Book Review: Minister's Manual for churches of Christ

This “manual” was a loving gift from the Lebanon Road church of Christ upon beginning our work there. Having just completed reading the book cover-to-cover, I can say it was a wonderful present.

The book is a compilation of “helps” for several aspects of the preacher’s work. Readers will find beginning funeral sermons, wedding aids, outlines for special services, verses to help in specific times of need, and many other materials.

In my opinion, the best parts of the book were:
1. The section on funerals. Not only are there many beginner outlines, but the preacher will also find some general bits of information to help him in the days leading up to the service.

2. The verses on comfort. Jim Bill McInteer, the author, has listed scores of verses to help in different times (those who are sick, those who have just lost loved ones, etc.).

3. The beginning section, which deals with what to do in the first few days and weeks at a new work. Often these “small” details can go overlooked, causing much stress later.

If you are looking for a ton of sermon outlines, this is not the book for you. Also, each section is brief and, in my opinion, should serve as just “the beginning” of working in the areas discussed.

The book is well worth your time, though, and, as Lebanon Road was kind enough to do for me, would make a wonderful gift for a minister (especially if he is new).

The book is published by 21st Century Christian and you can purchase it from their book store.