LifeLine Mini-books: Real Help for Real People …

Published on March 19, 2018 by Joshua R Monroe

LifeLine Mini-books: Real Help for Real People …

That’s how Shepherd Press describes the unique LifeLine mini-book series, a range of (so far) thirty little pocket- or purse-sized books, 6×4 inches, 64 pages, each with around 10,000 words of easy-to-read text. They are prepared under the auspices of consulting editor, Dr. Paul Tautges.

These little gems follow an intentional pattern which, although not rigid, provides an excellent paradigm for achieving consistency between the various books in the series. They cover four primary areas of life: (a) Marriage / Family / Relationships; (b) Personal Growth; (c) Suffering; (d) Self-Control.

Structure

Introduction: This establishes the need for the book.
Chapter 1: This defines/explains the problem from the perspective of experience (true stories and illustrations often work well to connect with the reader).
Chapter 2: Defines/explains the problem from a biblical/theological perspective, getting to the heart of the issue (expounding key passages of Scripture rather than a verse here or there).
Chapter 3: Presents the biblical solution to the problem and how it relates to the gospel, how God wants to change the hearts involved and the provision for change found in the gospel (again expounding key passages of Scripture rather than a verse here or there).
Chapter 4: Calls the reader to Word-based application, i.e., Where do we go from here? What heart and life changes need to be made to walk in faith and obedience to Christ?
Conclusion: Leaves the reader with gospel-driven, Word-grounded hope.
Personal Application Projects: These provide several pages of specific application (i.e. counseling homework) that probes the heart of the reader, using biblical truth and thought-provoking questions.
Where Can I Get Further Help? This section includes the best current resources on the topic.

Uniqueness

For Ordinary Readers: They are rich in biblical content and life experience, and are written to “the person in the pew.”
Gospel-Centered: Though written to the believer in Christ, the conversion of the reader is never assumed. Therefore, each mini-book contains a clear gospel call to repentant faith in Jesus, which also makes them effective evangelistic tools. Since they address obvious, pointed needs in real life they “connect” quickly with the reader.
Applicatory: Each mini-book contains Personal Application Projects that are great time-savers for busy pastors, elders, counselors, and small-group leaders.
Empathetic: They are written by men and women committed to biblical discipleship and, in as many cases as possible, by those who have “been there,” either by personal experience or through extensive counseling.
Easy to Use: Although substantial in content (10,000 words) the books are unintimidating and make easy reading (bite sized chapters and bulleted lists).

Appreciations

Enthusiastically endorsed, the LifeLine mini-books are recommended by a broad range of people. See the full range at http://www.lifelineminibooks.com/praise/ Enjoy reading a selection of key endorsements below:

John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church, President, The Master’s University and Seminary:

These little books are directly targeted to the issues that we all face and they hit the bulls-eye. They are faithful to Scripture and they demonstrate insight into its application. Churches need to make these available for their congregations.

Tim Challies, Blogger:

These mini-books are exactly the kind of books you’d want to have available to you at church—short, biblical and inexpensive enough to give away.

Dr. Bob Kellemen, Chair of the Biblical Counseling and Discipleship Department, Crossroads Bible College:

They are on the cutting edge of what the Evangelical church needs today to advance God’s work in our broken world.

Dr. Heath Lambert, First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL, Executive Director the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC):

You can trust these resources to provide accessible, practical, and Bible-saturated help with many of the most common and perplexing problems found in our fallen world.

Dr. Jeremy Pierre, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Biblical Counseling, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Pastor of Member Care at Clifton Baptist Church:

These mini-books are great resources that help with the small adjustments required for change. Theologically-deep and careful in application, this series seeks to show how dependence upon the work of Christ relates to a multitude of specific troubles.

Check out each of these titles!

HELP! He’s Struggling with Pornography, Brian Croft

LifeLine Mini-books: Real Help for Real People …