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 PrintableVersion Building bigger peopleSuccess is more than numbersGiants for GodBUILDING BIGGER PEOPLE Nine years ago, the author was elected as General Superintendent for the Elim Pentecostal Churches, and this book teaches a primary principle that has guided his leadership of that group of churches. Pentecostal theology surfaces (as you would expect!), but while not all readers will agree with all that is said, the basic thesis is helpful — that churches need to aim to grow bigger people, rather than be content with mere numbers. It is written at a level which all would be able to benefit from, and the frequent illustrations are often usefully penetrating. The ‘Bigger People’ of the title are seen as those whose lives are thoroughly subject to the yardstick of Scripture, who see further because their understanding is shaped by Scripture alone. They are people who speak out of an authentic experience of grace which flows from a heart that is unconditionally open to the will of God. They thrive in an environment of encouragement, and are encouragers themselves. So who would benefit from this book? It is written at a popular level, and this reviewer found the last chapter a loose collection of biblical thoughts and anecdotes, which came across as an odd mixture. To sum it up, the biblical characteristics of faith in God’s promises — submission to God’s will, an obedience to all he commands, a vision of what he can do, and a desire to grow in these things — are nurtured here. No quick fix is offered, but the long-term work of producing Christ-like character and lives. And we are reminded that we should be growing as believers, which is no bad thing. Peter Ninnis,
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