Raising Peanuts in a Gold Field – Paul W. Powell

©2009 Paul W. Powell, Tyler, TX

Paul Powell, Dean Emeritus and Special Assistant to the Dean of George W. Truett Theological Seminary, offers another collection of sermons that are challenging to the preacher as well as the layman in the pew. Mining from years of experience, Powell again presents meaningful illustrations, anecdotes, and ideas related to applying scriptural principles to everyday life.

The theme of this collection is mediocrity. Or more precisely, how to avoid living a mediocre life when we have access to the spectacular power of the Holy Spirit. In addition to the title chapter, the reader will find “Living for Christ in the Home” which addresses faithful Christianity within marriage; “Hot Air or True Religion” concerning how sincere faith; and “Finishing Well” reminding believers to focus on Jesus throughout life.

The most useful aspect of the book is the wealth of illustrations ranging from Powell’s personal ministry at churches throughout the state of Texas to interesting stories involving ordinary people and greats such as Johnny Weismuller alike. Preachers will want to read this book for the ideas, scholarship and illustrations. Others will be impressed by the readability and matter-of-fact presentation of sermons that can be applied directly to everyday living.

I give Powell 4 out of 5 reading glasses for Raising Peanuts in a Gold Field.

—Benjamin Potter, February 24, 2010

Laugh and Live Longer – Paul W. Powell

©2008 Paul W. Powell, Tyler, TX

Just for fun, here’s a short review of a short book. Paul Powell was 17 years pastor of Tyler’s Green Acres Baptist Church. He then moved on to be president of the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for 13 years. After retiring he joined the administrative faculty of George Truett Seminary at Baylor. His years of faithful service in the pastorate have been the impetus of most (if not all) of his 45 books. It was with some enthusiasm last week after hearing him speak that I contributed $5 to a worthy cause and received an autographed copy of this little jewel.

This, rather than his typical collection of sermons on a topic, is a collection of what I endearingly call “preacher stories.” They are those amusing tales of dubious background and limited humor that preachers like to throw into their sermons to see if anyone was listening. At any rate they are funny and they are clean. They won’t be paying the bills of any up-and-coming standup comedian anytime soon, but they will keep you entertained for a few hours’ reading.

I suspect, like me, you will find many to be old stand-bys that are well-worn. Also, you will find that the version you remember is slightly different, but still will bring a chuckle to your belly and a smile to your face.

Don’t worry over the veracity of the stories, just sit back and enjoy. Four happy reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter, July 11, 2009

Getting the Lead Out of Leadership – Paul W. Powell

Preachers are constantly telling their parishioners to find a mentor—someone that they can go to for advice, encouragement, as well as to tell them (in a loving way) where they need to make a course correction. Over the years Paul Powell has become that for many a minister. He’s done it by putting his thoughts down to be collected in book form. During his tenure as president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Annuity Board, he was faithful in presenting a helpful book once a year, to ministers at various conventions he attended in his job. One of those books is Getting the Lead Out of Leadership.

This is a short, helpful look at what it takes to be a church leader. Using examples from his own ministry that spanned both decades and a variety of churches from the small to the large, Powell reminds church leaders of simple practices and rules of thumb that work. His challenges bring the pastor to terms with the fact that he must lead by example. He deals with topics such as goal-setting, planning, motivation, and decision-making, among others.

With his down-to-earth writing style, one can see why he has been a much sought-after speaker, and understand how his leadership has been one worth modeling. This small book is a valuable tool for any minister’s library. For that matter, there are principles that would find great value in the arsenal of any leader. So, “get the lead out” and read this book.

—Benjamin Potter, March 2007