BOOK REVIEW: A basic Bible with minister’s manual inserted …

If you’re a minister who references or relies on any of the “minister’s manuals” in print for help with weddings, funerals, and other services, then you might be curious about what publisher Thomas Nelson is now offering as a “Minister’s Bible.”

The term “minister’s Bible” for some likely conjures up an extra large Bible, with a black leather cover, and laden with thousands of notes and word studies. That’s nothing what this new Minister’s Bible is like.

Instead, this new Bible version targeted at ministers is a “personal size” Bible with a soft, “leather-look” imitation leather cover and is a “basic” Bible. “Basic” in this case means you get the full King James Version Bible with almost no “bells and whistles” — this Bible offers only some footnotes, three silk ribbon markers, the words of Jesus in red, and eight maps at the back of the Bible.

So what makes this a “minister’s Bible”?

The publisher has inserted between the testaments the entire content of the Nelson’s Minister’s Manual, referring to it as “resources for the minister.” Those resources include notes, outlines, and even sermons for weddings, funerals, and various other services a minister may conduct. Most of the material is the standard fare you would find in any minister’s manual. There are a few example forms that don’t work well inserted into a Bible, and the first section on “Issues to Address in Premarital Counseling,” which is supposed to offer content for six sessions of premarital counseling, is absolutely terrible! Almost any other resource available in print is better than what is included here for premarital counseling.

So this “Minister’s Bible” is a basic Bible with a minister’s manual included.

If you rarely or never use ideas from a minister’s manual, this Bible isn’t for you. If you often refer to a manual for ideas for services, then some minister’s might like having such resources so immediately available. Personally, I’m not fond of the idea of cramming non-biblical content into any Bible version, but setting aside my own bias, I could imagine some ministers might appreciate having a minister’s manual so immediately available.

If you’re a fan, or regular user of, ministry resources like minister’s manuals, and you like the New King James Version of the Bible, then you might want to check out this Bible. If that doesn’t describe you, stick with what you’re already using.

Scotty

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”