As the back cover says, this enriching book offers words of wisdom to Christian leaders. Although geared to younger ministers, I found much of the advice pertinent for all believers especially those involved in ministry. The author draws on his decades of serving in the church and shares personal experiences as well as godly insights. The chapters contain thirteen letters directed to young people and a final one from the younger generation to spiritual parents. Topics covered include service, sacrifice, submission, change, adversity, and other practical subjects, with much scriptural support. I heartily recommend this book, which is easy to read, but harder to put into practice. I was given the book by Book Fun (The Book Club Network), and this is my honest review.

"Awaken: Letters of a Spiritual Father to this Generation" by author Terry Nance is a 176 page paperback book published by Whitaker House. It is written as thirteen letters to young church leaders and new believers as inspiration and encouragement. Any person of any age would benefit from this book. It is extremely well thought and written so that anyone could understand its ideas. The author has outlined the book in such a way that it flows smoothly and reads well. The chapters read easily and give readers many things to ponder. It is a biblically based book.

Author Nance wrote this to help young believers. He offers encouragement and help so that they will not fall prey to the same mistakes their seniors did. He uses real life experiences and quotes in his chapters to make his point. He wants to make the church and its leaders strong again. Urging Christians to be the best that God had has made them and to fulfill His purpose, author Nance tackles subjects such as authority, submission, and prayer among many others. He challenges readers to study scripture, have a deep, intimate prayer life, and to not just sit on the sidelines but be active. He states that the leaders must be good examples and set the standards. They must teach and equip their congregations so that others may go out, too.

I would highly recommend this book. While it is geared to new ministers, leaders, and even believers, older seasoned Christians will certainly find encouragement and inspiration from this heartfelt book. It would be a perfect gift for someone in ministry. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. I was given the book by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.

Awaken by Terry Nance is a book of proverbial words of wisdom. It is written to encourage a generation of new believers to avoid the mistakes of spiritual leaders of the past. It is also a challenge for them to set a standard of holiness for themselves in this age of compromise where the church as a body is today. Even though it is intended for new believers, anyone in Christian ministry can benefit from reading it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Whitaker House in exchange for my honest review.

This book is written as a series of letters to the younger generation, although personally, I feel many generations would glean from reading the content of this book.

Terry uses his personal stories and experiences to encourage this generation to step up to the plate and become all God wants them to be. Each chapter(letter) is thematic and Terry addresses such subjects as Prayer, Sacrifice, Service, Submission, Authority (the use and misuse of it), and so much more. Terry calls this generation to step out and become armor bearers, to follow their dreams, but also to support their leaders; to be a generation of action, not just talk. He stresses the importance of a healthy prayer life, humility, knowledge of the Word, recognizing God's voice and waiting on His perfect timing.

I enjoyed reading this book. I read a chapter a day along with my morning devotions. I felt convicted, encouraged, and inspired. I am not sure of the author's religious affiliation, but most of what I read in this book, stood true to Scripture and was in harmony with my personal beliefs. I feel this book is an asset to any church library, and a great read for teens, young adults and those of us who have been around for a while. It reminded me of Paul's mentor-ship of young Timothy.

I was blessed with a copy of this book courtesy of TBCN and Whitaker House in exchange for my honest opinion. No other form of compensation was provided.

You may be a young Christian leader or a person feeling the call to ministry and leadership. Nance has written heartfelt letters in the style of a spiritual father to help you understand and develop your role in service to the church.

I really appreciate the letters Nance wrote. He emphasizes the weight of God's call to be His spokesperson. He reminds of the standard of holiness that must be set as leaders live as examples to the church. He admonishes leaders that they are to be kingdom leaders, not empire builders. Their role is to make God look better, not themselves.

With heartfelt compassion and godly insight, Nance writes about preparing for ministry when one feels called. He includes practical suggestions for increasing knowledge and experience. He reminds of the importance of prayer, the necessity of sacrifice and faith, submitting to authority, evidencing godly leadership, the reality of spiritual abuse, being a reformer, surviving and learning from adversity, upholding the truth of the Bible, and living in intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

I really like Nance reminding leaders that they are setting the example to others. He suggests high standards for leaders, encouraging them to run the race faithfully to the end. Nance's book is a refreshing one focusing on character rather than numbers. He gives lots of examples of godly leadership, both as illustrations and as encouragement.

I recommend this book to those in church ministry or leadership or feeling the call to ministry and leadership. You'll receive wise words from a spiritual father.

I received a complimentary of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.