The Reverend John Wesley insisted that those who took up the mantle of leadership within the Methodist movement were "going on to perfection." To this day those being ordained elders in The United Methodist Church are asked the historical question, "Are you going on to perfection?"

Jim and Molly Scott (ordained elders in The United Methodist Church) make the case that to do exactly that we must become "Kingdom People"

The book cover has a copy of a painting that hung in the bedroom of Jim Scott as he was growing up in Canada. It depicts a collie standing over a little lamb that is sick and shivering in the snow. The collie is barking as loud as he can, over the howling wind, calling his master to come and save the lamb. The collie is staying by his side, calling for help all the time.

That is what Kingdom People do!

In his foreword George Barna asks the question, "Do we really need another book about Christian discipleship?" And then he proceeds to answer his own question as follows: "Conclusion: we can stand at least one more helpful book on the process of becoming Christ-like. So, what kind of book should we look for to fill the gap between concept and outcomes? Most likely, we'd want one that is practical, easy to read, challenging, written by practitioners, and takes you beneath the surface of faith development. If you are interested in such a book, then I encourage you to read "Kingdom People.""

"Kingdom People" is written in the style of an in-depth way for groups and churches to really get into meaningful dialogue and discussion on what it means to engage in Kingdom Living. It will be a transformational journey where new doors of ministry are opened in an unending quest for the Kingdom of God.

In answering the question, "What is it that God wants for us?", the Scotts suggest that "justification is irrelevant unless it is followed by sanctification" (going on to perfection). We are to be formed into the image of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. "The first and most indispensable requirement for ministry is to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit."

In a section entitled "Characteristics of Kingdom People" here is what they say:

"(1) Kingdom People make sure their own personal lives are in order.

(2) Kingdom People have a focus on being honorable members of the Body of Christ.

(3) Kingdom People have a focus on the world."

"Deciding whom we really want to serve is a pivotal decision for the entirety of our lives. We all serve someone or something. In this there are no exceptions. Many expressions reflect this truth: 'he's chasing the almighty dollar,' 'I sold my soul to the company store,' 'my kids are my whole life,' 'eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die,' 'I go up and down as the church goes up and down.' Identifying whom we serve can be done by listening to our own expressions and by looking at how we spend our time and money. Our calendars and checkbooks will shine a light on which god or gods we internally serve."

Jim and Molly explain what it means to have a "mindset for ministry." Details are offered on what it means to be a "Kingdom Pastor" engaged in "Kingdom Ministry" - - "The description of Kingdom Ministry is actualized in the life of the pastor. Effective pastors assist the people of God to be the Church that represents Christ on earth. The best form of leadership equips and encourages the people of God to fulfill their ministries' needs, hopes, dreams, and expectations. Pastors are to focus people on Kingdom Issues and on the most key elements of being the Church."

"Kingdom People" is filled with many stories and anecdotes from the life and ministry of the Scotts - - one from early life in Canada and the other from her deep roots in Arkansas.

Here is how they described clergy and laity working together as "Partners in Ministry" - - "We advocate all laity having opportunity to be on the front lines of serving Christ in the Church, the community and the world. This means a full partnership with the clergy. We acknowledge and affirm each tradition's own understanding of what only representative, i.e., ordained, ministers can do such as Word and Sacrament. But 'professional ministry' has taken over too much of the Church's ministry, leadership, and decision making. As a result we have large numbers of laity who have been trained to observe the professionals do the ministry and who have not been taught and trained for their own responsibilities in ministry."

Congregational leaders, pastors, laity you will find in this work all of the tools that you will need bring about a spiritual transformation in your life and ministry.

I recommend to everyone that they add "Kingdom People" to their personal libraries.

You can purchase the book at Cokesbury and You can purchase the book at Cokesbury and www.barna.org.

You can email Jim and Molly via their website at www.christianconnexion.com.



A Jim Lane Book Review
June 21, 2004