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x24gee's review
5.0
I cannot recommend this book more vigorously. It will change the way you think about service in the church or any organization.
anovelfamily's review against another edition
4.0
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
I knew I wanted to read Having Nothing, Possessing Everything when I realized the author has spent his many years of ministry in my home state of Indiana, very near my hometown. I expected another Christian ministry how-to manual, but what I got was a refreshing book that (in my opinion) should be mandatory reading for any church leader, whether in the inner city or elsewhere.
Who better to listen to than a pastor who has spent decades of his life ministering in low-income, inner city areas? Rather than providing answers, checklists or programs, Mather simply wants us to open our eyes and pay attention to the abundant gifts of our neighbors. It is an approach as ancient as the Bible itself, yet forgotten or ignored by the majority of Christian leaders today. He tells story after story of his own experiences in Indianapolis and South Bend, Indiana. He shines light on the innate dignity, power and gifts of those living in low income neighborhoods, rather than focusing on what they lack and encourages his readers to do the same.
"If we begin looking for people's gifts rather than people's needs, then even better things than we thought possible might materialize."
"I discovered that most of the time, the action needed from me was shining a spotlight on the glories of the people in our neighborhood."
Mather's humility is evident throughout the book, but he is clearly a gifted teacher, enlightening us to a simple message that needs to be shouted from the rooftops. I highly recommend this for any pastor, church leader or Christian who has a desire to connect people to their callings and gifts.
I knew I wanted to read Having Nothing, Possessing Everything when I realized the author has spent his many years of ministry in my home state of Indiana, very near my hometown. I expected another Christian ministry how-to manual, but what I got was a refreshing book that (in my opinion) should be mandatory reading for any church leader, whether in the inner city or elsewhere.
Who better to listen to than a pastor who has spent decades of his life ministering in low-income, inner city areas? Rather than providing answers, checklists or programs, Mather simply wants us to open our eyes and pay attention to the abundant gifts of our neighbors. It is an approach as ancient as the Bible itself, yet forgotten or ignored by the majority of Christian leaders today. He tells story after story of his own experiences in Indianapolis and South Bend, Indiana. He shines light on the innate dignity, power and gifts of those living in low income neighborhoods, rather than focusing on what they lack and encourages his readers to do the same.
"If we begin looking for people's gifts rather than people's needs, then even better things than we thought possible might materialize."
"I discovered that most of the time, the action needed from me was shining a spotlight on the glories of the people in our neighborhood."
Mather's humility is evident throughout the book, but he is clearly a gifted teacher, enlightening us to a simple message that needs to be shouted from the rooftops. I highly recommend this for any pastor, church leader or Christian who has a desire to connect people to their callings and gifts.
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