The Eric Trap, a book review

Posted by KidminChris on Apr 12, 2012

Hello.  My name is Eric Newman.  It’s actually Christopher Sykes, but I feel like this is a hidden camera show.  I could swear that Jim, Kenny, & Sam somehow followed my life with cameras over the last several years and then wrote this book just for me.  At some point in my fifteen years in ministry, I have experienced everything written about in this book.  When I finished the book, I told my wife that I wished I had had it a decade ago.  But the reality is I may not have listened to the wisdom it contained without already having the pain of experience.  So I would say that if you’re a ministry newby, pick up this book and take it to heart.  If you’re a veteran, The Eric Trap may be exactly what you need to give you the tools to face the demons that plague your ministry.

So what makes this book so good?  I have spent thousands of dollars, been to many conferences, and have been personally coached and mentored by Jim Wideman himself.  The best and most important lessons I’ve ever learned about leading a healthy ministry are all contained in this book.  Somehow Bro. Jim and the others figured out how to narrow down all his club lessons and years of family and organizational wisdom and squeezed it all into five succinct chapters and lessons on leadership.  This book is a goldmine.  I can honestly say that it is one of the most valuable books I have on my shelf.  It is honest, and it is straight to the point.

The Eric Trap is honest, and it is straight to the point.  I love the fact that Eric’s story carries the reader from chapter to chapter as we follow one horrible day after another in the worst week of his life.  But each of those chapters opens up another level of excellence that every children’s minister can attain if he listens to and follows the practical advice and plans contained within these pages.

I give The Eric Trap my highest recommendation.  If you cannot afford to go to a conference or get personal coaching this year, then The Eric Trap is a conference in a book.  If you can afford those things, The Eric Trap should be what you read and carry with you to discuss at those conference or coaching phone calls.  It is THE book to discuss in 2012.