Review: The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow

reviewed by T. C. Pinckney                                                                            Vol. XX, No. 4, April 2007

Wit and Wisdom was written by David R. Brumbelow, one of Joe Brumbelow’s three sons, who follows a very different approach in this biography of his dad. Perhaps the best description of the book is by the author in the Introduction:

“This book is in no particular order – just personal memories I have of him. It is a little of everything – personal stories, sermon illustrations, poems, sayings, and jokes he enjoyed. Hunting and fishing stories, gardening information, history, folklore, and the perspective of a pastor’s wife also are here. It contains the spiritual, the secular, and the in-between. But then, God’s world includes them all.

“Joe E. Brumbelow never was the pastor of a large, prestigious church. He never was famous, wealthy, or powerful. He never held high office in the denomination.

“He was, however, a remarkable person. He positively influenced both the well-known and the unknown. He believed that every word of the bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. He had an outstanding love for his church and for those who did not know Christ as their Savior. Joe loved humor and used it in his preaching. He loved his family.”

The book’s first page offers very positive comments by Jimmy Draper, Paige Patterson, Franklin Atkinson, and Ed Young.

Throughout, you will be laughing, crying, and reaping lessons and anecdotes to use in your own ministry or with your own family. Wit and Wisdom is an easy read, an enjoyable read, and very helpful to both laymen and ministers.

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