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Elmo Jenkins #2
Some Things Never Change
If you enjoyed McMillian Moody's Ordained Irreverence, you’re sure to love Some Things Never Change. Elmo Jenkins is now a full-fledged staff member at First Church. As Assistant to the Senior Pastor, he’s responsible for designing a strategy to transition the church into the future. But trouble’s brewing and not everyone’s on board.
The whole gang is back for the bumpy ride along with some colorful new characters. Be there when Elmo surprises Bonnie on their wedding day. Tag along when Dunston finally takes Elmo fishing. Feel the thrill of riding in a red Viper with a friar at the wheel. And help Elmo figure out that creepy little statue name Ferty . . . who's stalking him? It's another unforgettable visit to First Church you won't want to miss. -- OBT Bookz
The whole gang is back for the bumpy ride along with some colorful new characters. Be there when Elmo surprises Bonnie on their wedding day. Tag along when Dunston finally takes Elmo fishing. Feel the thrill of riding in a red Viper with a friar at the wheel. And help Elmo figure out that creepy little statue name Ferty . . . who's stalking him? It's another unforgettable visit to First Church you won't want to miss. -- OBT Bookz
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2012
About the author
McMillian Moody
17 books44 followersMcMillian Moody lives quietly in the rolling hills of central Tennessee with his wife, celebrated author Diane Moody.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 24, 2015
I needed some light reading and I picked the correct book. It was a free Kindle download and worth it. I haven't read the first book in the series but I didn't need it for references, this book stands on it's own. I laughed quite a lot while reading it. It is about a young minister's first position in a mega-church in which he had interned the year before. He has a quirky sense of humour and, although it got old fast, a habit of dealing in puns and metaphors for jokes. There were some good examples of church politics and the typical reactions of a new-to-the-church-political-scene of a young idealistic minister. While learning about having a position in the church administration, Elmo is also learning about what it means to marry a woman. Father Ted has some wise words for him as he realizes that marriage is quite different from dating. All in all a great light read.
May 4, 2013
For anyone in the ministry or who wonders what life in the ministry is like or who just likes reading well-written stories, McMillian Moody's two books on the life of "Elmo Jenkins" are a must read. Moody is an excellent words smith and story teller.
December 25, 2018
This is the 2nd novel in the Elmo Jenkins series, and once again I read it on Kindle. Elmo has now become an assistant to the senior pastor and has been directed to come up with a plan to help First Church become more attractive to a younger population so that the church will continue to flourish as the aging members decline. He also marries Bonnie in this novel.
Once again, there is a lot of humor in the story and Elmo's character is a very likeable one. However, there are also meaningful Christian messages interwoven in it although it is definitely not a preachy novel. I think anyone who has been involved in ministry work of any kind could identify with some aspects of the novel---either the events or the characters Elmo interacts with.
Although it is not great literature, it was an enjoyable read and I think McMillian Moody is a gifted storyteller.
Once again, there is a lot of humor in the story and Elmo's character is a very likeable one. However, there are also meaningful Christian messages interwoven in it although it is definitely not a preachy novel. I think anyone who has been involved in ministry work of any kind could identify with some aspects of the novel---either the events or the characters Elmo interacts with.
Although it is not great literature, it was an enjoyable read and I think McMillian Moody is a gifted storyteller.
September 8, 2017
I enjoyed book 2 in the "Elmo Jenkins Collection" as much as book 1. In book 1, Elmo was an intern at the big Baptist church in town. In book 2, after his internship has ended he's hired as the special assistant to the pastor. He gets married. There's also another mystery which goes through the book and is solved at the end. In book 1, it was the "Black Toe Enigma" and in this book it's "Ferty". The book is very easy to relate to if you've been on a church staff or just been a church member for a very long time. It's easy to read and I look forward to starting book 3 in the series.
June 21, 2017
I love Elmo! I'm not talking about the little red guy from Sesame Street. Elmo Jenkins, the main character in this series is quite a guy. A simple story with a lot of laughs yet the humor comes from personalities you can imagine to be within your group of friends. Generally, I go for the free books. But, I may just break down and buy this series
August 20, 2017
3.5 stars. I liked this book, but not quite as much as the first one. It did show how interesting church politics can be, and I appreciated that. For some reason (and I can't really pinpoint why), the character of Bonnie, whom we got to know a bit better in this book, bugged me a bit. But Elmo is a great character, and I really liked reading more about him.
August 29, 2017
E-Reader. Christian Fiction Novel
Elmo Jenkins now a co-pastor at First Church. Also he married Bonnie.
I had to read book two again refresh my memory.
This book was so good. Reminding me the importance of God in my life.
There is so much that happens, many characters are the same but also new ones.
You won't be disappointed by reading this book!
Elmo Jenkins now a co-pastor at First Church. Also he married Bonnie.
I had to read book two again refresh my memory.
This book was so good. Reminding me the importance of God in my life.
There is so much that happens, many characters are the same but also new ones.
You won't be disappointed by reading this book!
September 8, 2017
Sort of disappointing after the first Elmo Jenkins book. Still fun look at life in an old downtown First Church with large staff and aging but still large membership. But a short slam at women clergy seemed out of place. And the inconsistent Amos&Andy eye dialect foisted upon the only black character was awful. Fortunately for the author, I've already bought the next 4 ebooks.
September 14, 2017
Since my husband & I have been in ministry for over 25 years, this series is keeping us in stitches and also dredging up some of the difficult past. It is refreshing to hear from "someone who's been there", even if it fictitious. I am wondering if McMillian Moody (McMoo?!) has been/is in the ministry.
In spite of needing better editing, we are enjoying this series abundantly! =)
In spite of needing better editing, we are enjoying this series abundantly! =)
March 20, 2023
church issues
Every church family has issues, and First Church is no different. If you enjoy reading about pastors and how they turn to God when there are problems, you’ll like this. I found some of the characters to be poorly defined, hence the 4 stars.
Every church family has issues, and First Church is no different. If you enjoy reading about pastors and how they turn to God when there are problems, you’ll like this. I found some of the characters to be poorly defined, hence the 4 stars.
April 10, 2023
The title of this book is a misnomer. Things changed throughout the book! But that's not a bad thing. You never knew what to expect even to the end of the book! Book One was really good; Book Two was even better.
March 27, 2026
Fun adventures for Elmo
This was another entertaining book of the Reverend Elmo Jenkins. It is enlightening to see the background of a minister's daily duties and Elmo's sense of humor makes this an easy read.
This was another entertaining book of the Reverend Elmo Jenkins. It is enlightening to see the background of a minister's daily duties and Elmo's sense of humor makes this an easy read.
June 18, 2017
Series continues to get better!
Great book with solid Christan principles. Entertainment insight into what must be a trying yet rewarding profession. Lived the characters!
Great book with solid Christan principles. Entertainment insight into what must be a trying yet rewarding profession. Lived the characters!
July 10, 2017
Easy, fun read
Love this character. I laugh out load frequently because of his viewpoint. I am continuing the series! Very relaxing too!
Love this character. I laugh out load frequently because of his viewpoint. I am continuing the series! Very relaxing too!
August 28, 2017
Funny story
This story had me laughing right from the start. Great humor. Great insight of what may occur behind the scenes at a ministry.
This story had me laughing right from the start. Great humor. Great insight of what may occur behind the scenes at a ministry.
April 11, 2018
Another great book. I love the characters and how well the author writes.
September 30, 2017
I really enjoy the characters in this series of books.
November 27, 2017
This was an excellent book, full of truth and comedy. Highly recommended. This was better than Mr. Moody's first book. I look forward to more about Elmo!
February 14, 2018
Elmo's world
Another light, fun, clean read from a great author. You never know what Elmo's going to be in the middle of, but you can count on a good story!
Another light, fun, clean read from a great author. You never know what Elmo's going to be in the middle of, but you can count on a good story!
August 11, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series. Other than a few minor typos/editing errors, it's a good read with interesting characters. And gets God's message in there without being overly "preachy."
October 12, 2021
Elmo continued
Another very enjoyable read. I like following a character in a series. I like getting to know the players better. This Rev Elmo is a fun character.
Another very enjoyable read. I like following a character in a series. I like getting to know the players better. This Rev Elmo is a fun character.
April 2, 2019
This was a very good book. It related back a little to Diane's series of Teacup Novellas sometimes. Although it was its own story about a large church and all the happenings at that church. In some areas it was a little boring to me but overall I enjoyed the story.
December 28, 2023
I have been meaning to read this for a while and finally did. Great characters and writing. There were many funny spots which I enjoyed. It was interesting reading what can happen behind the scenes in ministry.
June 1, 2016
"Some Things Never Change" is the second book in the Elmo Jenkins series. Elmo Jenkins is a nice, amiable, and amusing guy who just graduated from Seminary. He's now a full-fledged staff member at First Church, as Assistant to the Senior Pastor. His main task for his first year is to design a strategy to transition the church into the future, aiming at appealing to a younger demographic. So, he's to become an Agent For Change in a fairly staid large church, and not everyone is "on board" with that plan -- some people like things just the way are, thanks. He's also preparing for his marriage to the lovely (and occasionally sarcastic) Bonnie.
The book, like the first book in the series, is written as a series of vignettes, showing Elmo's progress and also focusing on other church staff and their interactions. Thus, it's easy to read for just a few minutes at a time. Or, since the writing and main characters are so easy-going, it's easy to get lost in. Reader's choice!
There's also a "mystery" involving a fertility statue that keeps coming back, but (like the "mystery" in the first book) I felt that it was kind of silly and was the weakest part of the book -- but it luckily didn't take up too much of the story. I mostly liked the book, and Elmo, and I might continue with the series and read one or more of the follow-on books. 3.5 to 4 stars.
The book, like the first book in the series, is written as a series of vignettes, showing Elmo's progress and also focusing on other church staff and their interactions. Thus, it's easy to read for just a few minutes at a time. Or, since the writing and main characters are so easy-going, it's easy to get lost in. Reader's choice!
There's also a "mystery" involving a fertility statue that keeps coming back, but (like the "mystery" in the first book) I felt that it was kind of silly and was the weakest part of the book -- but it luckily didn't take up too much of the story. I mostly liked the book, and Elmo, and I might continue with the series and read one or more of the follow-on books. 3.5 to 4 stars.
June 21, 2013
This is the second book that follows a new minister named Elmo Jenkins. He serves a very large downtown church. While I can't really relate to the size of the church and how it is governed, I can relate to the many things that happened there. I think no matter what the size of the church, the same things happen, just in varying degrees. Towards the end of the book we are reminded of the evil that can reside in churches in the name of protecting "we've always done it that way". The Senior Minister's comments at a special called business meeting of the congregation is a gentle reminder to us all of what a church should really be about. Too many times people get caught up in the politics of the church. (Yes, there are politics in the church. After all, people are in the church.) It's always heartwarming to know God really is in control. This book proves that even ministers can have a good time at their job.
November 27, 2016
This book isn't better than the first book (which I gave three stars). By this time Elmo Jenkins is a sort of "old friend". His story is gently humorous with an occasional laugh out loud moment. It's a very "real" story of decent people doing their best to run a Baptist church with a large congregation. They are concerned with being relevant to younger members without losing the older people who are the more stalwart members. In a way this story is a bit like visiting another country for me since the way the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is run is very different. We have no paid ministry and every active member is expected to contribute by filling a "calling" that we believe comes through inspiration from the Lord to the bishop and his councilors, who typically serve for a period of five years. Women serve in responsible positions also. Most of the time a calling will last for a year or two and then we are asked to do something else.
December 13, 2015
Elmo is newly graduated form seminary and has been assigned to a large church as assistant pastor. He describes himself as a screw-up, but he is a hopeless romantic, intelligent and insightful. Elmo also appears to be real in his faith and lives it daily. I think he'll make a good pastor with more experience and guidance.
One of the things this books does is to give us a true picture of the inner workings of a large church and its staff. There is always somebody who is unwilling to change gears and is a major source of trouble for just about everybody else.
There are some extremely funny subplots, a mystery, and some good advice given several times, especially by "Father" Ted, another pastor.
It was an enjoyable and humorous read.
One of the things this books does is to give us a true picture of the inner workings of a large church and its staff. There is always somebody who is unwilling to change gears and is a major source of trouble for just about everybody else.
There are some extremely funny subplots, a mystery, and some good advice given several times, especially by "Father" Ted, another pastor.
It was an enjoyable and humorous read.
December 30, 2015
Elmo Jenkins is now a full-fledged staff member at First Church. As Assistant to the Senior Pastor, he’s responsible for designing a strategy to transition the church into the future. But trouble’s brewing and not everyone’s on board.
The whole gang is back for the bumpy ride along with some colorful new characters. Be there when Elmo surprises Bonnie on their wedding day. Tag along when Dunston finally takes Elmo fishing. Feel the thrill of riding in a red Viper with a friar at the wheel. And help Elmo figure out that creepy little statue name Ferty . . . who's stalking him? It's another unforgettable visit to First Church you won't want to miss. -- OBT Bookz
The whole gang is back for the bumpy ride along with some colorful new characters. Be there when Elmo surprises Bonnie on their wedding day. Tag along when Dunston finally takes Elmo fishing. Feel the thrill of riding in a red Viper with a friar at the wheel. And help Elmo figure out that creepy little statue name Ferty . . . who's stalking him? It's another unforgettable visit to First Church you won't want to miss. -- OBT Bookz
February 27, 2014
I got this book as a freebie on the Kindle. I loved this book as much as the first and when I finished I couldn't wait to read the third! I work at and am a member of a small baptist church and saw so many things I could relate to our church in his story. He is a wonderful author and I felt like I was right there in the story. Even though it is fiction I learned some things that I can put to use in my work and in our ministry. I even strongly recommended it to our pastor and his wife. Great job Mr. Moody!
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February 11, 2016Elmo Jenkins is now a full-fledged staff member at First Church. As Assistant to the Senior Pastor, he's responsible for designing a strategy to transition the church into the future. But trouble's brewing and not everyone's on board. The whole gang is back for the bumpy ride along with some colorful new characters. Be there when Elmo surprises Bonnie on their wedding day. Tag along when Dunston finally takes Elmo fishing. Feel the thrill of riding in a red Viper with a friar at the wheel. And help Elmo figure out that creepy little statue named Ferty . . . who's stalking him?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews