Adoption is in vogue among modern-day evangelicals, and rightly so. Developing that trend with sound theology and much-needed doses of reality, Moore and company provide a helpful resource to understanding orphan care. Yet since many who read this will likely already be ‘on board’ with adoption, what’s lacking is a set of practical resources for those interested in moving forward. There is much useful material here, but the work suffers from the unrealized potential for more.

One of the evidences of our faith is how we respond to the “affliction” of widows and orphans. Taking care of these two groups is time consuming, messy and sacrificial. But it’s a central part of the Christian life. [35]

You don’t want people in your church to think that the only way they can prove their care for widows and orphans is to adopt an orphan. It’s the wrong motive. [72]

Adoption and its centrality to the gospel has made it a growing movement in the church. Just like other movements, the church not only needs to pursue it, but make sure it is examining the movement the ensure it is rightly positioned to offer correctives and solutions for problems that will naturally occur. [75] 

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Tracing family (and thus family ministry) throughout both Scripture and the history of the church, Stinson and Jones have edited a helpful volume that highlights many key contemporary issues (including gender roles and homosexuality). Although the chapters on historical tradition may not hold interest for the casual reader, they do help cement the foundation of the practical viewpoints discussed in latter pages. While certain contributions outshine others, the book is a worthy (if occasionally repetitive) effort.

Since roles are a part of the original creation, then they are inherent in the lives of all men and women and thus should find an echo in every human heart. The idea that men and women are equal in their value yet distinct in their roles, though rejected by modern feminism and even many evangelicals, is a result of God’s purposeful and beautiful design. [78]

Husbands and wives who fail to model the relationship of Jesus to His bride provide a false and distorted picture of the gospel. When a husband is domineering, he promotes an inaccurate picture. When he abdicates his role as the head of the household, he distorts the picture. The same is true of a wife who either usurps her husband’s headship or becomes a doormat. If we care deeply about the gospel, we must care deeply about the authenticity of the picture we portray. This is much more than a discussion about who is taking out the garbage or who is mowing the lawn. A marriage  that cares little about the roles of men and women ultimately cares less about the gospel. [81]

[Young women] need someone who can come over to their household, observe their patterns, and offer godly wisdom. They need to be able to spend time in the older woman’s household to observe her patterns and see how she “loves her husband and children.” Many women are involved in multiple Bible studies but have no personal mentor in their life who can speak redemptively to her and offer the instruction, encouragement, and correction that is so crucial for spiritual formation and the development of a godly pattern of life. [84]

Stop talking about ministry to men and start talking about ministry by men. How are the hearts of men forged together? They are forged by some activity that involves hardship, sacrifice, mutual suffering, or a shared challenge that is solved together. Think about it. Men do not build strong relationships with one another strictly by getting together and talking. They don’t really trust one another until they have worked together for some agreed-upon goal. [85]

A regular time of pulling the family together, reading the Scriptures, and praying for one another is one of the most effective and fruitful means of building an authentic commitment to the gospel into your family. Much like a man would receive some basic training at the start of a new job, so churches should provide intensely practical instruction on how to call your family together for regular worship. This kind of training should include a live demonstration and then opportunities for men to practice and be observed in the process. Most men just need a clear path with detailed instructions. The church is perfectly equipped and positioned to offer this kind of help. [87] 

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What does it mean to be a man? The Bible’s answer is found here. There is a lot of information packed into this book (in a small font, to boot) and perhaps could have warranted either a larger format or tighter editing. But it’s hard to be nit-picky when presented with a resource that so intentionally seeks to give men a proper balance of right understanding and right application of truth in their roles as men.

Crisis will come in your life. It’s not a matter of if you’ll face a crisis but when. The day of trial will be what demonstrates your character. Will you be able to trust God and worship Him in your day of trial? Will you be rugged enough to have unceasing, unconditional worship to God even if all the perks and success in life go away? Will you still place your full confidence in God? [22]

When the God of the universe takes on the form of man we are compelled to take notice, repent of indwelling sin, submit to His lordship and seek refuge in the only man that can save us from our sins. Reckoning with Jesus is the first act in redeeming masculinity. He is the epitome and example of biblical manhood and without Him we will only distort our God-given identity and role. [43]

It’s important to stay focused on your personal sanctification as a reminder that even though you’re the leader, you aren’t the standard for spiritual maturity—you are called to help your wife conform to God, not to you. [74]

Self-preoccupation and self-pity are enemies of masculinity. [95]

Every encounter of discipline is an opportunity to not only focus on the disobedience at hand, but on you children’s need for a savior to redeem their rebellious hearts. Yes, they need to clean their room, to share with their brother and to stop hitting, but more importantly, they need the Gospel. [99] 

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