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Man Up! Becoming a Godly Man in an Ungodly World
MAN UP! Becoming a Godly Man in an Ungodly world was written by pastor, author and speaker Jody Burkeen. His god given vision to challenge men to stop being spiritual sissies, MAN UP and except Gods challenge to be "the light of the world" inspired him to put this vision in a book to share with others. Jody's self-described "Damascus Road Transformation" led him on a journey to search the scripture to find what he had been missing his whole life, Jesus Christ. In this journey, the Word if God took over in a way he never expected. Searching for men in the church to help in him in his walk, he found very little help and in the process found men that needed the same kind of help. "Church had become a religion, not a relationship" says Jody in his book. The relationship he is talking about is the relationship with Jesus Christ and it seemed as if men in the church had become complacent and not living up to the challenge to live a separated life.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
455 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 23, 2016
There is some very good content and messages included in this easy to read book. Burkeen addresses various aspects of a man's life where he considers there is certain neglect including: Marriage, Fatherhood, Church, and Accountability to name a few. Burkeen's encouragement and steps of guidance are all mostly sound. Each chapter ends with a set of actions for the reader to implement which is a good idea to help blokes start making changes immediately.
Further, there are 3 useful appendices at the back: a 30-Day challenge to further work through each of the topics covered in the book, notes on how to study the Bible and a One Year Bible reading guide.
The book had a couple of weaknesses which some other reviewers have mentioned. Firstly, the tone/voice made me feel I was in a change room getting a rev-up by the coach. This works for some men and there are times we all need such a word but I would have found the book more engaging if Burkeen used greater variety in how he delivered his messages. The second point is his messages leaned a little too much into self-effort. One of the wonderful aspects of having Jesus in our lives is He's in us. We can live the life he desires by allowing Him to live it. We're new creations and Christ desires for us to become totally dependent on Him by choosing Him in every moment. It's this attitude that helps transform us by living the Word in all that we do and say. As our heart transforms it becomes more "natural" for us to be able "Man Up" in every area of our lives.
Overall "Man Up" is a good addition to the "Man Stuff" catalogue of books. In particular, it's a great introduction to the various areas in a man's life and for someone who hasn't read many of these types of books it would serve well as a starter. However, I'd encourage such a reader to read further along the lines of Patrick Morley, Nate Pyle and John Eldredge (and beyond Wild at Heart).
Further, there are 3 useful appendices at the back: a 30-Day challenge to further work through each of the topics covered in the book, notes on how to study the Bible and a One Year Bible reading guide.
The book had a couple of weaknesses which some other reviewers have mentioned. Firstly, the tone/voice made me feel I was in a change room getting a rev-up by the coach. This works for some men and there are times we all need such a word but I would have found the book more engaging if Burkeen used greater variety in how he delivered his messages. The second point is his messages leaned a little too much into self-effort. One of the wonderful aspects of having Jesus in our lives is He's in us. We can live the life he desires by allowing Him to live it. We're new creations and Christ desires for us to become totally dependent on Him by choosing Him in every moment. It's this attitude that helps transform us by living the Word in all that we do and say. As our heart transforms it becomes more "natural" for us to be able "Man Up" in every area of our lives.
Overall "Man Up" is a good addition to the "Man Stuff" catalogue of books. In particular, it's a great introduction to the various areas in a man's life and for someone who hasn't read many of these types of books it would serve well as a starter. However, I'd encourage such a reader to read further along the lines of Patrick Morley, Nate Pyle and John Eldredge (and beyond Wild at Heart).
August 26, 2020
There is effort but not much Spirit
There had been put an effort to express the need for men to grow in their position as leaders at home and in church but it is not written in and edifying and a building up way. It is rather undermining the spiritual situation and need and too much emphasis is put on the building rather than the living stones; I believe it can be used by the Spirit to help someone but not everyone over all. Which is normal in a worldly way. May every reader take what He needs through the Spirit and leave everything else behind.
May the writer be blessed for the effort he had put in and be sensitive to the Spirit and correction from Him,
Amen
There had been put an effort to express the need for men to grow in their position as leaders at home and in church but it is not written in and edifying and a building up way. It is rather undermining the spiritual situation and need and too much emphasis is put on the building rather than the living stones; I believe it can be used by the Spirit to help someone but not everyone over all. Which is normal in a worldly way. May every reader take what He needs through the Spirit and leave everything else behind.
May the writer be blessed for the effort he had put in and be sensitive to the Spirit and correction from Him,
Amen
October 14, 2019
I've been following the author on Facebook and finally read his book. Nothing really groundbreaking here unless you are new to Christianity. I enjoyed how the author motivates his readers to study the Bible. The exercises at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and well worth reading. The sequential Bible reading plan is somewhat simplistic. I much prefer a plan that provides multiple readings from multiple books (like the One Year Bible).
May 17, 2025
Man Up
I would highly recommend this book as a Christian man because just like you said, we are missing men in the church who are sold out for Christ and are willing to man up. He goes through the different aspects of his struggle talks about church. Her talks about discipleship talks about accountability talks about being a family man. He covers all the issues that we mengo through and even struggle with and how we Christ we could be a better version of ourselves.
I would highly recommend this book as a Christian man because just like you said, we are missing men in the church who are sold out for Christ and are willing to man up. He goes through the different aspects of his struggle talks about church. Her talks about discipleship talks about accountability talks about being a family man. He covers all the issues that we mengo through and even struggle with and how we Christ we could be a better version of ourselves.
June 14, 2017
Great read
I didn't know what to expect of this book but I am quite glad I read it. This book certainly challenges men on a very personal and spiritual level. It has certainly spoken to me and I intend on applying what I learned to my life. I would certainly recommend this book to any man who is searching for what it means to live a godly manhood.
I didn't know what to expect of this book but I am quite glad I read it. This book certainly challenges men on a very personal and spiritual level. It has certainly spoken to me and I intend on applying what I learned to my life. I would certainly recommend this book to any man who is searching for what it means to live a godly manhood.
February 2, 2020
Great Exhortation for Modern Men
A very concise and straightforward call out to men in the church of Christ to step up and stand out. To be real men and grow a backbone. Packed with wisdom, principles, guidelines and resources to help you become the man God intended for you to be. Pick it up and read it. Then follow the advice. You'll be glad you did.
A very concise and straightforward call out to men in the church of Christ to step up and stand out. To be real men and grow a backbone. Packed with wisdom, principles, guidelines and resources to help you become the man God intended for you to be. Pick it up and read it. Then follow the advice. You'll be glad you did.
October 14, 2023
Some good things in the book, but the writing style was mediocre. The style was very casual, and the berating “spiritual sissies” used throughout the book was not helpful. Nonetheless, there are some nuggets in here, and the overall message of the book (taking your Christian walk seriously) is an important one for men to heed.
January 30, 2020
DISCIPLESHIP
Straight forward, doesn't sugar-coat anything. We men need to step our game up and stop being afraid to spread the word of God. I love the method and I respect this authors opinion. It's an amazing book.
Straight forward, doesn't sugar-coat anything. We men need to step our game up and stop being afraid to spread the word of God. I love the method and I respect this authors opinion. It's an amazing book.
September 23, 2020
Great book for Men
This is an honest and straight to the heart book. I loved reading it, love how much passion the author has for Christ. Fueled my passion to pick up my Bible once more and read the Father’s word. Highly recommend this book.
This is an honest and straight to the heart book. I loved reading it, love how much passion the author has for Christ. Fueled my passion to pick up my Bible once more and read the Father’s word. Highly recommend this book.
October 17, 2025
Not a good book
The author strikes me as a phony rah rah gut who never did anything to rah rah. Very superficial and often wrong he couldn't give a sufficient explanation of sanctification but says everyone should be sanctified. Not worth your time or money
The author strikes me as a phony rah rah gut who never did anything to rah rah. Very superficial and often wrong he couldn't give a sufficient explanation of sanctification but says everyone should be sanctified. Not worth your time or money
January 15, 2018
Eye opening
Reading this book has shown me ways I need to make improvements in my life. Thank you for this inspiration that I can use to become a better man, husband, and father.
Reading this book has shown me ways I need to make improvements in my life. Thank you for this inspiration that I can use to become a better man, husband, and father.
October 13, 2020
A great read
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave me lots of insights and reinforced a lot of things I knew I needed to do
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave me lots of insights and reinforced a lot of things I knew I needed to do
May 5, 2022
very good book
I would definitely read it as a weekly reading, very strong messages for men. A few errors but overall very well thought book
I would definitely read it as a weekly reading, very strong messages for men. A few errors but overall very well thought book
December 10, 2022
Good book, although a bit dated. Still full of biblical principles. I like the premise - man up and not be a sissy. This is in all aspects of a man’s life.
November 30, 2025
A great Challenge to all Men
This book breaks down the steps needed to become a Godly man, husband, and servant of Christ. This read is well worth your time.
This book breaks down the steps needed to become a Godly man, husband, and servant of Christ. This read is well worth your time.
July 4, 2019
Get involved men in the church. Your day is now Quit making excuses. Good insights to get started with your journey. Follow the example of Paul.
This rating was given because it is a great book Thanks to the writer Be on fire your Lord Jesus Christ
This rating was given because it is a great book Thanks to the writer Be on fire your Lord Jesus Christ
December 17, 2015
Good book for men's study
Took our men's group Thru this summer and all of us enjoyed it. Great principles with hard hitting words. Highly recommend.
Took our men's group Thru this summer and all of us enjoyed it. Great principles with hard hitting words. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews