"Average Joe" A great book to encourage the ordinary man with God's extraordinary calling.

“Average Joe” by Troy Meeder
A Book Review by Paul Emery

           “What is happening to my life? Have you ever honestly asked yourself that question? As young boys, we dreamed of being pilots, firefighters, doctors, and cowboys.  Now we’re older, with a wonderful wife and kids, as well as a mortgage, a minivan…”  This is the back cover of Mr. Meeder’s new book, “Average Joe God’s Extraordinary Calling to Ordinary Men.”

             As an “Average Joe” myself I started reading this short book without much expectation, however I was quickly surprised with the very practical and timely book on how God views ordinary men.  This is a short book with only 148 pages of very easily read material.  This book also includes an eight session study guide that helps one begin to dig deeper into the topics addressed. 

             In “Average Joe” Troy Meeder carefully weaves personal stories of himself, family, or friends, in the different chapters, and then weaves in the history of Biblical characters as well.  Each chapter is then topped off with some practical questions, or insights into the different topics he discusses. 

             One of the strengths of this book was the fact that Troy didn’t hold back the punches, and was very personal in the book sharing his own struggles and victories through Christ.  For someone who has never heard of Troy Meeder before, this book was an introduction to a man who I would love to get to know, and the kind of guy most of us would love to have as a friend.

             Another strength of this book was that Christ was the primary focus of almost every chapter.  The only chapter that I didn’t feel this was the case on was Chapter 6, however, all in all Troy focused indeed on Christ, and had a great statement where he said, “I beg you please don’t waste your time reading this or any other book if it is replacing time in the Book.” I think when an author is willing to put the focus where it belongs the book rises in worth and value.

              I gladly rank this book a 5.  I think any man who reads this book would greatly benefit from the wisdom imparted through the stories, and the applications that Troy shares.  This would be a great book for Men ministries, or even for a couple of guys to go through together. 

             Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. 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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”