Before his death last year, John Wimber had arguably more influence on the evangelical church in Britain than any other American this century, with the exception of Billy Graham. This tribute to him by his wife and dozens of well-known Christian leaders right across the denominational spectrum is likely therefore to be the first of many books about the founder of the Vineyard Churches and pioneer of what he called 'power evangelism and healing'.

The various chapters portray Wimber as a musician, family man, friend, father figure, leader, businessman, and intellectual (this chapter by Jim Packer). However, it is probably Wimber's practice of healing that will most interest Triple Helix readers:

'Everybody he touched at the Bible study got healed. I mean Gigi's leg grew one inch and a half, or something and when she went home that night she had to lengthen the leg of all her Levi's.'

'We could see his infected glands shrinking as we prayed.'

This kind of anecdote side by side with accounts of John Wimber's own suffering with heart disease, stroke and cancer makes fascinating reading. Considerable sense is made of it all by Nigel Wright's masterly analysis of the weaknesses of Wimber's healing thesis. The book is worth buying for this chapter alone.

However, even if one is cautious about accepting the validity of most claims of 'power healing' (as this reviewer has good reason to be!) John Wimber's life as celebrated in this book still has much to teach and inspire healers. He was undoubtedly a deeply compassionate man who gave his time and love unreservedly to those he sought to help and serve. He was humble and generous to a fault. His humour was highly therapeutic and he was a brilliant communicator who knew how to get his message across with a punchy catchphrase. There are many examples in the book. Jargon-laden health professionals could learn a thing or two here.

A controversial figure, John Wimber was subjected to severe and unremitting criticism to which he never responded in kind. Those who judge him harshly would do well to remember Moody's rebuke to one who criticised his evangelistic methods: 'I must tell you, sir, I prefer the way I do it to the way you don't do it!'

Reviewed by
Trevor Stammers
(GP Tutor, London)