There’s something captivating about a tug-of-war at a stalemate. Each team pulls with all their might, neither gaining ground. Anticipation builds as we wonder which side will prevail, yet the longer the stalemate drags on, the more impatient we become. One side has to win.
Now, think about how this plays out in our daily lives. In a culture steeped in division and “culture wars,” it often feels like we’re forced to pick a side. Wherever our opinion lands, we’re invested in seeing our side “win.”
This mindset extends to our beliefs and values. We tend to assume that one thing must be right and the other wrong—struggling to accept the possibility that both can be true. Gary Millar’s Both/And Ministry: Living and Leading Like Jesus addresses this struggle, uncovering the tensions we face and demonstrating how living like Christ involves embracing a both/and philosophy. It challenges us to live with humility, maturity, and grace, finding unity in the richness of God’s truth.
What a Both/And Mindset Taught Me About Faith and Growth | Book Review
Content
Content
Purpose of the Book
The purpose of this book is to illustrate how a gospel-centered life is filled with truths that seem contradictory, yet are complimentary, and how we can hold both as true and serve Christ faithfully as a result.
Table of Contents
Introduction: On Playing the Didgeridoo (and Living a Genuinely Gospel-Shaped Life)
1. Both/And Theology
2. Both/And Identity
3. Both/And Relationships
4. Both/And Ministry
5. Both/And Leadership
6. Both/And Community
7. Why a Both/And Life Is Worth the Effort
Summary
Each chapter explores different aspects of the Christian life, offering insights and practical advice for embodying a 'both/and' approach in real-world ministry contexts.
Millar begins by examining the both/and nature of our theology. God the Father is both immanent and transcendent—present in the world yet above it. God the Son is both fully human and fully divine. God the Spirit gives us new life instantly while also working in us gradually over time. Salvation itself reflects this duality: it is both God’s sovereign election and human responsibility—His initiative and our response. It is by grace yet leads to works. We are already saved, and yet we await the full realization of that salvation at Christ’s return.
Do you see how these truths are held in tension?
This paradox extends to our identity. As Christians, we are both righteous and sinful, mortal and immortal. We are complete in Christ yet continually being sanctified. In our relationships, we embody this duality as well: we both give and receive, share and listen. We are called to confront sin in others while humbly acknowledging our own.
Millar continues by exploring how this 'both/and' framework shapes ministry, leadership, and community, showing how embracing these contrasts enriches our Christian life. Ultimately, this approach calls us to live with greater humility, dependence on God, and faithfulness in every area of life.
My Take: Living in Paradox
I can’t help but feel a little giddy when I reflect on this both/and philosophy.
But let’s be honest—I didn’t always feel this way. When we first joined a church-planting team in East Africa, there was a steep learning curve. It was a season marked by learning to listen, adapt, and discern—not just within our team, but also in the practical work of sharing the gospel with an unreached people group. It was tough, to say the least.
In the throes of culture shock, I often found myself lying beneath our mosquito net, staring out the screen window at the night sky. I’d think about God’s promise to Abraham—to make his descendants as numerous as the stars I was gazing at. Just as Abraham couldn’t fulfill God’s plan on his own (though he tried), we couldn’t bring about God’s plan for our village in our own strength. We had to depend on Him, trusting that our everyday steps of obedience were part of His greater work.
Looking back on those seasons of wrestling, searching, and striving for understanding, I can see how they produced fruit—not just in our ministry, but in my own spiritual growth. As we abide in Christ and cling to Him, we learn to depend on Him to teach us all things, even when they don’t fully make sense. By digging into His Word and persisting in prayer, our relationship with Him deepens.
This, I believe, is where wisdom begins. As we develop knowledge and insight about who God is and who we are in Him, we learn to live our lives in light of those truths. It’s a process of ongoing discernment and Spirit-led decision-making that shapes us to lead for God’s glory and the good of others.
My Recommendation
Although the title includes “ministry,” this book isn’t just for leaders or pastors. While Millar draws on examples from those roles, the truths he presents are relevant and beneficial for all believers, as we are all called to ministry in some capacity.
In a world where we often gravitate toward extremes in our conversations and opinions, this book offers a refreshing perspective on how to embrace the seemingly contradictory truths of Scripture. It challenges us to grow in wisdom and maturity, blessing others as we live out these truths in Christ. Highly recommend!
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 134
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
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Scriptures About Living Like Jesus
Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked (1 Jn. 2:6)
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps (1 Pet. 2:21)
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:1-2)
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them (Jn. 13:13-17)
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A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review!
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