Ezra is not going to innovate. He is not going to become creative. He is not going to write a new message. He is not seeking for a new theme. He is going to drive the people of God back to the Word of God because that is the means by which they will be restored. I have been an ordained minister for almost twenty-six years now, and...in those years [it happens about] once every week that something comes across my desk [saying] that if we will just implement this new program, take this new approach, give the life of the church this new emphasis, [they promise] this new dynamic (and there has been a variety of them). The creativity of these folks is extraordinary. All of these brochures that come across my desk are filled with exclamation points. This is exciting! This is vital! This is crucial! This is powerful! This dynamic! All of the exaggerated terminology is used. All the superlative adjectives are thrown in to describe how wonderful this new never-before-thought-of idea is going to be for building the church. All of those things I immediately just pitch into the waste can. I think they are misguided at best, and pernicious at worst. They are a distraction, because the ministry of the church is fairly easy, and Ezra knows exactly what it is. He is going to restore the Word of God to the people of God. That is the key; it is always the key.¹

Terry L. Johnson