvious to those close to him. He begins to treat family and friends with contempt thinking that they don't understand him or aren't "gifted" in the same way. There is only one way the story can end...

Pride and ambition can show more creep into any Christian's life and ministry and this book is a timely warning especially for those in leadership who might lead others astray. In this book the Pastor has many superficial admirers that continue to praise him and his works even when his sin is hurting others and should be obvious to him. He is blinded to his sin and ignores those that care for him and try to warn him for his own sake, preferring the praise and admiration of those who will soon get bored and move on to someone else. Those who praise him are in reality a stumbling block to him as they allow him to continue in pride.

Recommended for all Christian readers ....as a reminder to stay humble, listen to God and to those that really care about our Spiritual walk. show less

This book starts with a young pastor and his wife being called to lead a small church in a small town in California that seems to be on its last legs. He has a big vision for what it could be and drives hard at it. I read this book as a young pastor within the first month of starting my first job as part of a team leading a church. Because of this coincidence of life circumstances, it had very particular resonances for me.

On a literary front, some of the writing is a bit clunky, but the plot kept me hooked, and I was drawn into reacting emotionally on behalf of the characters, which, for me, is a mark of a book worth reading.

I think that the author makes a strong case against the worse excesses of megachurches, but may overstate it in show more places. Where I am completely with her is in her insistence on the importance of faithfulness to the good news of Jesus, and the centrality of prayer to walking well with God. show less

Pastor Paul Hudson has finally received his calling to lead a church of his own. With his wife and young son, he moves to the small town of Centerville to begin his ministry and breathe new life into the floundering church, eager to prove himself and follow in his mega-church pastor father’s footsteps. But in his zealous pursuit of his own vision for the church, he quickly loses sight of God’s plan.

This book is a warning against the way of the world creeping it’s way into the body of Christ. Some people may appear to be Christians outwardly, but only God knows what’s truly in our hearts. Real faith produces good works, but not all good works are motivated by real faith. But no matter how far off the path we’ve strayed, God has show more the power to transform our hearts and lives, bringing redemption and reconciliation that would be impossible without Him. This is a picture of what a healthy church should look like, and what it doesn’t look like. show less

What a great book! I do enjoy Francine River's writing style especially in her books that focus on real life issues. This one doesn't disappoint. I like the feelings of hope that her books leave me with. This novel focuses on a pastor, Paul Hudson, who is called to pastor a struggling church in a small town. He turns the church around and soon it is no longer struggling at all. What happens in the following years chronicles a man's struggle with power and overcoming past hurts and future temptations. It shows a man's slide from living his life for God to living his life for himself only. Paul hurts his wife and son deeply. He makes a mess of his life. He forgets that God and preaching his word is what is important, not the material show more things. This book really took me on an emotional journey with all these characters and I became attached to them and felt their joys and sorrows. I was sad to see the book end. I would have liked to know what happened still in the next few years. I would highly recommend this novel especially to fans of Christian fiction.

http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/2008/04/and-shofar-blew-by-francine-r... show less

Wow - I really liked this one. Although I think the main character became a little unbelievable for a little while in the middle. Other than that I have nothing but praise. Great story - very contemporary. Well drawn characters & excellent story telling.

. Dynamic young preacher Paul Hudson is committed to building his church - but at what cost? As Paul's zeal and ambition build, he loses sight of the One who called him. As Paul and those around him struggle to discern what it truly means to live out their faith, they must ultimately choose between man's will, and God's.

Fortunately some issues are eventually resolved otherwise it could have been a depressing read. However, it reflected life by not offering quicker resolution. Challenges Christians to be steadfast in their faith and in prayer and to keep the main thing the main thing.