SNAP

by Mick Mooney

Pastor Richard has everything: Perfect house. Perfect car. Perfect appearance. Perfect wife. As the Senior Pastor of Faith First Church, perfection was expected of him, but when his son, Frank, informs him that he no longer wants to be part of Christianity, the cracks begin to show.

Richard's older brother, Ted, who was also once the Senior Pastor of Faith First before his abrupt resignation a decade ago, has been talking with Frank about living a life of faith outside of organized religion for some time. At first Richard doesn't think this is of any serious consequence. However, when Frank is mysteriously scheduled to preach one Sunday evening, his message challenges Richard's church-growth vision so directly it has the potential to blow his perfect facade sky high.

With Henry, the ambitious Associate Pastor, now determined to take matters into his own hands, Richard suddenly has everyone against him: His brother, his son, his wife, his Associate Pastor, and the elders. Despite the pressure, Richard is determined to overcome and maintain his perfect appearance—but everyone has a breaking point, even the Mighty Pastor Richard.

Genres: Christian Fiction

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Mick Mooney is an Australian born writer. He writes non-fiction and fiction.

Reviews

[Jen Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I started reading SNAP, I could not put it down and ended up reading it all in the same day. The focus on love and the journey some of the characters take to understand love and let it heal them is easy to relate into my own life, even though circumstances are different. Whether you have been through the grind of church life or the guilt of not living up to expectations, you can find hope, love, and then peace through this story. And perhaps be able to forgive or find healing for some part of your own life. I did.

[Joseph Busuttil · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read and thought provoking. In this age of mega churches and rock star pastors one wonders where is there room left for the 'Good News.' When God's business becomes pure business ego and lust for power slowly creeps into the pews and lives of those in charge. 'SNAP' shows how far this can go and the tragic results on the lives of those caught up in it.

[Jim Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my interest from the start. I do not read a lot of novels, but this one I just couldn't put down. I was instantly caught up in the story of the pastor's life and family. It was the story of a man who loved God but very quickly got caught up in the religious aspects and put his love for God and his family second. He allowed his love of works and personal goals to take over...all in the name of God. I've never been so caught up in a story line and never became so emotionally involved in a book before. Mick has done a great job of writing an interesting story and bringing the absolute truth of the gospel of grace out in such a meaningful way. This will be a book that you will enjoy reading and where you will find the story of the grace of God so clearly shown.

[Lois Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

SNAP

This the perfect title for this book. Well written from the perspective of one who must know the inner workings of megga-churches. I'm just curious. I have seen these characters at work and seen the Ted's of this world accomplish more in this world by showing the Love of the Lord. Sad but true the Jane's and Jenny's are the ones who truly suffer.
The characters in this book were well written and I truly enjoyed this read.
Mick - write on!

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve had this sitting on my Kindle for years. Finally read it today. It’s a very quick read and makes some excellent points (in a fairly heavy handed way). Caused a bit of PTSD to rise up in me from my own experience in a mega church many years ago. The style of writing didn’t really work for me, but I appreciated the novelized way of communicating the message. I think a bit more character depth and story build up would have helped.

[Barbara Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting book

This book about two pastors (son) and a mega church. How with faith we find love! Wonderful story, made me think about my own walk in faith and love. Our world is such a mess right now, that everyone should read this book!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Definitely shows how “religion” can control a person even over God. But there is freedom in the fact God loves us in spite of religion.

[Mrs Dawn Cotterell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

Please make the rest of this series of books available on kindle, this has been a thought provoking read, it would be good to read on in this series..

[David Emmanuel Agreda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading the novel SNAP by Mick Mooney, this novel reveals, in narrative form, the reality lived by many Christians who are enslaved in evangelical churches by arrogants and pushy pastors, even with good intentions. Without going into theological rhetoric, this story will help you realize if you yourself are in this situation of religious slavery, living in the old covenant and following traditions of the Pharisees.

Also shown is the plight of the pastor's family, how his wife and children are left to one side in order to meet the vision of the church. This is also a reality in many pastoral families.

I recommend it.

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He estado leyendo la novela SNAP de Mick Mooney, esta novela revela en forma narrativa la realidad que viven muchos cristianos que son esclavizados en las iglesias evangélicas por pastores arrogantes y prepotentes, aunque con buena intención. Sin entrar en retórica teológica, esta historia te ayudará a darte cuenta si tú mismo estás en esta situación de esclavitud religiosa, viviendo en el antiguo pacto y siguiendo costumbres de fariseos.

También se muestra la difícil situación de la familia del pastor, cómo su esposa y sus hijos son dejados a un lado para poder atender la visión de la iglesia. Esto también se vive en muchas familias pastorales.

La recomiendo.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this new novel by Mick Mooney so much that I think it is the best book I've read this year. The characters were very believable, and the situation they were in was real. I could feel the tension all the way through and couldn't stop reading as I wanted to find out what happened. I really liked the character Ted and loved the things he had to say about God and his love. The character Richard I didn't like as he was horrible and pitiful. I think this could be one of those books that should be read more than once as there is a lot of depth to it. This book has the potential to really change your life if you're open to the ideas in it. However, if you're very comfortable with your religious lifestyle don't go near it, as it's dynamite.

[Michael Donahoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my interest from the start. I do not read a lot of novels, but this one I just couldn't put down. I was instantly caught up in the story of the pastor's life and family. It was the story of a man who loved God but very quickly got caught up in the religious aspects and put his love for God and his family second. He allowed his love of works and personal goals to take over...all in the name of God. I've never been so caught up in a story line and never became so emotionally involved in a book before. Mick has done a great job of writing an interesting story and bringing the absolute truth of the gospel of grace out in such a meaningful way. This will be a book that you will enjoy reading and where you will find the story of the grace of God so clearly shown.

[Betty Donahoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Snap". I didn't expect it to be the kind of book that you start and can't put down, but that is what it turned out to be. I started reading and couldn't stop until I had finished the book. The characters pulled me in and with each chapter I was more and more intrigued. I really could relate to some of the characters in this book and when it came to the part about not really knowing the people you go to church with, it hit home to me and really made me do some soul searching about myself. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It's such an easy read and if you have ever struggled with yourself regarding going to church rather than being the church this book will speak to you.

[M Badenhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put the book down. I simply had to read until something/someone SNAPPED! And it did! In this novel, Mick portrayed the dangers of getting stuck in a spiderweb of duty, all beginning with the best of intentions. But the story doesn't end with the characters being sucked up by a predator, but being rescued by a Loving Father, who was holding them in His love all along! The message in SNAP could be both a warning and an assurance: a warning that could save the reader many miserable years, and an assurance that wherever the reader finds himself/herself, he/she is never alone, because God is Immanuel.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting fiction book that shows the dangers of being obsessed with religion and church as opposed to genuine relationships. I really felt for the whole family who were caught in turmoil and thought there were many good lessons learnt from the book. I did find there were a bit too many volatile emotions and punch-up scenes, but maybe this family were that type of people. Just felt it was a bit unrealistic or even unloving that they were always screaming and punching but maybe emotions were very high. All in all, a good read for any Christian questioning the status quo - I think a book any pastor should read.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real, raw and honest.

At some point, every thinker as questioned his/her beliefs. This book addresses the reality of the decision to ask questions beyond the walls you've always grown up with and very much matches several of the questions I've asked in my own faith journey.

I highly recommend this book (anything by Mick, really) and eagerly await the next two books

[Domingo Quilems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a few things from this book. Authentic Christianity is compared to those who try to improve on the church and forget the important things that manifest the heart and intent of what Jesus originally set up.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! A great novel. Never a lull in the story. Characters were very believable. The story line was great- kept me interested to the very last page. Well written.

[D. R. Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable.

[Love Marata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly, when you started reading this book, you can't put it down. It's interesting, painful and revealing. I enjoyed reading it!