Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Scott Fellows is a chaplain in a large Manchester college but back in the '80s he was the frontman of a grassroots band called Freedom. As this book so wittily chronicles, Freedom never got close to landing a record label deal or playing mainstage Greenbelt (though their 1995 cassette release 'New Street' did get an enthusiastic review in Cross Rhythms - indeed the review is quoted in the preface. What Freedom did achieve was a vast amount of experience in the frontline of music ministry and this fascinating and often hilarious account details their adventures and misadventures in pubs and clubs, church socials and hot pot suppers bringing insight and realism into the rough world of musical evangelism permeated with the revelation that God can take any situation and use it as he pleases. Scott is a born raconteur and recounts his stories with laconic descriptive writing while his Appendices, like 10 Survival Tips For Pub Ministry and How To Use Subliminal Message Techniques To Secure A Gig, manage to be both funny and insightful. In an age when too many church-based musicians either demonstrate questionable motives as they strive to become the next hot worship artist or show little awareness of the Great Commission as they pursue the mainstream's glittering prizes, Saturday Night Believer is a timely antidote. Put simply, we need more books like this one.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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