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Cheer Up!: The Life and Ministry of Jack Miller
Through the New Life movement, pastor and author Jack Miller became the pioneering captain of an expansive network of gospel-centered, Reformed leaders who taught in seminaries, planted new churches, revitalized existing churches, and recruited and trained missionaries who were sent around the world. His influence is felt today through their work, his writings, and ministries such as Serge (previously World Harvest Mission) and the Sonship curriculum.
Drawing on extensive interviews with Jack's friends, family, colleagues, and critics, as well as archival material, biographer Michael Graham gives us a full picture of Jack Miller -- from his difficult childhood, early atheism, and conversion to his later teaching and ministries -- showing how he pressed through grave challenges to bring the joy of God's omnipotent grace to some of the most influential leaders in the church today.
Drawing on extensive interviews with Jack's friends, family, colleagues, and critics, as well as archival material, biographer Michael Graham gives us a full picture of Jack Miller -- from his difficult childhood, early atheism, and conversion to his later teaching and ministries -- showing how he pressed through grave challenges to bring the joy of God's omnipotent grace to some of the most influential leaders in the church today.
256 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2020
24 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 7, 2021
Enjoyed reading the story of the man who influenced many in the “gospel-centered” movement, even trickling down into my life and ministry over the past decade. As a result, this book has left me with even more gratitude for his life and ministry!
Interesting tidbit: "In the city, Jack met Raju Abraham, an Indian-born Christian medical doctor, who asked him to come to India in order to explore the possibility of a new WHM India team. Jack made plans to travel to north India in early 1995" (p. 202). Miller passed away before this happened, but how amazing he knew of a Keralite believer!
Graham's treatment depicts Jack's flaws as well as his deep passion for the Lord, the lost and heart for gospel renewal all around the world. The section on the controversy over works in justification was somewhat tedious for me to read, but the other sections were an encouraging and refreshing read.
Interesting tidbit: "In the city, Jack met Raju Abraham, an Indian-born Christian medical doctor, who asked him to come to India in order to explore the possibility of a new WHM India team. Jack made plans to travel to north India in early 1995" (p. 202). Miller passed away before this happened, but how amazing he knew of a Keralite believer!
Graham's treatment depicts Jack's flaws as well as his deep passion for the Lord, the lost and heart for gospel renewal all around the world. The section on the controversy over works in justification was somewhat tedious for me to read, but the other sections were an encouraging and refreshing read.
December 17, 2020
A Remarkable Biography About the Kind of Pastor/Religious Leader We All Long For But Rarely Can Find
Today it's hard to find Christians, especially Christian leaders, who are the real thing and who make you want to believe and follow the Bible in a compelling way. Read this book and you will meet such a Christian, such a Christian leader, in Jack Miller. His beginnings in the faith are messy and he never "arrived", but he learned from the Gospel that we are a lot worse than we think but more LOVED than we could ever imagine through Jesus, and his life and ministry became an avenue for others to experience, believe, and live in light of the same thing.
When I first met the author Mike Graham over 20 years ago, he was talking about how God had used the Gospel, Sonship, and the ministry of Jack and Rosemary Miller to transform his life and to save and beautify his marriage. Mike and his wife Vicki became instruments of that same Gospel in the life of my wife and me as well. This book is largely the fascinating story of how God began to transform the life of Jack Miller using the Gospel and how God used Jack and the Gospel through Jack to transform the lives of so many others and to influence the ministries of so many Gospel-centered pastors and Christian leaders, from Tim Keller, Scotty Smith, and Jerry Bridges, just to name a few.
Reading this book has inspired me to find joy in being so deeply loved in the face of all my flaws and to persevere in pointing those around me to dive into this same joy. If you read about the Gospel-centered life and ministry of Jack Miller in Cheer Up!, you will almost certainly find this same contagious joy as well.
Today it's hard to find Christians, especially Christian leaders, who are the real thing and who make you want to believe and follow the Bible in a compelling way. Read this book and you will meet such a Christian, such a Christian leader, in Jack Miller. His beginnings in the faith are messy and he never "arrived", but he learned from the Gospel that we are a lot worse than we think but more LOVED than we could ever imagine through Jesus, and his life and ministry became an avenue for others to experience, believe, and live in light of the same thing.
When I first met the author Mike Graham over 20 years ago, he was talking about how God had used the Gospel, Sonship, and the ministry of Jack and Rosemary Miller to transform his life and to save and beautify his marriage. Mike and his wife Vicki became instruments of that same Gospel in the life of my wife and me as well. This book is largely the fascinating story of how God began to transform the life of Jack Miller using the Gospel and how God used Jack and the Gospel through Jack to transform the lives of so many others and to influence the ministries of so many Gospel-centered pastors and Christian leaders, from Tim Keller, Scotty Smith, and Jerry Bridges, just to name a few.
Reading this book has inspired me to find joy in being so deeply loved in the face of all my flaws and to persevere in pointing those around me to dive into this same joy. If you read about the Gospel-centered life and ministry of Jack Miller in Cheer Up!, you will almost certainly find this same contagious joy as well.
August 20, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version, and my 4/5 is due to the reader (not engaging - often sounding like a computer).
However, the book itself is a good account of the life and ministry of Jack Miller, covering his background, family, faith and ministry. The author attempts to be 'critical' and succeeds in that he discusses the controversial aspects of Jacks ministry (WTS days, sonship theology, Presbyterian drama, etc), but it is still a warm and helpful read.
There is much in Jacks ministry that I would love to follow, especially his emphasis on evangelism, the glory of God, the power of the Spirit and the need to be daring - but not in a hurry.
I particularly loved the section on his breakthrough in coming a 'trinitarian' - that is, believing in and relying on the power of the Spirit.
However, the book itself is a good account of the life and ministry of Jack Miller, covering his background, family, faith and ministry. The author attempts to be 'critical' and succeeds in that he discusses the controversial aspects of Jacks ministry (WTS days, sonship theology, Presbyterian drama, etc), but it is still a warm and helpful read.
There is much in Jacks ministry that I would love to follow, especially his emphasis on evangelism, the glory of God, the power of the Spirit and the need to be daring - but not in a hurry.
I particularly loved the section on his breakthrough in coming a 'trinitarian' - that is, believing in and relying on the power of the Spirit.
August 19, 2025
I'm grateful for this biography of an influential yet sometimes under-appreciated Reformed leader of the 20th century. Miller's life challenges me to seek God with greater intensity, relish grace more deeply, and live out the Great Commission more faithfully.
February 12, 2021
Jack Miller is most surely the most influential Calvinist leader of the 20th century that you’ve never heard of. He’s rarely referenced, he isn’t included in the lists of popular or “celebrity” pastors in organizations like The Gospel Coalition. But if you’d chat with any of those “celebrity” leaders, they would likely tell you Jack Miller influenced them in some way, or reference some of Jack’s leadership in Sonship and justification by grace. Miller was a “leader among leaders” guiding the OPC and PCA, as well as founding a significant missionary organization (MTW/Serge) that has influence all over the world. Jack’s “Sonship” course has led to a powerful transformation—revival even— in countless lives and churches around the globe, even my own.
So it would be only appropriate that there be a biography of this man. Surprisingly, it came twenty-four years after his death. Graham treats Jack well, providing personal biography, history, and a balanced look at all Jack did. I enjoyed reading about the progression of his faith and leadership. This book was clearly a dissertation turned readable book and Graham does well to credit his editors with the transformation. Still, I found a few portions to be a bit heady and theological, especially an entire chapter on the “Shepherd controversy” at WTS. But it all truly presents a holistic picture of an influential pastor and leader.
So it would be only appropriate that there be a biography of this man. Surprisingly, it came twenty-four years after his death. Graham treats Jack well, providing personal biography, history, and a balanced look at all Jack did. I enjoyed reading about the progression of his faith and leadership. This book was clearly a dissertation turned readable book and Graham does well to credit his editors with the transformation. Still, I found a few portions to be a bit heady and theological, especially an entire chapter on the “Shepherd controversy” at WTS. But it all truly presents a holistic picture of an influential pastor and leader.
January 5, 2021
You should know who Jack Miller is.
His most remarkable refrain was this: “Cheer up! You’re a worse sinner than you ever dared imagine, and you’re more loved than you ever dared hope.”
I have a deep appreciation for the ministry of Jack Miller, and so when I heard that @prpbooks was publishing a biography on him, I had to get my hands on it right away. The book is entitled Cheer Up! The Life and Ministry of Jack Miller, and I give it my hearty recommendation!
In every chapter, Graham’s extensive interaction with Jack’s archival material as well as interviews with people who knew him well comes out as he tells a very vivid story of Jack’s life. There are chapters devoted to his early life and conversion, his time at Westminster seminary, his time starting the missions organization World Harvest Mission (now known as @graceatthefray), as well as the network of New Life churches in the Philadelphia area.
A bonus for me was that I also learned a lot about the history of Westminster Seminary, particularly the controversy over justification by faith that surrounded Norman Shepherd in the 70s and 80s. The constant themes that made up Jack’s life were prayer, evangelism, and discipleship. I was inspired to hear about the constant prayer gatherings that occurred in the Miller household, as well as the evangelistic activity that occurred in those meetings.
What I really appreciate about Michael Graham’s approach to biography is that he doesn’t sugarcoat Jack’s imperfections. Even though I never met Jack, I think that’s exactly the way that he would have liked it.I learned about the way that Jack’s marriage struggled and how Rose Marie felt like Jack had two mistresses - the church and his work at Westminster. I learned how while Jack was sacrificially generous in his ministry of hospitality, the Miller family struggled financially for a long period of time. In documenting Miller’s successes and failures, Michael Graham’s work is stellar.
I would recommend this book to the person who wants to grow in their evangelistic zeal or to the person who loves reading biographies!
His most remarkable refrain was this: “Cheer up! You’re a worse sinner than you ever dared imagine, and you’re more loved than you ever dared hope.”
I have a deep appreciation for the ministry of Jack Miller, and so when I heard that @prpbooks was publishing a biography on him, I had to get my hands on it right away. The book is entitled Cheer Up! The Life and Ministry of Jack Miller, and I give it my hearty recommendation!
In every chapter, Graham’s extensive interaction with Jack’s archival material as well as interviews with people who knew him well comes out as he tells a very vivid story of Jack’s life. There are chapters devoted to his early life and conversion, his time at Westminster seminary, his time starting the missions organization World Harvest Mission (now known as @graceatthefray), as well as the network of New Life churches in the Philadelphia area.
A bonus for me was that I also learned a lot about the history of Westminster Seminary, particularly the controversy over justification by faith that surrounded Norman Shepherd in the 70s and 80s. The constant themes that made up Jack’s life were prayer, evangelism, and discipleship. I was inspired to hear about the constant prayer gatherings that occurred in the Miller household, as well as the evangelistic activity that occurred in those meetings.
What I really appreciate about Michael Graham’s approach to biography is that he doesn’t sugarcoat Jack’s imperfections. Even though I never met Jack, I think that’s exactly the way that he would have liked it.I learned about the way that Jack’s marriage struggled and how Rose Marie felt like Jack had two mistresses - the church and his work at Westminster. I learned how while Jack was sacrificially generous in his ministry of hospitality, the Miller family struggled financially for a long period of time. In documenting Miller’s successes and failures, Michael Graham’s work is stellar.
I would recommend this book to the person who wants to grow in their evangelistic zeal or to the person who loves reading biographies!
February 22, 2021
This is the first serious biography of the late Jack Miller. Michael Graham has lovingly crafted a critical (in the best sense of the word) account of the man who stood behind some of the biggest names and most influential aspects of the contemporary Reformed resurgence over the last few decades. Jack Miller was a pastor, professor, missionary/church-planter, and faithful churchman in both the OPC and later the PCA. His ministry of writing and teaching influenced and intersected with many names that are better known than his own: from R.J. Rushdoony and Francis Schaeffer, to Bill Edgar, Jerry Bridges, and Tim Keller.
The value of this work is multifaceted. First, it introduces us to a man worthy of imitation. Jack was a faithful (though flawed) shepherd, father, and servant leader. He was a man of prayer and repentance who thought much of the grace of Christ and poured himself out to make that grace known around the world. Second, Jack had a profound influence on people spanning different denominations, subcultures, and even continents. Understanding his life and ministry gives a helpful window into much of the inner working of the contemporary evangelical Reformed world. Third, the book is just good. It’s extraordinarily well written, brilliantly paced, and carefully balanced. It’s one of the best biographies I’ve ever read and gave me a renewed respect and appreciation for the life and ministry of Jack Miller.
The value of this work is multifaceted. First, it introduces us to a man worthy of imitation. Jack was a faithful (though flawed) shepherd, father, and servant leader. He was a man of prayer and repentance who thought much of the grace of Christ and poured himself out to make that grace known around the world. Second, Jack had a profound influence on people spanning different denominations, subcultures, and even continents. Understanding his life and ministry gives a helpful window into much of the inner working of the contemporary evangelical Reformed world. Third, the book is just good. It’s extraordinarily well written, brilliantly paced, and carefully balanced. It’s one of the best biographies I’ve ever read and gave me a renewed respect and appreciation for the life and ministry of Jack Miller.
January 23, 2021
Incredibly moving biography
I’ve long appreciated the gospel centered movement that Jack Miller started, but I knew very little of the man. I’m thankful for the opportunity to know him through these pages now. On a number occasions I found tears of thankfulness in my eyes. Few biographies are able to do that.
I’ve long appreciated the gospel centered movement that Jack Miller started, but I knew very little of the man. I’m thankful for the opportunity to know him through these pages now. On a number occasions I found tears of thankfulness in my eyes. Few biographies are able to do that.
September 12, 2021
Fascinating book about a wonderful, yet flawed, man who was used by God in the lives of many. As someone who works for Serge (Formally World Harvest Mission) it was good to go beyond the stories & hearsay to get a fuller picture of Miller, a man I never met but who as indirectly impacted my life.
March 1, 2021
Great to read about Jack's life and ministry (especially since I work for Serge now!)
June 23, 2021
After reading Jack Miller's books, I was delighted to find a biography of this unique man. It captures his life well, adding history that provides context to some of his own works. His life definitely had its frictions. Not everyone liked his emphasis on repentance. And then there was the way he pushed himself to fit as much effort for the Kingdom of God into one lifetime as could be possible. I so admire this kind of ethic, but also can imagine how that may have been hard for people close to him to watch. In my opinion, this biography went into a little too much detail on the doctrinal disputes at Westminster Seminary in which Miller was involved. But otherwise this is a great read for anyone who wants to be inspired by a Christian life well-lived.
February 15, 2021
A reformed theologian who cares about joy and repentance is a sweet thing. As his son Paul quoted him for saying, "[the reformed tradition] built this beautiful castle, but someone forgot to put in a door." In other words, where did all the joy go?!This made the title more appropriate than I originally thought (I thought it sounded kind of tacky). In fact, we have much to be cheerful for - that we are worse than we think, but also that the grace we have in Jesus is better than we ever even dared hope. This book was no hagiography, as Jack was deeply flawed and essentially ordinary. I have a list of
Jack Miller quotes in the making that is super helpful, too - the man was so pithy! "Your acting like an orphan," "Grace means courage," and "grace flows downhill."
Jack Miller quotes in the making that is super helpful, too - the man was so pithy! "Your acting like an orphan," "Grace means courage," and "grace flows downhill."
September 24, 2024
A legend.
April 8, 2022
I greatly enjoyed this book. A great testimony to the work of God's grace in and through one man.
The book is an edited version of Graham's dissertation project and is not written at the level of first class biographies. However, Miller is an under-appreciated character in 20th century evangelicalism, and I am glad this book was written. The interplay between Miller and men like Schaeffer, Keller, Powlison, Van Til, and others was fascinating.
The book is an edited version of Graham's dissertation project and is not written at the level of first class biographies. However, Miller is an under-appreciated character in 20th century evangelicalism, and I am glad this book was written. The interplay between Miller and men like Schaeffer, Keller, Powlison, Van Til, and others was fascinating.
December 27, 2021
I wish I had gotten the chance to know Jack Miller. Humbled, renewed, and reminded that the gospel is good news because of grace. Thank you, Jack.
September 5, 2021
Loved this book! The story of Jack Miller's faith and boldness in following Jesus encourages me to love God more, pray boldly, and rejoice in the good news every day.
January 20, 2021
Inspiring book. Up there with the Francis Schaeffer bios. Miller is the founder of the "gospel-centered" movement that continues today. Learned a lot for life from this book.
January 4, 2022
Thankful for Jack Miller’s ministry. His story, his family’s story continue to impact me.
December 30, 2020
Although this might not be a 5 star book for everyone, it is for me because of so many connections with Jack Miller, Sonship, Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia and Serge/World Harvest Mission. It was like reading a family history. I knew much of this story already but many gaps were also filled. I love that this is a critical biography and that the Miller family insisted it be that way. That’s the Jack Miller way, the gospel way. Kudos to Michael Graham and all of those who contributed to this book.
December 31, 2020
Definitely inspiring. Fascinating how influential he was -> Keller, Powlison, Welch, so many worked and served under Miller.
March 4, 2021
Really good biography of someone you may not have heard of who has probably influenced your life and church if you are a reformed-ish evangelical. You should read this to get to know Jack Miller and, through his story, to get to know the Jesus he served.
January 1, 2026
I have read and enjoyed Jack Miller's writing for many years, but only knew the contours of his story. This biography does a great job of filling in many details and painting a fuller picture of the man and his ministry.
January 1, 2023
I am really thankful this book was written to capture the life and ministry of Jack Miller. I knew some things about, but I definitely learned a lot of new things with this book. This book balanced a narrative of his life along with doctrinal considerations. I highly recommend this book!
March 28, 2022
Excellent biography of an innovative Christian leader, pastor and evangelist. Much can be learned for the church today from his life.
July 7, 2023
What a great book.
Cheer up! I’m a worse sinner than I now know, and more loved by God than I could ever imagine.
Cheer up! I’m a worse sinner than I now know, and more loved by God than I could ever imagine.
August 9, 2024
The book itself was not bad. The subject is fascinating. I find Jack Miller to be one of the most intriguing Christians of the late 20th century.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews