For many people, the cross is simply a means to an end, that end being the opportunity to go to heaven. However, the cross represents so much more and we do Christianity a disservice when we overlook that grandeur of the cross, both in its intensity and in its significance. Several years ago respected scholar D.A. Carson gave a series of talks about such a topic and those talks were later published under the title The Cross and Christian Ministry. The year, that book is being rereleased, and its certainly still relevant today.
D.A. Carson is Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and if you are not familiar with him, he has some excellent teachings and writings that would be worthy of your time (consider starting off with The Intolerance of Tolerance). Personally, I have come to appreciate Carson as I have become familiar with him for the testimony he maintains, his deep concern about the state of Christianity, and for his humility in which he conveys (sometimes difficult) points of truth. Therefore, expectations for The Cross and Christian Ministry are high.
Carson does something we don’t often see in books today . . . in fact, he does something we often don’t even see in the pulpit today. He follows a very expositional approach. Each of the five chapters simply focuses on a passage in 1 Corinthians (primarily between 1 Corinthians 1-4, but chapter five jumps to 1 Corinthians 9:19-27), however his goal is not merely to establish the point of the cross for Christianity, but for those in leadership noting from the beginning, “The cross not only establishes what we are to preach, but how we are to preach” and therefore the cross, for Carson, is the standard of all vital ministry.
The expositional style most likely comes from the fact that originally, these were sermons that he preached as a guest speaker. Therefore, each chapter has been adapted from those sermons. Unfortunately, I must confess that in terms of readability, I did not care much for the style and it probably has to do with this fact. However, that does not take away from the profundity of the information that Carson draws out.
Carson works his way through each text simply explaining the significance of terms, concepts, and teachings while consulting their significance for today. Therefore, readers will not struggle to understand the author’s points, as he is very clear and succinct. At 140 pages then, you can expect this to be a short read. Some of the greatest value will come if readers put forth the time and effort to contemplate what is being taught by utilizing the questions placed at the end of each chapter.
With that said, reading this book will leave readers amazed at how profound the cross really is. Carson elevates the cross, but not as a symbol of idolatry. He is quick to say that “whenever the periphery is in danger of displacing the center, we are not far from idolatry.” Therefore, his emphasis is always on Christ. However, he indicates not just the need for the gospel in terms of salvation, but the reality of its accomplishment in all that we do.
The Cross and Christian Ministry will probably not be a book that establishes itself as required reading throughout the centuries, but its an important conversational piece. It will cause Christians to contemplate the cross at a deeper level and when they are finished reading it they will see something how Carson does something very important: he sets the Christian apart from the world.
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher at no cost to me for the purposes of review. However, my review was not influenced in any way by the publisher, author, or anyone else associated with the book and is the result of my own reading of the book.

Carson argues that the message of the cross must shape all our ministry. We forget it is the power of God and maybe think it “foolishness.” We turn to strategic planning instead.

This book is a wise exposition of the passages and contains many challenges for Christian leaders. Paul resolved to know nothing except Christ and him crucified. What would our ministries look like if Christ crucified was at the very center? Would musicians really be sneaking their way back up to the stage during the after sermon prayer if we valued Christ crucified more than smooth performance?

Other challenges include what it really means to be spiritual. Do leaders see it as their passion to bring people to consistent Christian living in light of the gospel of the crucified Christ? (Loc 1790/2270) Do we understand the serious nature of Christian leaders being entrusted with the gospel and that “all their service turns on making that gospel known and encouraging the people of God, by word, example, and discipline, to live it out”? (Loc 1492/2270) Do preachers remind us we are called to suffer or allow us to be comfortable in our lifestyle?

This book is a good wake up call to Christian leaders. Carson writes that “Christian leaders dare not overlook their responsibility to lead the people of God in living that is in conformity with the gospel.” (Loc 1790/2270) It is an awesome responsibility to have been entrusted with the secret things of God.

I recommend this book to Christian leaders who desire to see their ministry centered in the gospel. You will be reminded of the serious nature of your call. You will be challenged to evaluate your ministry in light of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians. Carson has provided questions for review and reflections so this book could be used for a church board study or in a small group.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.