Ever since I crossed a theological rubicon (according to some) or (in my own view) came to a more robust understanding of what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit and the gifts God bestows on the church, I’ve been on the lookout for a short simple and readable book that explains this in a practical way without hype. I think that I’m No Superman: Holy Spirit Ministry for the Rest of Us is probably that book!
One of the things that attracted me to the Vineyard movement almost ten years ago was the way in which people tended not to be pretentious or showy, and there was a real emphasis on everyone getting involved. This book is by someone who’s been around in the Vineyard for a while, faithfully serving and ministering. As well as being practical, from a reader’s perspective it is a very good book. Mike writes honestly and simply, drenched in the Bible well interpreted with the occasional hints of even deeper head learning. That makes this book a delight to read – and makes Luke Geraty’s chapter which draws on Moltmann and celebrates the place of the Lords supper a natural next step rather than a theological bombshell. This observation and linkage is one that would be wonderful to see enacted in churches of all stripes.
Who is this book for? Ultimately, I’m No Superman is for anyone who believes that the biblical gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to God’s church today, and wants to think calmly and practically about what that looks like as a lifestyle. This is the real beauty of the book – it invites disciples into partnership with the Holy Spirit, in an accessible and understandable way. Rather than emphasising Mike (or Luke) as a ministry superhero to be emulated, this book suggests that a simple reading of Scripture and dollop of faith and prayer is the way to see God’s Kingdom come. I’d recommend this to people wanting to think through how to live ‘naturally supernatural’ lives, as well as those wondering how on earth Christians can believe such strange things. Each chapter has some helpful discussion questions – this could make it a good book to read in a small group.
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