You Want to Know these 21 Lessons for Life & Ministry
Sometimes, a book truly helps us to be better people and followers of Jesus. Tom Lane’s book, Tested and Approved: 21 Lessons for Life and Ministry, is one. It’s not a “self-help” book but rather a “soul-help” book.
The lessons he breaks down reorient our perspectives so that we can be most effective in our callings. His message is approachable and oh so relevant for our daily lives, whether we are in ministry or pursuing our passions elsewhere.
Since I’m not in full-time ministry, I’ll be sharing some of the practical personal takeaways that stood out to me as a writer and educator. Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win your own copy of this book.
Why I devoured this book
I have to begin with the first lesson, because it is so simple yet challenging: Ministry and life are not fair.
Since childhood, our parents have been telling us that life’s not fair. While intellectually we know this fact to be true, inherently we buck against this reality. As a result, many of us struggle with comparison.
Lane addresses the heart of the matter with a simple question. “You know God is in charge, right?”
Well, of course God is in charge. But do we act as though we believe He is? This is just one example of how Lane effectively reorients our thinking Godward. “God your Father knows exactly what is best for you, far more than you know yourself. Rest in that truth.”
So good! And I’ve barely scraped the surface of chapter one.
Some other principles that impacted me include:
- Each of us should recognize the dignity of our work and that we can represent God in any chosen field. (Lesson 2)
- God’s definition of success looks like this: “the obedient fulfillment of God’s will and desires.” (Lesson 4)
- We need to take seriously our responsibility to build relationships with the authorities in our lives. (Lesson 5)
- We need to study and apply the five components of wealth building to be good stewards. (No spoilers: You’ll have to read the book to find out what they are.) (Lesson 6)
- Real excellence starts with our attitudes, not the size of our platforms. (Lesson 9)
- If we’re in a season of waiting, we could very well be exactly where God wants us. (Lesson 10)
- We live life in seasons, and each one has a purpose. (Lesson 15)
- God controls our platform of influence, not us. (Lesson 17)
- To fight against the Enemy’s temptations, we must surround ourselves with allies. (Lesson 20)
This book is one I see myself returning to year after year to refresh my perspective and keep me grounded in biblical truth concerning God’s plan for my life.
How you can win your copy
Tested and Approved is available wherever books are sold, and today, I’m also giving away one hardcover copy.
To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. You could say which of the above life lessons stood out to you or why this book might be helpful for someone you know. You may also share my related posts on Facebook or Twitter. (Just be sure to tag me!)
A few considerations:
- You must be over 13 years of age to enter.
- You must have a US address. (Sorry to my international friends!)
- The winner’s name may be posted on this site and/or social media.
- While this contest may be shared on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with these entities.
The giveaway runs through Sunday, February 14, and I’ll announce the winner on the blog and Facebook that week.
~ Kristen
Special thanks to the Blog About Blogger Network for hosting this giveaway.
All quotes are taken from: Lane, Tom. Tested and Approved: 21 Lessons for Life and Ministry. Gateway Press, 2020.
Congrats to the Giveaway Winner!
Congrats to Kerri for winning a copy of Tested and Approved! Thank you to everyone who participated.
14 Comments
Cindy McDonald
“God controls our platform of influence, not us” is so correct.
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Amen to that! Thanks for your comment, Cindy.
Kerri Norrod
This book sounds wonderful. I love the reminder that that God knows exactly what is best for you, far more than you know yourself. Sounds like this book could really minister to me. I also enjoyed reading the post about celebrating Valentine’s Day when you are single. It was very good.
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Thanks, Kerri. I’m so glad the reminder and post were a blessing to you. I’ve entered you into the giveaway too!
Joe Titone
Great Prize!
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Thanks, I’m so happy I can give away a copy!
readswherevershegoes
Oooh this looks like a great book! Defo going to check it out! <3
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Thanks for your comment! This book is definitely worth checking out.
Katherine Pasour
Sounds like an amazing book! The lessons you shared here are on target, especially God’s definition of success. Puts everything into perspective. Thank you for sharing.
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
You’re so welcome, Katherine! Yes, it is a book worth reading for sure.
Kathy
Sounds like a helpful book. I especially appreciate that we can serve God in whatever field He calls us to. This was an important teaching to come out of the Reformation–you don’t have to be a monk or nun or in full-time ministry to serve God! Thanks for reviewing this book!
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
I’m so glad for that truth as well! You’re so welcome … Thanks for your comment!
Jeannie Waters
Kristen, this book sounds intriguing and helpful. I like this principle best: “God’s definition of success looks like this: “the obedient fulfillment of God’s will and desires.” (Lesson 4)” Thank you for sharing this review.
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Thanks for your comment, Jeannie! I really like that definition of success too. Blessings to you!