Experiencing God (by Henry T Blackaby & Claude V King)

'Experiencing God' is a book is by Henry T Blackaby and Claude V King, two American authors. They were perhaps reacting against the 'driving' nature of much of the Christian world as they wrote both a 'workbook' and this, a semi-devotional book with the subtitle, 'How to live the full adventure of knowing and doing the will of God.'

I read it some years ago, and recently re-read it over a couple of weeks. The overall message is: God wants us primarily to develop a relationship of love with him. When he wants us to do something, he will let us know one way or another. If we see him working, then, they say, the chances are that's where he wants us to join him. What we should not do is rush around wearing ourselves out in work - even Christian ministry - unless we're sure God has asked us to do so. When he does ask us to do something, we need to make adjustments and be obedient.

Which, of course, is fine - up to a point.

My first problem with this theory is that God is doing far more work in the world than any individual can possibly be involved in. We cannot simply try to join in anywhere we see God working.

My other problem is that most of the examples given in the book are of people called to leadership - Moses, Joshua, Paul, Peter, and some famous ministers of more recent years. They were given specific instructions from God, it is true. But that they were called to ministries beyond that of most of us, so it was important that they did hear very clearly. They had to abandon preconceived ideas or careers to do what God wanted of them.

But most of us are not called to dramatic changes or leadership, and do not need to do a whole lot of adjusting. Yes, the Christian life calls for some changes in our lives at times, but God does not usually call us to abandon everything we have previously done.

However, unlike some of the critics at Amazon I don't think this book is occultic. God certainly speaks other than through Scripture. At the same time, I didn't find it the greatly thrilling adventure and inspiration that others saw it as. I thought the book started reasonably well, but became rather prescriptive and distinctly repetitive.

It is worth reading, perhaps, for any Christian who's feeling a bit stale or too caught up in rules and regulations. But don't expect too much of it.

The original book does not seem to be in print any more, although widely available second-hand. There are various versions of the members' guide in print, and also a leaders' guide. I personally found the actual book (without questions and discussion points) far more useful than the members' guide. But if you buy one, please check which you are getting. The front cover looks much the same on them all.