Jack Hayford is certainly one of the most well-known and highly respected ministers in the modern Pentecostal Movement. He has served in pastoral leadership, written Christian music and books, served his denomination, spoken internationally, started a school, and mentored pastors. The author of this book, S. David Moore, citing Christianity Today, notes that the magazine referred to Hayford as “the Pentecostal gold Standard” (page 21). Hayford’s extensive ministry, accomplishments, and impact make this book an important volume in Pentecostal history.

As the subtitle indicates this is an authorized biography. In the foreword Pastor Robert Morris tells us that S. David Moore has known Jack Hayford since 1984 (page 11). Moore has done interviews with Pastor Jack and was given access to Hayford’s journals and personal papers (pages 11, 13). The author also draws from other written materials by and about Hayford. Drawing on all of these resources the author is able to provide a very personal look at the life of this prominent pastor.

The book provides the reader with a panoramic view of the life of Jack Hayford. It contains information about his childhood. He was born into a family that was not very stable. During the first four years of their marriage his parents were separated four times (page 34). This was because the two of them had very different views about things (page 34). Jack was born into this environment. Before his parents became Christians he experienced physical healing. Though he was not brought to the church service a Foursquare congregation prayed for the healing of an injury he had received at birth, and he was healed (pages 34-35). The doctor who had been treating him admitted that God had healed young Jack (page 35). Fortunately, his parents became Christians not too long after that (page 35). Jack also was healed of paralysis in one of his legs, again because of prayer (page 36).

All, however, was not well after his parents became believers. For a number of years his father did not go to church, this resulted in his mother staying home as well (pages 42-43, 45). But his father eventually rededicated his life to the Lord (page 46). His mother taught him to listen for the Lord to speak to him (page 47). She also taught him that nobody has a corner on the truth (pages 79-80). Jack became a Christian at the age of ten (page 53). When he was in high school he surrendered his life to a call to ministry (page 55-56). This is something he had told the Lord he would do when he was younger, if the Lord would help him find a lost magazine (page 53). He already knew what God wanted him to do (page 53).

The majority of the book deals with Hayford’s life in ministry, which is certainly what most people know him for. I would venture to guess that most people know him for his many books, being the pastor of The Church on the Way (page 18), or the writer of the popular worship song “Majesty” (page 20). Under his leadership the Church on the Way grew from 18 to over 10,000 in weekly attendance (page 18).

As I mentioned in the first paragraph, Hayford has carried on a very diverse ministry. Perhaps one of the lesser-known aspects of his ministry was his service to the Foursquare denomination. He served the church as the National Youth Director (pages 108-109) and as the Dean of Students and the Director of Promotion at Life Bible College (page 117). It is worth noting that even when he was a younger minister he was not afraid to address his superiors about things that he thought could and should be improved (pages 119-121). He later served as the President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (page 277).

Later in his ministry, he became a pastor to pastors; a ministry that he was very good at (pages 213-219). One of his great legacies is that he is respected by people within not only the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movements but also those outside of it (page 215). The foundations for this may date back to his childhood. When he was growing up, he was exposed to multiple denominations including: “Friends, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Christian Missionary Alliance” (page 43). His mother’s statement that no one has a corner on the truth (pages 79-80) may also have helped him accept, and be accepted, by those outside of his own church background.

Today we view Jack Hayford as a great success. But he had times of trial and challenge just like everyone else. The book is very open and honest and mentions his struggles: temptations, fear, and depression (pages 72-73, 110-114, 216). In the midst of his success he has been able to remain humble. This is because he was able to understand that his success was ultimately because of God.

One incident near the beginning of the book demonstrates this. At the time, Hayford had a church of about 100 people (page 17). One day as he was preparing to leave the church building, he noticed an unusual sight in the sanctuary. There was a mist there (page 16), a sign of God’s glory (page 17). Hayford’s church began to grow after the appearance of that mist (page 17). He understood that the church’s growth was due to “the gift of God’s presence” (page 155). Pastor Jack was a man of the Word, the Spirit, and humility. May his example inspire other Christian leaders to follow the same path. Not everyone will achieve the same results, but these are truly qualities that God desires in His servants.

Reviewed by John Lathrop

Most of Jack Deere’s books have dealt with the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, this present volume is no exception. Some of the material in this book was published in his earlier work Surprised by the Power of the Spirit (1993). Those who have read the earlier volume will see that there are significant differences between the two books. I think Why I Am Still Surprised By the Power of the Spirit is important for at least three reasons. First, Deere is an academic, he has taught at a seminary, specifically, Dallas Theological Seminary. Second, he used to be a cessationist. That is, at one time he believed that certain spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament are no longer active in the church today. However, he did a complete turnaround, he now embraces the opposite view; he is a continuationist. He now believes that all of the gifts of the Spirit are for today. Third, Deere has ministered in the gifts of the Spirit. So for him it was not just a matter of changing his theology, he acted on his new beliefs and began to minister in the gifts of the Spirit.

The book is made up of 26 chapters and 5 appendixes. In the course of its pages the author covers a variety of subjects; as he does so he draws from Scripture, history, and his own experience. Two people who played significant roles in his journey from cessationist to continuationist were John Wimber and Dr. John White. Some of the subjects that Deere addresses include: cessationism, hearing God, healing, deliverance, and how to cultivate spiritual gifts. He also discusses the subject of physical manifestations that can be seen in some Pentecostal/Charismatic meetings.

There are some real benefits to be gained from reading this book. One of these benefits is Deere’s history and perspective, he was at one time a cessationist. Because of this he understands their theology and why they think the way they do. He traces the development of cessationist teaching from John Calvin, to Conyers Middleton, to B.B. Warfield. In addition to setting forth the history of cessationism he refutes it, he shows where its teachings depart from Scripture. He devotes multiple chapters to cessationism. One chapter that has some relevance to cessationism and that may be of particular interest is the chapter called, “The Real Reason Christians Do Not Believe in Miracles.” Deere maintains that the real reason some Christians do not believe in the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit is actually the argument from experience, not Scripture (page 50). These believers have not seen the miraculous, because it has not been part of their experience they do not believe (pages 47-48). Their “lack of experience” (page 50) causes them to doubt.

I am sure that many in the church world are familiar with Jack Deere. He was at one time a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, during that time he was also a cessationist. That is, he did not believe in the contemporary exercise of some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that the apostle Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians 12-14. However, Deere eventually came to believe in the modern-day reality of all of the charismatic gifts of the Spirit. This shift in his doctrinal position cost him his job at the seminary. But the loss of his position there transitioned him into becoming even more well-known, at least in charismatic circles. He authored a few books, a couple of which attracted a lot of attention. His book Surprised by the Power of the Spirit is highly regarded. In it he shared his own journey from being a cessationist to becoming a continuationist. He also presented the biblical basis for believing in the present day exercise of the gifts of the Spirit and in the process dismantled the theology of cessationists, who reject some of the gifts of the Spirit as being for today. His book Surprised by the Voice of God was also popular.

Even in Our Darkness is very different from his other books. His other books were decidedly charismatic and, at least partly, theological in nature, this one is autobiographical. In it he tells us his life story. While many of us were aware of the high points in his life, namely, his books and his speaking engagements, many of us were not aware of some of the things he experienced before, during, and after the time of his great popularity. In this book he tells the reader about the challenges and struggles he faced. He has referred to this book as an “unsanitized” view of his becoming a friend of God. By that he means the story has not been cleaned up but rather is told “warts and all.” This book is definitely unsanitized, the story he shares is told with absolutely brutal honesty. You may find some of what you read shocking or disturbing. Be forewarned that there is some coarse language in the book, but it is kept to a minimum. Deere explains in the text why this language was included.

The very first thing you encounter in the book is an account of the death of his son. The book is actually dedicated to his son, Scott. Deere will talk more about his son’s death later in the book. After that the book goes back in time to Deere’s childhood. As he tells his story the reader learns about the troubles in his family, specifically with his mother and father. His father eventually committed suicide when Jack was twelve years old. After his father’s death he had a very rough grandfather who assumed the responsibility for his disciple; Deere despised him. During the course of recounting the events of his early life he reveals his own sinful nature as well, his rebellion, and foul language. When he became a teenager sexual sin became a part of his life. This would become an area of struggle, and sometimes failure, for him. He participated in inappropriate sexual conduct both before he became a Christian and afterward. In fact, he admits to moral failure even while studying at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Jack and Anna Marie Sheffield

Jack Sheffield: In 1973, I was converted to Christianity out from a pagan background, and I was baptized in the Holy Spirit in the same moment I was saved. I spoke in a heavenly language not even knowing what was happening to me. It was quite overwhelming! My rage, fear, trauma and rebellion was turned to radiant joy and peaceful love with an extreme desire to please my Jesus in every way. One night, not too long after my conversion, I broke past remnants of fear into a powerful anointing to preach and minister to people in a Methodist Church. It’s like I became “another man.” My fiancé asked a friend, “Who is that guy?” Shortly thereafter, because of this baptism in the Spirit, I had an encounter where Jesus drove me from a nap into a cotton field behind my house. I tried to hide away because I was weeping profusely with groaning and travailing! After a while, I crawled out into the grass, and I heard these words out loud, “You are going to carry my gospel to the nations.” My baptism in the Holy Spirit was a complete immersion in love for Jesus, and eventually led my wife and I to many nations on six continents.

PneumaReview.com: Did you receive a specific call to the healing ministry?

Jack Sheffield: Healing was a very real experience for me from the beginning of my walk with Jesus. It began with me. I was healed in spirit, soul, and physically on numerous occasions. Fear, guilt, shame and anger were washed away in wave after wave of His mercy. My spirit soared in ecstatic encounters of weeping only to be followed by bouts of laughing in glorious joy! My scared little spirit was married to the Holy Spirit and was learning all about freedom in Christ. Heart disease ran rampant in my family, and through a very stressful business attempt, I developed a bad heart. God used this to bring me to utter surrender to that cotton patch call. Jesus completely baffled my doctor when she examined me for my physical and discovered my heart was totally normal. I still have the two disparate EKG readouts.

It was then I realized I had a very distinct call to the healing ministry in the United Methodist Church.

This happened in the Summer of 1978. Healing began to manifest immediately in my ministry.

PneumaReview.com: In your book, God’s Healing River, you mention that “presence” is very important in healing. Please tell our readers what you are referring to.

Jack Sheffield: In the Fall of Adam and Eve, what was lost to humanity was the “presence” of the Lord. Adam hid from His presence in fear and, I believe shame. Jesus could not wait to get it back for us. Moses basically told God he was not going anywhere unless God’s presence went with Him. He said it was the only thing that distinguished his people from all the other peoples of the world. Presence is everything when it comes to healing. Without it, very little happens. My criteria for discerning the true presence of God is this when He “shows up”: 1) There is clarity in the atmosphere – Words preached or taught become very clear. People perk up attentively. 2) Brightness irradiates everyone present. There is a glow in the room and on people’s faces 3) There is a cleanness that is felt and experienced as real and tangible, and 4) Great joy breaks out which is “unspeakable and full of glory.” How do we get into that atmosphere? Ruth Ward Heflin used to say in the 1990’s, “You praise your way into worship, and you worship your way into the glory.” When the glory shows up in worship, healing and miracles can abound. We have seen it over and over again. Therefore, we worship Jesus all the time, even in our cars. The greater the worship, the greater the operations of healing gifts.

Based upon the title of this book one may think that it principally discusses the demonic. While spiritual warfare is covered within its pages, this book is primarily about prayer. The author, Jack W. Hayford, believes that humanity is in the midst of a cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil, thus it is necessary for Christians to engage in prayer to overcome the darkness. Hayford emphasizes the positive impact that prayer has had upon his own life, and he desires other believers to experience its benefits as well.

The author uses scripture to argue that Christians are a part of the heavenly Kingdom, and they are called to partner with God to advance the divine will on earth. Hayford views prayer as a major component to this goal, but one cannot completely grasp God’s mission without realizing that God’s original plan has been thwarted. For Hayford, the earth is “broken” and is in need of repair. He maintains that God’s Kingdom will be restored in the future, and Christians should do what they can, largely through prayer, to bring about divine purposes now. Hayford is clear to reject a realized eschatology, or an eschatology that is dependent upon human operations. God does not solely rely upon humans to accomplish his will, but Christians, as a result of their regeneration, should want to partner with God. Hayford considers human participation, including prayer, an “invitation” from God.

Hayford reviews what he calls the basics of prayer. First, it should be a daily activity. He says that time needs to be set aside, but the amount of time is not important, as that can vary from person to person; however he does recommend the morning. The author also argues that there are different types of prayers, such as prayers of thanksgiving and praise, prayers for cleansing, and prayers for power and anointing. He recognizes that there are many types of prayer, and God may call upon us to offer various kinds at different times. Yet Hayford’s primary goal is to introduce the fundamentals of this spiritual discipline.

Intercession is also a large focus for Hayford. He argues that prayer is not something reserved exclusively for personal development, but believers are to pray for others. Through intercession Christians battle demonic forces, and with the help of the Holy Spirit they expand the reaches of the kingdom of God. Hayford expresses his desire for more believers to engage in this practice. In doing so, the current direction of negative situations can be reversed.

Hayford’s atonement theory strongly influences his theology of prayer. He writes, “In every circumstance we face in life we now have the legal right, through the blood of Jesus Christ, to enter a plea and to lay claim to the evidence – His slain body, His shed blood at the cross” (89). According to Hayford, prayer brings liberty; it frees us from reaping the sins of our past.

It is clear that this book was written for a popular audience and not intended for academics. Hayford emphasizes many of his points by providing personal experiences and anecdotal stories. Consequently, his text is a very practical and readable approach to prayer, so it can benefit Christian in all stages of life. But it may be of particular encouragement to those who hope to deepen a fledgling prayer life. Throughout his book Hayford presents a very conservative Evangelical theology that is consistent with what I would expect from him, based upon his prior publications. Some may critique that Hayford advocates, or in the very least comes close to, a name-it-claim it theology, especially his view of the atonement. Despite this, Hayford acknowledges that sometimes prayer takes time, and it may bring turmoil as one “travails” through times of unanswered prayer. He argues that the end may not always be in sight, but we must continue to push forward, trusting in God. While the book is very optimistic about prayer, my concern is that neglects to wrestle with deeper theological questions related to unanswered prayer and theodicy. Many readers are likely to embrace it as an encouraging and uplifting book that contains many practical tips to developing a more consistent prayer life.

Reviewed by David Bradnick

Jack Levison, in his work Fresh Air: the Holy Spirit for an Inspired Life, aims to clear a foggy, often caricatured view of the Holy Spirit in today’s church. Does one feel a move of the Spirit only through mountain-top, ecstatic experiences? Or may one also drudge forth in the mundane of the daily with full-confidence of the Spirit’s presence? Levison’s honest piece, filled with top-notch exegetical work, answers a resounding “yes” to the question of the Spirit’s presence in our daily work. In fact, as Levison defines it, the spirit functions not only as the third person of the Trinity, but also as “the breath that animates and motivates all people” (17). For this reason, he keeps the title Holy Spirit in lower case throughout his work. Levison presents a convincing case for the spirit as “the breath within” every person, offering a Fresh perspective on how one understands the spirit’s role in a person’s life (36).

Finally, Levison concludes with hope for the “uncommon unity” of the spirit (212). Regardless of background or experience, Levison believes that the spirit should bring us together and not tear us apart. Levison’s hope for unity among churches, centered in our understanding of Jesus and our study of the Scriptures, should be heeded by all. For if there is division in the household of God, it is unlikely to remain standing (cf. Mark 3:20-30). Overall, Levison’s work embodies the spirit’s own ability to inspire freshness. After reading, every Pentecostal pastor should experience a renewed excitement to return to the biblical text and to re-examine how the spirit works both in the individual and the community, in the mountain-top and the valley.

Reviewed by JP O’Connor

Publisher’s page: http://www.paracletepress.com/fresh-air-the-holy-spirit-for-an-inspired-life.html

Jack W. Hayford, “Practicing What We Preach” Ministries Today (Nov/Dec 2003), pages 22–27.

Jack Hayford sees the church in a moral crisis. “Favoritism, greed, shoddy morals and shady ethics have found a comfortable home in the church. At the same time, both inside and outside the church there is a rise in intolerance towards leaders who have been allowed to compromise with impunity their various institutions’ self–declared moral and ethical standards” (pg. 22). Despite this laudable intolerance the evangelical church, with its many denominational and independent groups, has no unified voice when in comes to confronting unethical leaders. “… there has been no standard policy guiding the body of Christ as it deals with its mavericks—the small but growing number of leaders who make their own rules and flaunt the ethical demands of a disciple of Jesus Christ” (pg. 22). It is in this context that he proposes a solution: “… I want to propose the establishment of an International Council for Ethical Accountability (ICEA)—or something with another title, but serving the church with what those words represent … Such a council could provide a starting place for an internationally agreed–on standard concerning basic ethical and moral issues as they pertain to church leadership” (pg. 23).

Jack Hayford / The King’s University

Hayford believes that such a council would allow the church to express a “collective voice” when responding to leadership failings: “While any one of a field of leaders may answer a reporter’s question … without a broad consensus, the public is left with the notion that every spiritual leader is basically a law unto themselves” (pg. 24).

Noting that luxury and extravagance has replaced self denial in many places (pg. 24), and that he has had to quietly withdraw from participation in two ministries because of their “law unto myself” attitudes (pg. 24), Hayford sees the need for judgment to come from within the church, lest it come from outside (pg. 27). “This isn’t a proposal for doctrinal agreement beyond basics, or for ecclesiastical or liturgical conformity. But written on all our hearts is a set of ethical principles that we intuitively know are right, and God’s word affirms a fundamental body of moral expectations that we all affirm. So the question is, do we believe that it possible that we can find a consensus on how we can strengthen one another by speaking with one voice where ethics are involved?” (pg. 27)

Hayford believes the answer is “yes.” How many others feel the same is yet to be seen. I look forward to seeing the responses to his proposal from evangelicals in the United States and abroad.

Reviewed by Mike Dies

Read the original article: http://ministrytodaymag.com/index.php/ministry-leadership/ethics/8215-practicing-what-we-preach