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Miracle Work: A Down-to-Earth Guide to Supernatural Ministries
We are a supernatural people. Made in the image of God and called to follow a risen Lord through the world God made--we're anything but normal. Given all that, it should not be surprising to us when miraculous things happen in our midst. Still, many of us are intimidated at the thought of it, and we stop short of trying so we won't disappoint God with our lack of faith, or--if we're being honest--so we won't be disappointed when God fails to deliver.
In Miracle Work , Jordan Seng tells remarkable stories of physical healings and prophetic messages. With good-humored and seasoned wisdom, he explains how to develop in God's supernatural power for such miracles and provides deeply practical guidance for how to go about doing them. More than that, he makes us understand why God has set things up in the way he has. We learn not just how to do supernatural ministries, but why we must be supernatural people.
Read Miracle Work for a better understanding of what it means to be agents of grace, healing and even miracles in a world that desperately needs the good news of God’s loving, healing touch.
The book includes an appendix with tips for pastors and a study guide that makes it easy for small group investigation. Miracle Work was published by InterVarsity Press and is available in both paperback and Kindle versions.
In Miracle Work , Jordan Seng tells remarkable stories of physical healings and prophetic messages. With good-humored and seasoned wisdom, he explains how to develop in God's supernatural power for such miracles and provides deeply practical guidance for how to go about doing them. More than that, he makes us understand why God has set things up in the way he has. We learn not just how to do supernatural ministries, but why we must be supernatural people.
Read Miracle Work for a better understanding of what it means to be agents of grace, healing and even miracles in a world that desperately needs the good news of God’s loving, healing touch.
The book includes an appendix with tips for pastors and a study guide that makes it easy for small group investigation. Miracle Work was published by InterVarsity Press and is available in both paperback and Kindle versions.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2013
52 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
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July 29, 2013
I met Jordan Seng once. I have friends who attend his church and have wonderful things to say about him, but our only meeting was while I was part of a leadership class at Bible Institute Hawaii. Seng came and lectured on supernatural ministry and had us pray for healing for our classmates. While I questioned parts of what he shared with us that evening, I remember feeling disarmed by his humble and gracious demeanor.
Seng’s new book, Miracle Work describes his approach to supernatural ministry. Seng encourages Christians to pursue the power to work miracles–to heal the sick, cast out demons, deliver prophetic words and intercede with power. Seng admits that talking about the supernatural is kind of ‘out there’ (7), but he sees the value in trusting God to work his power in people’s life. This book is subtitled “a down-to-earth guide to supernatural ministries,” and Seng is relatively down-to-earth, you know, for a prophetic type with a PhD. He weaves together practical advice for doing direct supernatural ministry with anecdotes of the Lord’s power at work in his ministry and congregation.
So how does one get the power to work miracles? Seng presents what he calls ‘the power equation” (and apologizes for how cheesy and infomercial-like that sounds)(55). The power equation is
Authority + Gifting + Faith + Consecration = Power
Seng isn’t arguing that power comes with mathematical precision, but his approach acknowledges multiple variables in effecting miracles (contra some ‘word of faith’ teaching). ‘Authority’ is derivative and comes through walking in obedience to God. ‘Gifting’ denotes that people are uniquely gifted by God for particular ministries (i.e. the gift of healing, the gift of prophesy, etc.). The ‘faith’ of the minister and the recipient also impact our capacity for miracles. ‘Consecration’ describes a process of self sacrifice by which increases our ability to minister with power. Seng’s equation illustrates that a multiplicity of factors combine together to make up (Christian) spiritual power. A person may not have the gift of healing, but because of their faith, their consecrated life and their lifestyle of obedience, God may work healing through them. Conversely, a gifted prophet may ‘lose’ power by not attending to their spiritual health or healing can happen even when there is a lack of faith. The Bottom line is the things that help you cultivate intimacy with God also increase your power to minister in His name (74).
There are lots of stories through out the book but in five practical chapters Seng describes the various supernatural ministries. There is a chapter on healing, deliverance ministry (casting out demons), prophecy, intercession and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. What sets Seng’s book apart from other primers on supernatural ministry, is his avoidance of prescribed method or technique. He doesn’t have ‘magic words’ or ‘special prayers.’ Even when he does give a ‘technique,’ he is careful to note the secondary importance of method. In his chapter on healing, he writes:
Technique is not the key to healing; having the Supernatural power of the Lord is the key. But we have to go about healing in some fashion and we will probably benefit from some basic approach to build and adjust as opportunities for power present themselves.
So, here is a model
1. Locate a sick person.
2. Place a hand on their shoulder and say, ”In the name of Jesus, be healed.”
That is pretty much it. (87)
Of course there is a lot of practical advice given along the way and some of it sounds suspiciously like ‘technique.’ For example. Seng commends ministers of healing to build the faith of those we are ministering to by sharing testimonies of healing (88-90). This sounds like a technique to me. But mostly Seng just encourages readers to set about practicing supernatural ministry and growing in it by doing it. Because he values authenticity in ministry, Seng exhorts pastors to share both their victories and defeats (i.e. failed healing, botched prophecies, etc). because it builds trust and helps teach ‘the congregation to help with confirmation and discernment’ (158-9).
This is a thoughtful book and and I enjoyed reading some of Seng’s stories. Because I have trusted friends who attend his church, I find I trust Seng’s account of supernatural ministry. I believe he has participated in healing, deliverance and prophetic ministries and has been fruitful in doing it. Reading this book makes me excited about what God can and will do for those who risk following him in this type of ministry. This book made me hunger for more of the Spirit’s presence and power in my life.
That being said, I didn’t always buy his theological account of miracles and how to gain spiritual power. Occasionally I thought his use of scripture was more ‘proof texting’ than helpfully illustrating his points. I also wonder if he gives any space for a ‘theology of weakness.’ For Seng, ‘healing is the default position.’ However I think of the thorn in Paul’s flesh he describes in 2 Corinthians 12 and how his wounds taught him the sufficiency of God’s grace. But I can agree with Seng that Christians sometimes are too quick to excuse their powerlessness in the face of suffering rather than risking to alleviate it..
My misgivings aside, I still give this book four stars. Seng has written one of the most thoughtful, practical and accessible guides to supernatural ministry. While I demur from aspects of his theology, he still inspires me to pray bolder for more of the Lord’s power in my life and ministry. I value his witness as a practitioner more than his theology. If you read this, I promise you will be challenged to minister in the power of Christ.
Thank you to InterVarsity Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Seng’s new book, Miracle Work describes his approach to supernatural ministry. Seng encourages Christians to pursue the power to work miracles–to heal the sick, cast out demons, deliver prophetic words and intercede with power. Seng admits that talking about the supernatural is kind of ‘out there’ (7), but he sees the value in trusting God to work his power in people’s life. This book is subtitled “a down-to-earth guide to supernatural ministries,” and Seng is relatively down-to-earth, you know, for a prophetic type with a PhD. He weaves together practical advice for doing direct supernatural ministry with anecdotes of the Lord’s power at work in his ministry and congregation.
So how does one get the power to work miracles? Seng presents what he calls ‘the power equation” (and apologizes for how cheesy and infomercial-like that sounds)(55). The power equation is
Authority + Gifting + Faith + Consecration = Power
Seng isn’t arguing that power comes with mathematical precision, but his approach acknowledges multiple variables in effecting miracles (contra some ‘word of faith’ teaching). ‘Authority’ is derivative and comes through walking in obedience to God. ‘Gifting’ denotes that people are uniquely gifted by God for particular ministries (i.e. the gift of healing, the gift of prophesy, etc.). The ‘faith’ of the minister and the recipient also impact our capacity for miracles. ‘Consecration’ describes a process of self sacrifice by which increases our ability to minister with power. Seng’s equation illustrates that a multiplicity of factors combine together to make up (Christian) spiritual power. A person may not have the gift of healing, but because of their faith, their consecrated life and their lifestyle of obedience, God may work healing through them. Conversely, a gifted prophet may ‘lose’ power by not attending to their spiritual health or healing can happen even when there is a lack of faith. The Bottom line is the things that help you cultivate intimacy with God also increase your power to minister in His name (74).
There are lots of stories through out the book but in five practical chapters Seng describes the various supernatural ministries. There is a chapter on healing, deliverance ministry (casting out demons), prophecy, intercession and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. What sets Seng’s book apart from other primers on supernatural ministry, is his avoidance of prescribed method or technique. He doesn’t have ‘magic words’ or ‘special prayers.’ Even when he does give a ‘technique,’ he is careful to note the secondary importance of method. In his chapter on healing, he writes:
Technique is not the key to healing; having the Supernatural power of the Lord is the key. But we have to go about healing in some fashion and we will probably benefit from some basic approach to build and adjust as opportunities for power present themselves.
So, here is a model
1. Locate a sick person.
2. Place a hand on their shoulder and say, ”In the name of Jesus, be healed.”
That is pretty much it. (87)
Of course there is a lot of practical advice given along the way and some of it sounds suspiciously like ‘technique.’ For example. Seng commends ministers of healing to build the faith of those we are ministering to by sharing testimonies of healing (88-90). This sounds like a technique to me. But mostly Seng just encourages readers to set about practicing supernatural ministry and growing in it by doing it. Because he values authenticity in ministry, Seng exhorts pastors to share both their victories and defeats (i.e. failed healing, botched prophecies, etc). because it builds trust and helps teach ‘the congregation to help with confirmation and discernment’ (158-9).
This is a thoughtful book and and I enjoyed reading some of Seng’s stories. Because I have trusted friends who attend his church, I find I trust Seng’s account of supernatural ministry. I believe he has participated in healing, deliverance and prophetic ministries and has been fruitful in doing it. Reading this book makes me excited about what God can and will do for those who risk following him in this type of ministry. This book made me hunger for more of the Spirit’s presence and power in my life.
That being said, I didn’t always buy his theological account of miracles and how to gain spiritual power. Occasionally I thought his use of scripture was more ‘proof texting’ than helpfully illustrating his points. I also wonder if he gives any space for a ‘theology of weakness.’ For Seng, ‘healing is the default position.’ However I think of the thorn in Paul’s flesh he describes in 2 Corinthians 12 and how his wounds taught him the sufficiency of God’s grace. But I can agree with Seng that Christians sometimes are too quick to excuse their powerlessness in the face of suffering rather than risking to alleviate it..
My misgivings aside, I still give this book four stars. Seng has written one of the most thoughtful, practical and accessible guides to supernatural ministry. While I demur from aspects of his theology, he still inspires me to pray bolder for more of the Lord’s power in my life and ministry. I value his witness as a practitioner more than his theology. If you read this, I promise you will be challenged to minister in the power of Christ.
Thank you to InterVarsity Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 4, 2018
I would thoroughly commend this book to all Christians, whether you are a charismatic/pentecostal or not. Even if you aren't persuaded by such "supernatural ministries", this book will force you to take a closer look at your faith and as to the kind of faith you have.
First on a rhetorical point, the author of this book has a degree from Stanford and a Ph.D from the University of Chicago and was a National Security Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. So he isn't some crazy snake handling preacher from the deep south.
Anyway, in the course of reading this book, I think that at the heart of our skepticism lies an entirely legitimate concern and worry which I think would be useful to dispel first before this book could be properly appreciated. From my understanding of this book I could put up two broad answers to these concerns which I will reinforce with my own philosophical knowledge.
Whatever sophisticated exegetical or theological arguments we can muster against present day supernatural ministries, I think primarily we resist the idea of healing, prophesy, even deliverance and exorcisms because most of us are "reasonable" people who have learned the rational art of managing expectations. We fear the idea of believing that we can command healing and demons to leave or even "pray the gay away" because at heart we do not want to disappoint people when we are unable to make good on our claims and promises. We are especially frightened that we may cause people to turn their backs on God when we create high expectations of God's power and love in frequently desperate circumstances and cannot make good on it.
My first answer to this comes from a philosopher I have quoted from time to time, Lev Shestov. The book itself frankly and honestly admits that his supernatural ministries do not have a 100% success rate all the time, and when a church plant or congregation of his starts getting a name for itself for some healing successes, a lot of desperate needy people will come and it is very emotionally heavy for him when he cannot meet all their expectations. However, as Shestov puts it so eloquently in his work "Athens and Jerusalem", such frustrated expectations, and bitterness is what precisely contrasts the biblical faith against the serenity of classical philosophy. As, I think, Strauss observed before, Jesus wept but never laughed, Socrates laughed but never wept. The Psalmist pleads, "Out of the depths I cry out to you O Lord" because he believes in an actual almighty God who can succour and save his people in real concrete material and empirical terms with miracles and wonders. The philosopher scorns such an absurd expectation and counsels: not to cry, lament, or beg in such an undignified manner, but to understand, to rationalise, to know the causes of things and why things must be the way they are. God maybe the first cause, but he interferes not with secondary causes which effects what it must effect.
"Reasonableness" and stoicism teaches us that there are somethings we can change and somethings we cannot, and wisdom is to understand which is which. To attain tranquillity and to avoid disappointment we shouldnt expect too much from God. But Stoicism doesn't know the God for whom all things are possible. However, the problem with such extravagant expectations is that it makes us vulnerable to disappointments, to heartbreaks, and to frustration. When we expect much and do not receive, our equanimity is thrown off balance.
Yet we cannot help but wonder, are not the frustrations of the Psalmists because of an extravagant expectation and faith in the divine power, to be preferred to the tranquillity of the functional philosophical deist? Either we believe in a living God who raised Jesus from the dead and for whom all things are possible, or we don't. That I think is the challenge of supernatural ministries and in the end whether or not we believe the book, we have to face this problem squarely.
My second answer to the problem of the obvious empirical fact that supernatural ministries do not yield infallible or perfect results is based on the events of Mark 9:14-29 and Matthew 17:14-21. In these two stories the disciples could not effect a cure and exorcism, and Jesus had to do it himself. Then the disciples asked why could they not do it and Jesus answered that this kind can only come out by prayer and fasting. As such even in the New Testament the apostles themselves did not have infallible exorcism powers or a hundred percent success rate. In fact, the events themselves suggests a very different model for understanding supernatural ministries, as a learned skill to be acquired by spiritual exercises and practice rather than as automatic infallible dispensers of divine power.
Throughout the book Jordan Seng discusses supernatural ministries as you would any other human or physical art or skill. It is something which can be learned by trial and error, hits and misses, and by practice and exercise. To use an analogy, imagine Jesus as a musical genius or prodigy. Jesus has perfect pitch and infallible sight-reading skills. Thus drop a new piano piece on Jesus and all he needs to do is to open the score and he can play it perfectly right on the spot. We however are more like amateur pianists, we can read the notes, but we don't have perfect sight-reading skills. When we play through the first time, especially a difficult piece, it will be slow and halting, we would miss a few notes, even get it wrong. But the more we practice and familiarise ourselves with the piece, our performance gets better. The way Seng describes supernatural ministries is like that, sometimes you will have instant success, but frequently you may only get a partial healing, or it may not work at all. Then you have to gather "more power" from God by prayer, fasting, spiritual exercises, etc, etc, and keep at it until the evil, demon, or sickness is overcome. His book contains a crudely materialistic "Power Equation" which basically goes: Authority+Gifting+Faith+Consecration = Power. Thus supernatural ministries have greater the success with more "power" you have, and these powers can be increased by encouraging or increasing faith, by spiritual exercises, etc. As such, just as you don't give up playing the piano simply because you can't play through the piece perfectly the first time round, you don't give up on supernatural ministries simply because you don't succeed the first time but you have to keep practising.
Personally for me, I feel a little like David Hume at George Whitefield's sermons. A friend who recognised him asked if he believed what the famous Evangelical was preaching, he replied no and pointing to Whitefield replied, "But he certainly does." For the record, let me state that I do believe that Seng's testimonies are true and that all that he said did happen nor do I believe that there are naturalistic explanation behind the events which he testifies. In that aspect I am not like Hume. However, what I do share with Hume is that while I do believe that there are legitimate supernatural ministries, I am not sure that they are for me. As such, I am not really inclined to seek out a pentecostal or charismatic church even though now I think they are legitimate ministries.
However what I have taken away from this book is that it takes, seriously, literally, and in an active unironic living faith way, what the New Testament and gospel straightforwardly teaches. The vast majority of the recorded events in in the New Testament are about demonstrations of supernatural power, miracles, exorcisms, healings, prophesies, etc. Seng takes them literally, at face value, and applies it as a living actual thing in our present day. We maybe able to formulate learned, sophisticated, and even valid theological objections to that. But I cannot help but feel that in the process of banishing all these into the past, or to "allegorise" them, or "spiritualise" them into some sort of mere moral or ethical conflict, something is definitely lost. We have, whether or not we intend it, "demythologised" the text. Seng's "supernatural ministries", whether or not we embrace it in the end, challenge us to ask whether or not we truly believe that God is an active living God, intervening in concrete real time with real, desperate, needy people with concrete material needs with wonders, miracles, and power, or has God become a mere purely internalised spiritual comfort and moral policeman of the conscience, no longer moving mountains or actual empirical and material forces in this world. We confess that God raised Jesus from the dead, but today we find it difficult to believe that he will cure an illness from someone on command.
We cannot help but recall what Paul himself said in 1 Cor. 4:20, "For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power." Our Christian theology today is full of comforting promises, ethical prescriptions, etc. But with great difficulty do we believe in an intervening God. Again, even if we aren't persuaded of supernatural ministries, it is I think very spiritually edifying to read such an unvarnished, unironic, and completely sincere belief in a mighty, living, active and intervening God. It will provoke us to examine our own faith, and ask whether or not we truly believe in a kingdom of God which is not mere ethical prescriptions or promises, but actual living, divine power.
First on a rhetorical point, the author of this book has a degree from Stanford and a Ph.D from the University of Chicago and was a National Security Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. So he isn't some crazy snake handling preacher from the deep south.
Anyway, in the course of reading this book, I think that at the heart of our skepticism lies an entirely legitimate concern and worry which I think would be useful to dispel first before this book could be properly appreciated. From my understanding of this book I could put up two broad answers to these concerns which I will reinforce with my own philosophical knowledge.
Whatever sophisticated exegetical or theological arguments we can muster against present day supernatural ministries, I think primarily we resist the idea of healing, prophesy, even deliverance and exorcisms because most of us are "reasonable" people who have learned the rational art of managing expectations. We fear the idea of believing that we can command healing and demons to leave or even "pray the gay away" because at heart we do not want to disappoint people when we are unable to make good on our claims and promises. We are especially frightened that we may cause people to turn their backs on God when we create high expectations of God's power and love in frequently desperate circumstances and cannot make good on it.
My first answer to this comes from a philosopher I have quoted from time to time, Lev Shestov. The book itself frankly and honestly admits that his supernatural ministries do not have a 100% success rate all the time, and when a church plant or congregation of his starts getting a name for itself for some healing successes, a lot of desperate needy people will come and it is very emotionally heavy for him when he cannot meet all their expectations. However, as Shestov puts it so eloquently in his work "Athens and Jerusalem", such frustrated expectations, and bitterness is what precisely contrasts the biblical faith against the serenity of classical philosophy. As, I think, Strauss observed before, Jesus wept but never laughed, Socrates laughed but never wept. The Psalmist pleads, "Out of the depths I cry out to you O Lord" because he believes in an actual almighty God who can succour and save his people in real concrete material and empirical terms with miracles and wonders. The philosopher scorns such an absurd expectation and counsels: not to cry, lament, or beg in such an undignified manner, but to understand, to rationalise, to know the causes of things and why things must be the way they are. God maybe the first cause, but he interferes not with secondary causes which effects what it must effect.
"Reasonableness" and stoicism teaches us that there are somethings we can change and somethings we cannot, and wisdom is to understand which is which. To attain tranquillity and to avoid disappointment we shouldnt expect too much from God. But Stoicism doesn't know the God for whom all things are possible. However, the problem with such extravagant expectations is that it makes us vulnerable to disappointments, to heartbreaks, and to frustration. When we expect much and do not receive, our equanimity is thrown off balance.
Yet we cannot help but wonder, are not the frustrations of the Psalmists because of an extravagant expectation and faith in the divine power, to be preferred to the tranquillity of the functional philosophical deist? Either we believe in a living God who raised Jesus from the dead and for whom all things are possible, or we don't. That I think is the challenge of supernatural ministries and in the end whether or not we believe the book, we have to face this problem squarely.
My second answer to the problem of the obvious empirical fact that supernatural ministries do not yield infallible or perfect results is based on the events of Mark 9:14-29 and Matthew 17:14-21. In these two stories the disciples could not effect a cure and exorcism, and Jesus had to do it himself. Then the disciples asked why could they not do it and Jesus answered that this kind can only come out by prayer and fasting. As such even in the New Testament the apostles themselves did not have infallible exorcism powers or a hundred percent success rate. In fact, the events themselves suggests a very different model for understanding supernatural ministries, as a learned skill to be acquired by spiritual exercises and practice rather than as automatic infallible dispensers of divine power.
Throughout the book Jordan Seng discusses supernatural ministries as you would any other human or physical art or skill. It is something which can be learned by trial and error, hits and misses, and by practice and exercise. To use an analogy, imagine Jesus as a musical genius or prodigy. Jesus has perfect pitch and infallible sight-reading skills. Thus drop a new piano piece on Jesus and all he needs to do is to open the score and he can play it perfectly right on the spot. We however are more like amateur pianists, we can read the notes, but we don't have perfect sight-reading skills. When we play through the first time, especially a difficult piece, it will be slow and halting, we would miss a few notes, even get it wrong. But the more we practice and familiarise ourselves with the piece, our performance gets better. The way Seng describes supernatural ministries is like that, sometimes you will have instant success, but frequently you may only get a partial healing, or it may not work at all. Then you have to gather "more power" from God by prayer, fasting, spiritual exercises, etc, etc, and keep at it until the evil, demon, or sickness is overcome. His book contains a crudely materialistic "Power Equation" which basically goes: Authority+Gifting+Faith+Consecration = Power. Thus supernatural ministries have greater the success with more "power" you have, and these powers can be increased by encouraging or increasing faith, by spiritual exercises, etc. As such, just as you don't give up playing the piano simply because you can't play through the piece perfectly the first time round, you don't give up on supernatural ministries simply because you don't succeed the first time but you have to keep practising.
Personally for me, I feel a little like David Hume at George Whitefield's sermons. A friend who recognised him asked if he believed what the famous Evangelical was preaching, he replied no and pointing to Whitefield replied, "But he certainly does." For the record, let me state that I do believe that Seng's testimonies are true and that all that he said did happen nor do I believe that there are naturalistic explanation behind the events which he testifies. In that aspect I am not like Hume. However, what I do share with Hume is that while I do believe that there are legitimate supernatural ministries, I am not sure that they are for me. As such, I am not really inclined to seek out a pentecostal or charismatic church even though now I think they are legitimate ministries.
However what I have taken away from this book is that it takes, seriously, literally, and in an active unironic living faith way, what the New Testament and gospel straightforwardly teaches. The vast majority of the recorded events in in the New Testament are about demonstrations of supernatural power, miracles, exorcisms, healings, prophesies, etc. Seng takes them literally, at face value, and applies it as a living actual thing in our present day. We maybe able to formulate learned, sophisticated, and even valid theological objections to that. But I cannot help but feel that in the process of banishing all these into the past, or to "allegorise" them, or "spiritualise" them into some sort of mere moral or ethical conflict, something is definitely lost. We have, whether or not we intend it, "demythologised" the text. Seng's "supernatural ministries", whether or not we embrace it in the end, challenge us to ask whether or not we truly believe that God is an active living God, intervening in concrete real time with real, desperate, needy people with concrete material needs with wonders, miracles, and power, or has God become a mere purely internalised spiritual comfort and moral policeman of the conscience, no longer moving mountains or actual empirical and material forces in this world. We confess that God raised Jesus from the dead, but today we find it difficult to believe that he will cure an illness from someone on command.
We cannot help but recall what Paul himself said in 1 Cor. 4:20, "For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power." Our Christian theology today is full of comforting promises, ethical prescriptions, etc. But with great difficulty do we believe in an intervening God. Again, even if we aren't persuaded of supernatural ministries, it is I think very spiritually edifying to read such an unvarnished, unironic, and completely sincere belief in a mighty, living, active and intervening God. It will provoke us to examine our own faith, and ask whether or not we truly believe in a kingdom of God which is not mere ethical prescriptions or promises, but actual living, divine power.
November 26, 2022
You guys, I don’t know.
There were so many times I wanted to put this book down and never pick it up again. Not because it isn’t good, but because, man, I’m skeptical and I’m scared. I’m glad that I finished it. I truly gained a lot of insight and even more curiosity, but I am conflicted. Anyone and everyone that knows anything about the theology of supernatural ministry please hmu
There were so many times I wanted to put this book down and never pick it up again. Not because it isn’t good, but because, man, I’m skeptical and I’m scared. I’m glad that I finished it. I truly gained a lot of insight and even more curiosity, but I am conflicted. Anyone and everyone that knows anything about the theology of supernatural ministry please hmu
August 18, 2024
I do not recommend this for anyone who is just starting there journey in ministering in the gifts. Jordan does himself no favor’s by speaking in such definite language. I have had the pleasure of seeing him speak in person and know a lot of his story. So the reason he writes the way he does makes complete sense to me.
I do think if you haven’t seen the gifts play out a lot or you are new to some of the charismatic language and stories will throw you off.
The reason I gave it three stars was it motivated me in the area of fasting and prayer.
I do think if you haven’t seen the gifts play out a lot or you are new to some of the charismatic language and stories will throw you off.
The reason I gave it three stars was it motivated me in the area of fasting and prayer.
April 7, 2021
My second read through of this book, and it’s still great! Maybe the most simple and practical articulation of supernatural ministry and spiritual gifts. What I love most about Jordan’s writing is that it is a beautiful mix of powerful prophetic storytelling and clear, accessible teaching. His stories illustrate his track record, and his integrity, his teaching flexes his skill as both a teacher and a coach.
This really should be read by any leader or Christian seriously interested in taking more spiritual risks. Leaders, this can help you practice and lead others in spiritual gifts. Non-leaders, this can help you experience Jesus more intimately.
I also love how the premise of the book invites you from an encounter and into a prophetic activity. And it’s from the place of encounter that the activity happens,
This really should be read by any leader or Christian seriously interested in taking more spiritual risks. Leaders, this can help you practice and lead others in spiritual gifts. Non-leaders, this can help you experience Jesus more intimately.
I also love how the premise of the book invites you from an encounter and into a prophetic activity. And it’s from the place of encounter that the activity happens,
August 31, 2021
"Churches do not lack great scholars and great minds, they lack men and women who can and will be channels for the power of God." - Corrie Ten Boom
This ↑ cannot be said of Jordan Seng and his fellow ministers. This book is a practical field guide for those seeking to minister the supernatural gifts in the church today. It became clear to me as I read through this book that the author knows what he's talking about. He spoke with great authority from a place of tested experience. He also came across as a very humble person who truly loves the Lord and loves people. I have the utmost respect for him and hope that God increases his level of influence. He truly is an effective, mighty warrior in the Kingdom. What a delightful read! If you're in ministry or a Charismatic/Continuationist believer, you need to read this book!
This ↑ cannot be said of Jordan Seng and his fellow ministers. This book is a practical field guide for those seeking to minister the supernatural gifts in the church today. It became clear to me as I read through this book that the author knows what he's talking about. He spoke with great authority from a place of tested experience. He also came across as a very humble person who truly loves the Lord and loves people. I have the utmost respect for him and hope that God increases his level of influence. He truly is an effective, mighty warrior in the Kingdom. What a delightful read! If you're in ministry or a Charismatic/Continuationist believer, you need to read this book!
February 25, 2023
Wow. Talk about miracle work! Truly, every chapter begins with an AMAZING miracle story and then continues to talk about walking in, ministering and expecting the same miracles with others.
This book is for people who are wanting to minister to others. It’s not a “walk through your healing journey” book or a personal devotional. It’s about people who believe what Jesus said, “these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues…” And for people who want to be involved in it.
And. It’s gentle. Simple. Not weird. Well, a little weird. Miracles are weird. Seng says they are messy. That’s the point. SUPERnatural.
Definitely worth a read. “I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day…” (Hab 3:2)
This book is for people who are wanting to minister to others. It’s not a “walk through your healing journey” book or a personal devotional. It’s about people who believe what Jesus said, “these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues…” And for people who want to be involved in it.
And. It’s gentle. Simple. Not weird. Well, a little weird. Miracles are weird. Seng says they are messy. That’s the point. SUPERnatural.
Definitely worth a read. “I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day…” (Hab 3:2)
June 27, 2016
Summary: A description of how God wants to work through us to do things in the world, including supernatural things like healing, delivering people from demons, prophesying, or intercessory prayer.
Jordan Seng contends that the whole work of Christian ministry is God partnering with us to get things done in the world. In all of those things, God is the one empowering, and we are the ones doing--preaching, serving, calling people to faith. His contention is that this extends to the things we might call "supernatural". God wants to partner with us in healing people, delivering them from the demonic, or speaking prophetically into people's lives. He argues that God wants to work in these ways in a very "hands on" fashion literally--one person with another. It can be amazing, and it can be messy.
If you don't come from a church where these things happen, this could be uncomfortable reading because it seems kind of wild, a bit out of control, or as Seng says, "weird." But if we are convinced that God still wants to partner with his people in miraculous ways, as in other ways, then he suggests life could get pretty interesting.
One of the things about Seng's book, as alluded to in the subtitle, is the "down to earthness" of his instruction. For example he describes his model of healing as follows:
1. Locate a sick person.
2. Place a hand on the person's shoulder and say, "In the name of Jesus, be healed."
That's pretty much it.
I also appreciate his wisdom when healing does not occur to not look for a problem or lack of faith in the person prayed for, but to encourage people to return for prayer.
It's similar in his instructions about the demonic, when one discerns the demonic(and he gives instruction on discerning), he simply says, "Demon, Jesus is Lord, and it is time for you to go. Now!" What I like here is that it is not elaborate rituals or formulas but the simple word of command in the name of Christ. This seems to conform most closely with biblical practice.
It is the case this does involve preparation in the life of the person ministering in these ways. All of this has to do with partnering with the God who is powerful so that his power grows in our lives. He proposes an equation that may seem over-simplistic to some, but that he unpacks in ways that make sense:
Authority + Gifting + Faith + Consecration = Power
Authority grows as a fruit of obedience to Jesus. While we can minister without gifting, gifting amplifies our ability to pursue that ministry. Faith grows as we believe (and invite others in our context to join us) God genuinely wants to do these good things, or rather wants us to do them in his power. Consecration involves separating from worldly practice and setting oneself apart by prayer and fasting. I had a mixed reaction to this "formula." I absolutely affirm these elements. But he seems to speak in an almost quantitative way of amounts of each of these elements adding up to the amount of power and that lacks in one area can be made up for by plenty in other areas. I think I would simply want to pursue more of each, and nothing that hindered God's work.
He also teaches in this book on ministries of prophecy and intercession. Each of the major teaching sections is inter-leaved with personal narrative. The book concludes with a discussion of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, marked in many instances but not all by speaking in tongues or some outward manifestation. This may be the most controversial for some, including myself, who would affirm that conversion and Spirit baptism go together. Yet I do think there is an important point in what he teaches. In many of our churches, we are effectively binatarians and do not instruct people in the presence and power of God's Spirit in their lives, nor affirm the value of laying on of hands and praying for the fullness of the Spirit's work in our lives. We would agree that this empowering presence is meant for all of the people of God.
I know of places where such things as Seng describes happen regularly. They believe God can work in power and they act in light of this knowledge. I wonder if what may hinder us in the places where this is not so is a combination of a very naturalistic outlook, and maybe more than a hint of fear that we really don't want God to be that real. Maybe we fear abuses or excesses, but it always has seemed to me that the remedy for abuse is not disuse but proper use. What most persuaded me though was that God's partnership with us in miraculous works is really no different from his partnership in the things we would deem more ordinary, and yet would seek to do in the power of God.
Jordan Seng contends that the whole work of Christian ministry is God partnering with us to get things done in the world. In all of those things, God is the one empowering, and we are the ones doing--preaching, serving, calling people to faith. His contention is that this extends to the things we might call "supernatural". God wants to partner with us in healing people, delivering them from the demonic, or speaking prophetically into people's lives. He argues that God wants to work in these ways in a very "hands on" fashion literally--one person with another. It can be amazing, and it can be messy.
If you don't come from a church where these things happen, this could be uncomfortable reading because it seems kind of wild, a bit out of control, or as Seng says, "weird." But if we are convinced that God still wants to partner with his people in miraculous ways, as in other ways, then he suggests life could get pretty interesting.
One of the things about Seng's book, as alluded to in the subtitle, is the "down to earthness" of his instruction. For example he describes his model of healing as follows:
1. Locate a sick person.
2. Place a hand on the person's shoulder and say, "In the name of Jesus, be healed."
That's pretty much it.
I also appreciate his wisdom when healing does not occur to not look for a problem or lack of faith in the person prayed for, but to encourage people to return for prayer.
It's similar in his instructions about the demonic, when one discerns the demonic(and he gives instruction on discerning), he simply says, "Demon, Jesus is Lord, and it is time for you to go. Now!" What I like here is that it is not elaborate rituals or formulas but the simple word of command in the name of Christ. This seems to conform most closely with biblical practice.
It is the case this does involve preparation in the life of the person ministering in these ways. All of this has to do with partnering with the God who is powerful so that his power grows in our lives. He proposes an equation that may seem over-simplistic to some, but that he unpacks in ways that make sense:
Authority + Gifting + Faith + Consecration = Power
Authority grows as a fruit of obedience to Jesus. While we can minister without gifting, gifting amplifies our ability to pursue that ministry. Faith grows as we believe (and invite others in our context to join us) God genuinely wants to do these good things, or rather wants us to do them in his power. Consecration involves separating from worldly practice and setting oneself apart by prayer and fasting. I had a mixed reaction to this "formula." I absolutely affirm these elements. But he seems to speak in an almost quantitative way of amounts of each of these elements adding up to the amount of power and that lacks in one area can be made up for by plenty in other areas. I think I would simply want to pursue more of each, and nothing that hindered God's work.
He also teaches in this book on ministries of prophecy and intercession. Each of the major teaching sections is inter-leaved with personal narrative. The book concludes with a discussion of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, marked in many instances but not all by speaking in tongues or some outward manifestation. This may be the most controversial for some, including myself, who would affirm that conversion and Spirit baptism go together. Yet I do think there is an important point in what he teaches. In many of our churches, we are effectively binatarians and do not instruct people in the presence and power of God's Spirit in their lives, nor affirm the value of laying on of hands and praying for the fullness of the Spirit's work in our lives. We would agree that this empowering presence is meant for all of the people of God.
I know of places where such things as Seng describes happen regularly. They believe God can work in power and they act in light of this knowledge. I wonder if what may hinder us in the places where this is not so is a combination of a very naturalistic outlook, and maybe more than a hint of fear that we really don't want God to be that real. Maybe we fear abuses or excesses, but it always has seemed to me that the remedy for abuse is not disuse but proper use. What most persuaded me though was that God's partnership with us in miraculous works is really no different from his partnership in the things we would deem more ordinary, and yet would seek to do in the power of God.
August 10, 2017
Utter garbage. The absolute worst the charismatic tradition has to offer the Church. Grossly arrogant; no exegesis of the key texts; no acknowledgement or response to detailed objections.
July 26, 2013
Jordan Seng, Miracle Work: A Down-to-Earth Guide to Supernatural Ministries (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2013). $17.00, 224 pages.
Miracle Work by Jordan Seng is, as the subtitle explains, “a down-to-earth guide to supernatural ministries”: healing, deliverance, prophecy, intercession, and Spirit-baptism. Written in an engaging, folksy style, the book combines personal anecdote, biblical teaching, and practical, experience-based guidance. It is one of the most interesting books I have read this year, for several reasons:
First, Jordan Seng is not the guy you’d expect to write this kind of book. He is a graduate of Stanford University with a PhD in political theory who served for a time as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. In his infamous essay, “On Miracles,” David Hume argued that reports of miracles arose among chiefly “ignorant and barbarous nations,” or were received by “civilized people” from “ignorant and barbarous ancestors.” Clearly, Hume never imagined the possibility of a miracle-working PhD, which simply shows the limits of his imagination and the extent of his prejudices.
Second, Seng is neither a member of the word-of-faith movement nor an advocate of the prosperity gospel. By the same token, he is not a proponent of classical Pentecostalism, with its doctrines of healing in the Atonement and tongues as initial physical evidence. In other words, he doesn’t fit the public stereotype of a “faith healer,” nor can he be easily fitted into ready-made theological grooves. He is the pastor of Bluewater Mission in Honolulu, Hawaii, which is affiliated with Vineyard Churches, and thus shares some of that movement’s emphases. Nonetheless, he ministers across a wide variety of denominations. (His publisher, InterVarsity Press, is a mainstream evangelical book house.)
Third, whereas faith healers emphasize the importance of faith in the person seeking healing, Seng emphasizes the importance of power in the person performing the healing. Indeed, the heart of the book is a chapter entitled, “The Power Equation,” where Seng lays out his understanding of how supernatural power flows through a person and results in supernatural ministry: Authority + Gifting + Faith + Consecration = Power. “[T]he amount of authority [determined by obedience to Jesus], gifting, faith and consecration you develop will combine to determine, in large part, the amount of supernatural power you have for ministry.” This shift of emphasis has important pastoral consequences: A person who does not experience healing should not be faulted for lack of faith, which is the implication of word-of-faith theology.
Fourth, whereas prosperity evangelists are often captive to the American dream, which emphasizes a life of health, wealth, and peace, Seng argues that supernatural ministry “radicalizes” Christians. “If you accept that you can do even the supernatural things that Jesus and his followers did in the Gospel stories, then you’ve pulled a linchpin: If you can do Jesus’ miracles, then you can live Jesus’ lifestyle across the board. In this way, supernatural ministry reinforces kingdom living. The supernatural begets the radical.” A major theme of the book is that “supernatural ministry will do a lot to make you a supernatural person” [emphasis in the original], and—I would add—vice versa. Rather than seeking health, wealth, and peace, supernatural people should do hard things: “Believers should be attracted to impossible situations like frat boys to beer. We should be drawn to every warzone, disaster area, cancer ward, violent ghetto, impoverished people or unreached group. Wherever the world has no solution, the believers should rush in. Why? Because God makes all things possible.”
Fifth, at the end of the day, the point of supernatural ministry is to draw us closer to Jesus. In the book’s final chapter, Seng shares his personal story. It includes the instability of his birth family, his wife’s seven miscarriages, long stretches of depression, academic frustration, and feelings of personal unworthiness. At a critical juncture, he has a vision of Jesus who comes to him and says, “Good job. I love you.” Reflecting on this, Seng writes: “I have lots of provocative stories about supernatural ministry, but the supernatural experiences that have shaped me most are the simple, intimate ones—the personal interactions in which I’ve gotten to feel, for a short while, the manifest presence of God there for me.”
Despite my interest in this book, even enthusiasm about it, I would like to note three reservations. The first is from the perspective of a classical Pentecostal. Whereas we believe that tongues is the initial physical evidence of Spirit-baptism, Seng argues that it is an evidence—the most common, perhaps, but not “necessary” evidence. The second is from the perspective of an evangelical. I worry that Seng overemphasizes the necessity of prophetic utterance. I don’t deny that such utterances happen, but I’m not sure small groups need to put members in the “mushpot” and prophesy over them on a regular basis. I’m worried, in other words, that giving prophetic advice might crowd out seeking guidance from biblical teaching. Does God have a unique word for everyone in every situation? That’s the impression Seng gives me, but I’m not sure that’s true. The third is from the perspective of an unhealed person. Seng writes, “in the kingdom of God, healing is the default position.” As a classical Pentecostal, who believes that healing is provided for in the atonement, I resonate with this statement. But as a sufferer, I also recognize that there are elements of timing (healing in this age or the age to come?), divine purpose (“my grace is sufficient”), and mystery that complicate expectations of healing here and now. (UPDATE: It might be helpful to read Miracle Work and Dying Out Loud in tandem, for they capture the two sides of the coin. Miracle Work talks about divine power to heal, while Dying Out Loud limns the divine purposes of sickness and death. See my review of Dying Out Loud here.)
Despite my reservations, I recommend reading Miracle Work. It is an interesting, faith-building book. If Jesus and his followers did supernatural ministry, why can’t we?
P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review page.
Miracle Work by Jordan Seng is, as the subtitle explains, “a down-to-earth guide to supernatural ministries”: healing, deliverance, prophecy, intercession, and Spirit-baptism. Written in an engaging, folksy style, the book combines personal anecdote, biblical teaching, and practical, experience-based guidance. It is one of the most interesting books I have read this year, for several reasons:
First, Jordan Seng is not the guy you’d expect to write this kind of book. He is a graduate of Stanford University with a PhD in political theory who served for a time as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. In his infamous essay, “On Miracles,” David Hume argued that reports of miracles arose among chiefly “ignorant and barbarous nations,” or were received by “civilized people” from “ignorant and barbarous ancestors.” Clearly, Hume never imagined the possibility of a miracle-working PhD, which simply shows the limits of his imagination and the extent of his prejudices.
Second, Seng is neither a member of the word-of-faith movement nor an advocate of the prosperity gospel. By the same token, he is not a proponent of classical Pentecostalism, with its doctrines of healing in the Atonement and tongues as initial physical evidence. In other words, he doesn’t fit the public stereotype of a “faith healer,” nor can he be easily fitted into ready-made theological grooves. He is the pastor of Bluewater Mission in Honolulu, Hawaii, which is affiliated with Vineyard Churches, and thus shares some of that movement’s emphases. Nonetheless, he ministers across a wide variety of denominations. (His publisher, InterVarsity Press, is a mainstream evangelical book house.)
Third, whereas faith healers emphasize the importance of faith in the person seeking healing, Seng emphasizes the importance of power in the person performing the healing. Indeed, the heart of the book is a chapter entitled, “The Power Equation,” where Seng lays out his understanding of how supernatural power flows through a person and results in supernatural ministry: Authority + Gifting + Faith + Consecration = Power. “[T]he amount of authority [determined by obedience to Jesus], gifting, faith and consecration you develop will combine to determine, in large part, the amount of supernatural power you have for ministry.” This shift of emphasis has important pastoral consequences: A person who does not experience healing should not be faulted for lack of faith, which is the implication of word-of-faith theology.
Fourth, whereas prosperity evangelists are often captive to the American dream, which emphasizes a life of health, wealth, and peace, Seng argues that supernatural ministry “radicalizes” Christians. “If you accept that you can do even the supernatural things that Jesus and his followers did in the Gospel stories, then you’ve pulled a linchpin: If you can do Jesus’ miracles, then you can live Jesus’ lifestyle across the board. In this way, supernatural ministry reinforces kingdom living. The supernatural begets the radical.” A major theme of the book is that “supernatural ministry will do a lot to make you a supernatural person” [emphasis in the original], and—I would add—vice versa. Rather than seeking health, wealth, and peace, supernatural people should do hard things: “Believers should be attracted to impossible situations like frat boys to beer. We should be drawn to every warzone, disaster area, cancer ward, violent ghetto, impoverished people or unreached group. Wherever the world has no solution, the believers should rush in. Why? Because God makes all things possible.”
Fifth, at the end of the day, the point of supernatural ministry is to draw us closer to Jesus. In the book’s final chapter, Seng shares his personal story. It includes the instability of his birth family, his wife’s seven miscarriages, long stretches of depression, academic frustration, and feelings of personal unworthiness. At a critical juncture, he has a vision of Jesus who comes to him and says, “Good job. I love you.” Reflecting on this, Seng writes: “I have lots of provocative stories about supernatural ministry, but the supernatural experiences that have shaped me most are the simple, intimate ones—the personal interactions in which I’ve gotten to feel, for a short while, the manifest presence of God there for me.”
Despite my interest in this book, even enthusiasm about it, I would like to note three reservations. The first is from the perspective of a classical Pentecostal. Whereas we believe that tongues is the initial physical evidence of Spirit-baptism, Seng argues that it is an evidence—the most common, perhaps, but not “necessary” evidence. The second is from the perspective of an evangelical. I worry that Seng overemphasizes the necessity of prophetic utterance. I don’t deny that such utterances happen, but I’m not sure small groups need to put members in the “mushpot” and prophesy over them on a regular basis. I’m worried, in other words, that giving prophetic advice might crowd out seeking guidance from biblical teaching. Does God have a unique word for everyone in every situation? That’s the impression Seng gives me, but I’m not sure that’s true. The third is from the perspective of an unhealed person. Seng writes, “in the kingdom of God, healing is the default position.” As a classical Pentecostal, who believes that healing is provided for in the atonement, I resonate with this statement. But as a sufferer, I also recognize that there are elements of timing (healing in this age or the age to come?), divine purpose (“my grace is sufficient”), and mystery that complicate expectations of healing here and now. (UPDATE: It might be helpful to read Miracle Work and Dying Out Loud in tandem, for they capture the two sides of the coin. Miracle Work talks about divine power to heal, while Dying Out Loud limns the divine purposes of sickness and death. See my review of Dying Out Loud here.)
Despite my reservations, I recommend reading Miracle Work. It is an interesting, faith-building book. If Jesus and his followers did supernatural ministry, why can’t we?
P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review page.
August 14, 2020
Stellar book. I’ve read several other books with a similar emphasis but this one is by far the most thoughtful and practical of the bunch. Jordan Seng has a lot to say and most everything he says is very helpful and not simply the same thing stated over and over throughout the book. As always, there were theological ideas he presented that I disagree with but not enough to detract from the book. I think what I appreciated the most was how straightforward he was about supernatural ministry. He described it in ways that instill excitement and expectation yet he wasn’t being overly sensational. He was very honest about how messy it can be yet he didn’t make it seem unattainable. Someone compared the book to John Wimber’s Power Evangelism but I think it’s even better. Highly recommend!
June 20, 2021
Miracle Work absolutely obliterated the box we, including myself, tend to put God in. In John 14:12 Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even GREATER things than these, because I am going to the Father.” Greater things? Really Jesus? But the answer is yes. Jordan stressed how God invites us into supernatural ministry with him- through healing, deliverance, prophecy, intercession- all powered by the Holy Spirit. This book pulled me out of my comfort zone and ultimately pointed me back to the truth that God wants to see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. I recommend reading this book with a group of people! You can’t so supernatural ministry alone 😊
August 15, 2017
Excellent. The best ministry book I've read since "The Listening Life."
Not only does Seng provide great, practical advice and instruction on supernatural ministry, this book is chock full of nuggets that are true about any kind of ministry. And he does it all with an earthy, self-deprecating sense of humor. He's a million miles away from the cheesy, guru type teachers we all think of when we think about this kind of stuff.
I want this to be my ministry handbook for this year, the book I keep returning to, reminding myself of what I've learned and how I want to apply it.
Not only does Seng provide great, practical advice and instruction on supernatural ministry, this book is chock full of nuggets that are true about any kind of ministry. And he does it all with an earthy, self-deprecating sense of humor. He's a million miles away from the cheesy, guru type teachers we all think of when we think about this kind of stuff.
I want this to be my ministry handbook for this year, the book I keep returning to, reminding myself of what I've learned and how I want to apply it.
November 1, 2018
Growing up, I was not raised in an environment that embraced the supernatural, just kept it to sermons and stories. But as an adult, I've come across things that I can only explain as the Holy Spirit's power being worked through others. Convinced, then, that there is something to it, this book answers almost all of my questions and leads me now a changed person and an enhanced road ahead in life.
March 4, 2020
Practical development
I appreciate Jordan’s practical teaching in this book. I have read other books that have the demonstration of power but not the messier side of ministry. Humans are messy, Jordan is encouraging with his real walk into the messiness of the kingdom intersecting with humans.
I appreciate Jordan’s practical teaching in this book. I have read other books that have the demonstration of power but not the messier side of ministry. Humans are messy, Jordan is encouraging with his real walk into the messiness of the kingdom intersecting with humans.
April 14, 2025
The sub-title is "A Down-to-earth Guide to Supernatural Ministries," and that's just what this book is. No advanced degrees required to comprehend the content. Straightforward and practical. Nothing esoteric or spooky (not even the sections on deliverance ministry!).
January 23, 2026
A MUST read if you want to be a servant in the healing or prophetic ministry. Saw him live, he is the real deal! He will take the complexity out of your practice of co laboring with Jesus in this way!!
May 6, 2018
This book is really cool. And also really convicting. It's one I found inspiring, and want to revisit.
October 29, 2018
Appreciated the lighthearted tone
May 8, 2024
Learned a lot and have begun putting a few things into practice.
December 30, 2024
Practical, down-to-earth take on supernatural ministry. Avoids many pitfalls you see in the charismatic realm like triumphalism.
October 29, 2025
This challenged a lot of beliefs I didn’t even know I held. I don’t know that I’d take everything in it as gospel truth, but it is absolutely worth reading.
July 11, 2014
Someone recommended this to me because of the crazy (yet true) stories inspiring faith, but I got much more out of the book. Jordan Seng used to live in the Boston area, so I got to speak with some people who knew him while he was at the Vineyard Church Cambridge before he moved. Having this perspective made this reading particularly interesting, as I had a little personal glimpse into the book's backstory.
While I don't attend a charismatic Christian church, this book was a good introduction to supernatural ministry, with a balance between practical "how to's," personal anecdotes, and Biblical reference. I didn't agree with everything Jordan argued, but his book certainly made me think a lot about the role of the church and the role of Christians in this world - and mostly made me think, "Do I really believe God can do this sort of stuff today, in my life and in the lives of those around me?" I found it challenging but also inspiring. And yes, the stories of crazy things happening in Jordan's life (he doesn't mince words when describing the good and the bad) did encourage me to have more faith, or at least not to give up when life gets really hard.
So the book isn't just for people who are considering supernatural ministry at their churches, but it's also a worthy read for anyone who is curious about the more mystical and "otherworldly" aspects of God and want something theological yet practical to chew on.
While I don't attend a charismatic Christian church, this book was a good introduction to supernatural ministry, with a balance between practical "how to's," personal anecdotes, and Biblical reference. I didn't agree with everything Jordan argued, but his book certainly made me think a lot about the role of the church and the role of Christians in this world - and mostly made me think, "Do I really believe God can do this sort of stuff today, in my life and in the lives of those around me?" I found it challenging but also inspiring. And yes, the stories of crazy things happening in Jordan's life (he doesn't mince words when describing the good and the bad) did encourage me to have more faith, or at least not to give up when life gets really hard.
So the book isn't just for people who are considering supernatural ministry at their churches, but it's also a worthy read for anyone who is curious about the more mystical and "otherworldly" aspects of God and want something theological yet practical to chew on.
January 4, 2016
Miracle Work is easy-to-read, witty, and insightful, but you will also be challenged. If, for example, you think that people can't be super-natural or that miracles just don't happen today, Jordan Seng will challenge you to think about your own thinking. On the other hand, if you are open to the idea that people, even walk-by-'em-on-the-street folks, can be super-natural, then in this book you will find practical, down-to-earth ways you can test that idea.
The chapters of the book alternate between (1.) the author's personal stories and (2.) examinations of principles that apply to a super-natural life.
The format feels like you are listening to a story from the author's life one moment and then getting explanations of why and how: why the story is important and how you might have a similar story to tell about your own super-natural life. Jordan Seng will challenge you to take tangible actions that can change your life and the lives of the people you care about. You will even find ways to crank up your own super-natural gifting through obedience, sacrifice, and faith.
Miracle Work is not name-it-and-claim-it doctrine. This book faces the reality of life on earth head on, but asks "How much are you willing to trust and risk?" so that you can have a super-natural life in which super-normal stuff happens.
The chapters of the book alternate between (1.) the author's personal stories and (2.) examinations of principles that apply to a super-natural life.
The format feels like you are listening to a story from the author's life one moment and then getting explanations of why and how: why the story is important and how you might have a similar story to tell about your own super-natural life. Jordan Seng will challenge you to take tangible actions that can change your life and the lives of the people you care about. You will even find ways to crank up your own super-natural gifting through obedience, sacrifice, and faith.
Miracle Work is not name-it-and-claim-it doctrine. This book faces the reality of life on earth head on, but asks "How much are you willing to trust and risk?" so that you can have a super-natural life in which super-normal stuff happens.
August 8, 2016
Jordan Seng, Jordan Seng, Jordan Seng...
...You have definitely changed my life's desires, and I've never even met you.
I bought this book after I went to a conference of Seng's in September of last year, and I was blown away with the power and giftings that he had when he used the authority that God gives him in Jesus' name. After I witnessed all-day miraculous prophetic word from him through dreams and interpretation--with additional testimonies of his miracle-ministry-church in Hawaii--I felt like the rather dry-spell I was in during that time, completely vanished--and I spiritually awoke with a fire-burning desire to learn how to grow in this specific ministry.
One of my first steps was, of course, reading Miracle Work. This is honestly the best book--at least in my Christian sphere--that I have ever read. It's so practical and Seng makes it clear that, just like him, anyone can be full of Holy Spirit power to go out and heal, prophesize, deliver and etc..
After reading, I felt so empowered, and it has forever changed how I think of ministry with Jesus. If you want to learn step by step how to grow with authority in Christ, I highly recommend reading this gift of a book.
~Hannah~
...You have definitely changed my life's desires, and I've never even met you.
I bought this book after I went to a conference of Seng's in September of last year, and I was blown away with the power and giftings that he had when he used the authority that God gives him in Jesus' name. After I witnessed all-day miraculous prophetic word from him through dreams and interpretation--with additional testimonies of his miracle-ministry-church in Hawaii--I felt like the rather dry-spell I was in during that time, completely vanished--and I spiritually awoke with a fire-burning desire to learn how to grow in this specific ministry.
One of my first steps was, of course, reading Miracle Work. This is honestly the best book--at least in my Christian sphere--that I have ever read. It's so practical and Seng makes it clear that, just like him, anyone can be full of Holy Spirit power to go out and heal, prophesize, deliver and etc..
After reading, I felt so empowered, and it has forever changed how I think of ministry with Jesus. If you want to learn step by step how to grow with authority in Christ, I highly recommend reading this gift of a book.
~Hannah~
September 11, 2016
Really enjoyed this. Saw Jordan Seng at New Wine 2016, his writing is very similar to his talking style. Easy to read and simple but not simplistic, he takes the supernatural and grounds it in solid theology and challenges us to try. Good read!
March 2, 2020
I'm reading this book with a group of people at church to explore more of these ministries.
Seng's main message is that if God gives us the power, it's up to us to use it as vassals of Christ. Seng dispels any "magic" behind these spiritual gifts (something a person can easily fall into with these "crazy" gifts) and keeps the light on Christ. His no-nonsense tone shows that these gifts not as lofty as Christians often make them out to be, and he offers concrete examples on how to use these gifts, while sharing stories of these gifts at work from his own life.
This book changed my life, and is one of the most down-to-earth (haha) books I've read on these types of ministries. I am a firm believer that the Holy Spirit is at work in big ways, and would recommend this book to anyone who feels the same way–even if you're a skeptic (which he addresses). I would NOT recommend reading this book alone, because you'll likely have a lot of questions afterwards.
Seng's main message is that if God gives us the power, it's up to us to use it as vassals of Christ. Seng dispels any "magic" behind these spiritual gifts (something a person can easily fall into with these "crazy" gifts) and keeps the light on Christ. His no-nonsense tone shows that these gifts not as lofty as Christians often make them out to be, and he offers concrete examples on how to use these gifts, while sharing stories of these gifts at work from his own life.
This book changed my life, and is one of the most down-to-earth (haha) books I've read on these types of ministries. I am a firm believer that the Holy Spirit is at work in big ways, and would recommend this book to anyone who feels the same way–even if you're a skeptic (which he addresses). I would NOT recommend reading this book alone, because you'll likely have a lot of questions afterwards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2024
Jordan recently spoke at my church and I was challenged by his encouragement to “try”. This book gives great guidance on how to do exactly that. If you want to “do the stuff” Jesus told us we’d do, this is a great resource.
January 23, 2016
Jordan Seng has written a book that makes learning about, and applying, the gifts of the Holy Spirit easily accessible to Christ followers. The combination of personal experience, practical guidance, and easy to understand steps provide a sound guide that cuts through a wide variety of doctrinal and dogmatic teachings and practices. Explanations and procedures incorporate scripture in an effective and easy to read format.
Miracle Work helped me gain a better understanding of the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit and provided a clear guide that I can use to develop current gifts and grow in new ones.
A great book for pastors, church leaders, and members of the body seeking to grow in the Spirit.
Miracle Work helped me gain a better understanding of the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit and provided a clear guide that I can use to develop current gifts and grow in new ones.
A great book for pastors, church leaders, and members of the body seeking to grow in the Spirit.
December 29, 2013
"Miracle-working faith believes that God is genuinely eager for the goodness of miracles." (66).
Prayer can be a form of consecration because an hour in prayer is an hour in which you belong to heaven and not the world. Indeed, the primary purpose of prayer is not to inform God but to consecrate us." (72).
Prayer can be a form of consecration because an hour in prayer is an hour in which you belong to heaven and not the world. Indeed, the primary purpose of prayer is not to inform God but to consecrate us." (72).
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