Word on the Wind

Word on the Wind

As the sub-title states, this book deals head on with one of the most challenging issues facing the church: our lack of confidence in the gospel. Few dare to suggest this problem even exists, for to do so draws attention to the responsibility we have as Christians to live gospel-inspired and driven lives. The reality is that in many churches the faith of long established churchgoers has grown tired and weary and it is this lack of life and vitality that is fostering declining attendance figures. Alison sets out to breathe new life into our faith and she does it with a remarkable energy that infected this reader with renewed hope for our church.
The Word on the Wind is divided into three sections through which Alison moves from analysis of where we are, through a presentation of some key ‘tools of our trade’ to an imaginative and encouraging portrayal of what the church could look like if infused with gospel confidence once more. Alison draws extensively on her linguistic expertise and her experience of the church in Africa and this gives her writing added depth and force.
I found one chapter – the Word of God – particularly enabling for in it Alison clearly and simply explains the four key biblical understandings of the term ‘word’ and goes on to explore the importance of these different understandings if we are to have a fully rounded understanding of how God might work through the Word. Crucially, God’s word is alive and concerns deeds and actions, not simply statements and beliefs. If we are to live God’s word we must be open to what it might do to us.
Alison Morgan’s writing is highly engaging and she draws on a breathtaking range of sources that meant that I was continuously dipping into the notes at the back of the book for more detail. (Copious notes, websites , bibliography etc! – Editor) Occasionally this breadth of research lets Alison down but that should not detract from what is an outstanding and inspiring exploration of the living Word of God.

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