Awaken: Letters of a Spiritual Father to This Generation

Evangelical minister Nance (God’s Armorbearer) offers a collection of letters to young Christians from traditionalist churches aimed at helping them develop “Christian character.” He challenges the young or new in the faith to set high standards of holiness, build character rather than charisma, endure suffering for righteousness’s sake, and persevere in humility until the end. Nance uses personal stories and meticulous biblical references to argue that there’s a sickness in church culture that only new leadership can heal: spiritual abuse of power, personal hubris, sexual sin, and a liberal shift from absolutist theology. “Jesus made it simple. There is one God, one Book, one way.” Nance’s mentoring epistles conclude with a chapter by three young Christian leaders. They demand truth in a marketplace of ads; authenticity, not hyperbole; relationships built over time instead of youth used up like a renewable resource; and a listening ear and a correcting heart. Nance’s newest release advances his body of work on the elements of leadership required of faithful conservative Christians. For those who are not conservative Christians, it provides insight into an authentic traditionalist theology active in many churches today. (Jan.)