And the Shofar Blew

by Francine Rivers

Hardcover, 2003

Status

Available

Call number

813.54

Genres

Christian Fiction

All Topics

Fiction

Publication

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2003), 464 pages

Description

Fiction. Literature. HTML:A relevant and timely novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and The Masterpiece. He seemed like the perfect pastor to lead Centerville Christian Church. She was the perfect pastor's wife. When Paul Hudson accepted the call to pastor the struggling church, he had no idea what to expect. But it didn't take long for Paul to turn Centerville Christian Church around. Attendance was up-way up. Everything was going so well. If only his wife could see it that way. Still, he tried not to let her quiet presence disturb him. She knew something wasn't right, and it hadn't been for a long time. . . . Eunice closed the bedroom door quietly and knelt beside her bed. "I'm drowning, God. I've never felt so alone. Who can I turn to but you, Lord? Where else does a pastor's wife go for help when her marriage is failing and her life is out of control? Who can I trust with my anguish, Lord? Who but you?" Grasping her pillow, she pressed it tightly to her mouth so that her sobs would not be heard. "This book is a powerful and almost-prophetic statement of the church in America. . . . And the Shofar Blew is a must-read." �??Anne Graham Lotz, bestselling author and speaker "[Rivers] as usual turns in a strong narrative, posing issues that ring loud and clear." �??Booklist "Meticulously plotted, Francine Rivers's new masterpiece, And the Shofar Blew, brims with unforgettable characters." �??Romantic Times Also available in The Francine Rivers Contemporary Collection (e-bo… (more)

Subjects

Architects Fiction

Christian fiction

Church buildings Design and construction Fiction

Clergy Fiction

Language

English

Original language

English

Physical description

464 p.; 9.25 inches

ISBN

0842365826 / 9780842365826

User reviews

LibraryThing member tcarter

This book starts with a young pastor and his wife being called to lead a small church in a small town in California that seems to be on its last legs. He has a big vision for what it could be and drives hard at it. I read this book as a young pastor within the first month of starting my first job

as part of a team leading a church. Because of this coincidence of life circumstances, it had very particular resonances for me.

On a literary front, some of the writing is a bit clunky, but the plot kept me hooked, and I was drawn into reacting emotionally on behalf of the characters, which, for me, is a mark of a book worth reading.

I think that the author makes a strong case against the worse excesses of megachurches, but may overstate it in places. Where I am completely with her is in her insistence on the importance of faithfulness to the good news of Jesus, and the centrality of prayer to walking well with God.

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LibraryThing member erickimberly

another great work of fiction by Rivers. This is about worship in its truest form - especially would be helpful for the hardships and temptations of being a pastor's wife.

LibraryThing member jbell2k

Wow - I really liked this one. Although I think the main character became a little unbelievable for a little while in the middle. Other than that I have nothing but praise. Great story - very contemporary. Well drawn characters & excellent story telling.

LibraryThing member reeread

Fortunately some issues are eventually resolved otherwise it could have been a depressing read. However, it reflected life by not offering quicker resolution. Challenges Christians to be steadfast in their faith and in prayer and to keep the main thing the main thing.

LibraryThing member Lynngood

. Dynamic young preacher Paul Hudson is committed to building his church - but at what cost? As Paul's zeal and ambition build, he loses sight of the One who called him. As Paul and those around him struggle to discern what it truly means to live out their faith, they must ultimately choose between

man's will, and God's.

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LibraryThing member cati11

Excellent story for a book club discussion. Francine Rivers creates a story that modern families can relate to.

LibraryThing member sparkleandchico

I don't read a lot of Christian fiction but I loved this book as it speaks of a reality that few people talk about. A young, enthusiastic and dynamic Pastor is given too much power and has too little accountability in a growing church. He justifies this on the basis that if it is growing it must be

a sign of God's blessing and so he continues to move forward gradually using more and more of his own strength and less and less of God's. The change happens over a long period so is less obvious to acquaintances but very obvious to those close to him. He begins to treat family and friends with contempt thinking that they don't understand him or aren't "gifted" in the same way. There is only one way the story can end...

Pride and ambition can creep into any Christian's life and ministry and this book is a timely warning especially for those in leadership who might lead others astray. In this book the Pastor has many superficial admirers that continue to praise him and his works even when his sin is hurting others and should be obvious to him. He is blinded to his sin and ignores those that care for him and try to warn him for his own sake, preferring the praise and admiration of those who will soon get bored and move on to someone else. Those who praise him are in reality a stumbling block to him as they allow him to continue in pride.

Recommended for all Christian readers ....as a reminder to stay humble, listen to God and to those that really care about our Spiritual walk.

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