Organizations Books

Dr. Hemphill's book is certainly valuable to pastors, college and seminary ministerial students. It was greatly accepted as a textbook for my class in church growth at Temple Baptist Seminary. All pastors who are interested in a Bible base for church growth will find this book very helpful.

This is without a doubt one of the best books on church growth I have ever read. Everything Hemphill mentions is basic fundamental church growth strategy. He takes us back two thousand years to help us get a clear picture of what Jesus had in plan originally when he said, "upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it".

Hemphill has written an excellent book which focuses on biblical principles, not church growth strategies or techniques. This powerful book assists the reader to examine what kind of church has the power of God in it. As a former pastor, church growth consultant, and current seminary president, Hemphill is very qualified to write a book on church growth.

The Antioch Effect is a balanced church growth book, which emphasizes the spiritual condition of the church without discounting the importance of methods and strategy. Using the church of Antioch as his model church, Hemphill examines eight characteristics of an effective church. They are supernatural power, worship, prayer, leadership, fellowship, vision, evangelistic passion and discipleship. The book is written from the perspective of a Southern Baptist church consultant who combines the experience of both a practitioner and a consultant. At times I thought the book bogged down but it was worth the read. The Antioch Effect contains solid growth principles to learn and practical methods to implement.

This book was very helpful in showing me the ins and outs of a 360 degree review system. Has the basic theory, how to implement the system, and ways t work around the resistance to change.

The book is excellent for development of policy for 360-Degree, why it should be implemented, and what steps to take before and after the feedback.

This is not an instructional book in the development of a 360-degree questionnaire.

The book provides excellent knowledge on what, where, who, when, and how. Highly recommended for knowledge, but not for building of the questionnaire.

Lots of ideas that can be transferred into one's real life situation easily.

"We wrote this book", write R.Lepsinger and A.D.Lucia, "with three audiences in mind. The first consists of 'human resources professionals' who are just beginning to look at 360-degree feedback as a means to address the business needs of their organizations. These are people who have not had much experience using 360-degree feedback to solve business problems and have many basic questions that require answers if they are going to use the technology successfully. The second audience consists of 'line managers' who have heard a lot about 'this 360-degree feedback stuff' and want to understand it well enough to determine if it is the right approach for their organization. The third group consists of 'more experienced HR professionals' who would like a compherensive reference work on 360-degree feedback that makes it easy to access the information they are looking for without having to skim through dozens of magazines and journal articles and textbooks."

In this invaluable study, authors organize their book into two parts :

(I). Preparing to use 360-degree feedback.

In this part, they :

i. offer basic information, including a definition of 360-degree feedback and a brief overview of its history and evolution.

ii. illustrate how a diverse group of companies (real cases) has successfully used 360-degree feedback to address different organizational issues, such as achieving business strategy, supporting cultural change, fostering individual development, enhancing team effectiveness, and identifying training and selection requirements.

iii. discuss and compare the two most common methods for collecting 360-degree feedback- interviews and questionnaires.

iv. focus on the use of interviews alone to collect data or as a supplement to the data provided by a questionnaire.

(II). Implementing a 360-degree feedback.

In this part, they :

i. focus on how to administer a 360-degree feedback process in a way that increases people's enthusiasm and ensures a high degree of confidence in the results.

ii. describe and compare three methods for delivering the feedback- group workshops, one-on-one meetings, and self-study.

iii. review what needs to be done after the feedback is collected and reviewed to ensure that recipients absurb the messages they have been given and take appropriate action.

iv. discuss the benefits and obstacles to using 360-degree feedback in HR management systems.

I highly recommend this invaluable study.

Pitman's book is written in an easy to follow format, which can be implemented by an organization right away. The message is simple and straight forward. It is also very motivating and makes you want to pick up the phone right away to start the fundraising process.

This book by Marc A. Pitman should be read by everyone who is involved in any way with fundraising. It provides a step by step method to ask for funds that is not only effective, but also removes much of the fear that is attributed to fundraising. I enjoyed Marc's perspective and personal stories to make his points. I also learned important techniques from it. Especially in the area of potential donor research. It is easy to read and implement. "Ask Without Fear" is on my must read list.

Since I first met Marc in 1998, I have witnessed a constant champion for the entire fundraising community. Able to relate his experiences in practical ways to inspire others, he's a tremendous asset to the industry.

Bringing his web and consulting presence to your bookshelf, Marc has provided a great resource for beginning volunteers and seasoned professionals in "Ask Without Fear." I plan to purchase several copies for my office to loan out to others. (I won't be surprised when they aren't returned.)

From reminders of what makes you passionate about your organization to helpful ideas that draw others to your cause, Marc's succinct wisdom captured here is worthy for all - trustees, volunteers, staff.

I've been reading and recommending Marc Pitman' s "Ask Without Fear" blog to fellow fundraisers and clients for years, and now I'm doing the same for his new book. It's an excellent, pithy, common sense guide to asking for money. I like how Marc breaks it down to a series of practical steps that anyone can understand and implement. And how he includes practical examples of strategy and language. Most of all, I like his writing style -- he models the kind of enthusiasm that I think is at the heart of effective fundraising. He makes it seem not only doable, but fun!
- Mitch Teplitsky, fundraising filmmaker and consultant (http://www.soyandina.com)

This book is a decent introduction to the Aum Shinrikyou. If you want a more detailed look read Ian Reader's _Religious Violence in Contemporary Japan_ which is not only the best source availible in english it gives comparative thoughts on groups such as the Davidians and Heaven's gate. As stated eariler this book is a good introduction because it gives good details on what makes Aum. However, don't let the title fool you too much because that is really only covered in one chapter. Also the book uses quite biased language against Asahara amd the upper echelons of Aum. Although they did do some very bad things at the end. Asahara and his group of followers at first were only trying to enrich themselves

MESSAGE:

In my new book by Edwin Mellen Press you list me TWICE as author, including as Daniel A. Matraux. My name is Daniel A. Metraux and I am the sole author of this book

Do you know Oumu Shinrikyou? There may be some people who do not know the name in foreign countries, but in Japan everybody know the name because the religion group broke incredible terro cases in Japan where is the safest county over the world, that is, one case that was a mass terro killing in Tokyo downtown metro, other that was a large terro killing in local town. The killed and injuried person was over a thousand.

You may have some questoions when you hear the title[Aum Shinrikyou and Japanese Youth], some questions why the case had the connection to the word Youth. But in my thinking, the connection is very important. Because the persons who had believed the cult reliegion was young men or women except some old person like the leader Syoukou Asahara.

In Japan now, people have many their heart ploblems. I think that the cause is many things, however one example that there are some people who are not filled by mental herlth with the overpopulated, the society that chase their benefit and so on. I have lived in Tokyo over 20 years, and I feel that the Japan is getting to bad thing on the youth mental problem especially.

For example, the number ofthe young men that have been into their home without the society activity like working and school is increasing day by day, the youg men is called [Hikikomori] in Japan, in one report, the number is said over a million. The cause that the youger do Hikikomori is various. But the some of them have their mental problems or mental disorder in medical genre. Maybe such condition is not alway in Japan, in such big city like Tokyo even if that is foreign countries, the possibirity will exist.

Oumu Shinrikyou tempted such young men with mental problems, who do not know how to live their life and so on by playing Oumu's clever tricks. There were many high school career young men like Tokyo university, medical shool etc in Oumu too. Japan is a perfect shool career society, for that if men can not enter to high school(compulsory education is till junior high school and after that the future rely on their endeavor) it is said that their future no exist. On the other hands, even if they enter to such high carrer school like Tokyo university, some of men lost their way because they had done nothing except of study in their life, it is not study in good mean, the study for entering high carrer shool only. You may think that the condition is a little curious. But in Japan the most important thing is how to enter well known university rather than what to how to study in university. Japanese universities is like brand name goods almost. When we consider about such young mental problem like Hikikomori or the distorted school carrer problems in Japan, we understand about the connection of Youth and Oumu.

I think that they that commited such terro cases is off course criminals, but on the other hands they will be victims on the points that I wrote in up writing, that some of them have their mental problems. Such thinking may not be the proper thing. But I think so.

In Japan the main theme is how to chase the county benefit, how to develop their GNP and so on. But everybody do not care about how to cope with our mental problems. That is very dangerouse thing. I think that the same shing can be said in big town over the world.

Thank you for reading my poor English and writing.

HELLO--PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE PUBLISHED A SECOND BOOK ON AUM SHINRIKYO--BUT YOU LIST ME AS AUTHOR DANIEL A. MATRAUX. IF YOU GO TO THAT LISTING MATRAUX YOU WILL FIND IT. PLEASE CHANGE TO MY CORRECT NAME, DANIEL A. METRAUX

In this masterfully crafted and thought-provoking work, the authors engage you from the start with their revelation of what really goes on in an organization's culture and why today's 160+ year old models of management won't work in today's environment. For those with the conviction, courage and strength to favorably and lastingly change an organization, a long-overdue wisdom and powerful tools have finally arrived.

I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a book on corporate cultures and leadership. With so many organizations today desperately looking for ways to get better at what they do, right under their noses, literally, are the solutions. Authentic Conversations presents persuasive business reasons for change, and puts forth a proven strategy to get on with changing and unleashing the organization's buried and dormant core potential. It left me wanting more.

Authentic Conversations is a handbook, of sorts, for the future, for those hoping to have one. The world has changed. We can no longer get away with treating others as if they are our slaves, whether in a family or in a work environment. The Internet allowed a connection that was previously unavailable. We now must learn to communicate honestly, with grace and kindness...if we are to have any relationships in our lives that truly matter. Bravo to the authors and publishers. This will become a "must have" in every office and in every family bookshelf.

Reading this book is like having a conversation with the authors. It clearly illustrates the difficulties experienced by staff groups and managers as a result of disengaging communication styles.

If you've ever had a manager, been a manager, or worked in a group, reading this book will show you how to re-engage at work and not only improve productivity but also breathe new life into a seemingly dead-end experience.

Authentic Conversations provides an understanding of the ineffective ways people respond when faced with difficult or challenging situations. We've experienced them: defensiveness, cycnism, sarcasm, blame...to name a few.

This is a great step-by-step guide which uses specific examples to help us speak our truth while creating an environment for the others to feel comfortable enough to be truthful as well.

It's a recipe' for a succesful adult-to-adult conversation.

This book looks small, but it offers a BIG gift to those who really care about corporate responsibility and the direction we need to be going today. I could not stop reading it when I got it. It has a series of short articles that can be read in a few minutes about various options corporations are employing to take more responsibility for what they do and their long term impact on the environment and the world's resources. It makes an exciting read because each company approaches CSR slightly differently, and the outcomes are most encouraging. It should be a "must read" for trainee management and for the CEO's of any large corporation which is planning to be around for the next 30 years. What is great is that women created this book...women from different backgrounds, but sharing a similar goal. They inspire by their intention to "awaken" everyone to what we SHOULD have been doing in business practices for years, and they offer the bottom-line evidence that this is good business practice. But this book really made me excited about the future of American business practices. And I am a college educator. I shared some of these articles with my college students to inspire them to see ways that they might contribute. It was like a light went on. They had not known that business is not always the monolithic monster, gobbling up resources and despoiling the land for profit. Their eyes lit up with the possibility that they could enjoy working for a company that takes responsibility for its impact on the world. It is a small book, but it carries a very BIG note of hope for the future.
Awakening Social Responsibility: A Call to Action Guidebook for Global Citizens, Corporate and Nonprofit Organizations

Derickson & Henley have really captured social responsibility in a global world. The use of multiple authors and giving each a voice in this book is masterful. In Chapter 5, Dinesh Chandra states, "If others do not feel safe,we are not safe. If others are struggling, we experience the consequence of the struggle. If others are poor, no matter how wealthy we are, we experience the consequence of impoverishment." This spoke to me about ourselves in the global economy. The book is a great read for those awakening to a larger life.

Derickson and Henley have demonstrated by the very format what Awakening Social Responsibility is all about, promoting the dialogue of corporate and global citizenry to speak directly to the issues facing each of us as individuals. The timing could not be more awakened, joining other illustrious authors such as Bill Clinton's "Giving" in the national discussion. I opened the pages of Awakening Social Responsibility to participate in a prominent forum with corporate brillance and individual leaders. I have been given a voice and a pragmatic, effective tool to maximize my individual action with Awakening Social Responsibility. This is a timeless work and a timely one! It is work I will be sharing (gifting) with others this Holiday Season!

This book was very inspiring! In this changing world, there is a huge need for each of us to be more involved personally and professionally in making improvements on a global basis. We often read about the problems of the world, and we do care. However, it is never clear what we can do to help specifically or how we can get our company to take these issues more seriously. This book provided actionable ways to engage in green initiatives, employee giving, volunteering, etc. and inspires one to go out and get things done. It also spelled out ways to change the mindset of companies to take advantage of these strategic opportunities. I can see how these baby steps start to have a snowball effect, and the collective energy will move things in the right direction. This book was well written and offers sound advice and solutions. A great read!

Today it seems that we the church are more independent than interdependent, this book helps to foster how we as saints can build more loving caring relationships that cross Racial, Social and economic lines. As paul says in Colossians 2:2 " My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in LOVE, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ."

"God's frozen chosen?" HA! I am a New Englander - born and raised. On behalf of my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ here in the Northeast, I'd like to inform the world that we are indeed chosen - but we are no longer frozen! The warm wind of God's Spirit has been melting much of our cold independence and pride. THIS BOOK CONFIRMS THAT THE SPIRITUAL ICE AGE IN NEW ENGLAND HAS COME TO A CLOSE! Read about real pastors - real people - real churches in the Northeast where God's plans and purposes are unfolding. Macchia provides a brilliant blend of real-life circumstances with practical guidelines. This book filled me with faith, hope, and renewed strength to press on in my role as a vital part of the Body of Christ in my region.

This book is for God's frozen chosen everywhere who long to become His freed indeed!

The author provides ten characteristics of a healthy church, revealing the principles they represent and the process whereby a church can become healthy. Based on two major surveys of what people want in a church--and what they actually experience in their church. Loaded with real life stories of churches in the northeast that exhibit one of more of the ten characteristics. The author reveals a strongly biblical and deeply spiritual approach, with a real heart for the church. A former children's and youth minister who eventually became associate pastor in a large Boston area church, the author, Stephen A. Macchia is president of America's largest regional association of churches, Vision New England.

I find this book to be a helpful way of looking at the local church. The author is not devloping a particular model, or specifically prescribing how to "do it right." Instead, he is submitting principles that can be applied in virtually any setting. There is a healthy mixture of real life stories, biblical principles and exhortations. The author clearly has convictions about the need for health in the local church, and he communicates his convictions well.

The 10 characteristics outlined in the book are worth regular review, and can be used to help develop a vision for healthy balance in ministry. The book doesn't hold out any quick fixes, but rather upholds the value of healthy sowing and reaping over time. Many, many churches will benefit from the concepts and principles presented in this book.

The book written by Richard Hughes and Katherine Colarelli continues with the tradition of the Center for Creative Leadership of producing tools and information based on solid research and experience.
The book proposes a model of strategic leadership composed of three large competency clusters: strategic thinking, strategic acting and strategic influencing and then it explains and analyze each of these clusters, providing, not only a theoretical explanation of the different skills but also examples, tools and activities to develop them.

Before I bought this book I did not realize that it is such a very useful resource. If you are looking for a resource to inspire your startegic leadership, it is the right one.

I really like to have more books from CCL :-).

Becoming a Strategic Leader is a focused and wonderfully written work for those who believe in approaching challenges in a strategic way. The authors, trainers and researchers at the internationally acclaimed Center for Creative Leadership (www.ccl.org), use a framework familiar to strategic planning processes to improve the likelihood of obtaining results in enhancing one's leadership effectiveness. The content is solid and full of real life examples and applications. This book will appeal to those who are drawn to a logical approach to problem solving but should also engage the heart of others seeking to add structure to their own development or that of their teams. If you liked Execution, and Good to Great, you should like this as well. It is well worth a look.

Dr. Christopher Evans
www.christopherevans.org

Most of the publications that come out of CCL (or Center for Creative Leadership), which I have acquired for my personal library, are seemingly well-supported by research findings & concisely written by the respective authors, who apparently hold impeccable track records in their fields. This particular book is one of them. (CCL has earned its #1 Rank in Leadership Education by Business Week).

My primary interest in strategic leadership stems from my relentless search for better understanding of the thinking processes that go inside the heads of leaders. To be more precise, the strategy formulation processes! This has been by burning passion for more than two decades.

In this book, the authors have artfully as well as logically demonstrated how readers can exercise effective strategic leadership through their distinctive & systematic approach:

- strategic thinking (Chapter 2);
- strategic acting (Chapter 3);
- strategic influencing (Chapter 4);

These serve as the synergistic driving forces. In the authors' own words: Driving strategy as a learning process. (I am actually quite tempted to use the term, `syn-vergent' instead of `synergistic' [driving forces] as the former term was originally coined by Michael Gelb, in Thinking for a Change, which means `the art of balancing convergent and divergent thinking modes, logic and imagination, reason and intuition.' In the current book under review, the authors contend that strategic thinking engages the heart as well as the head.)

With an excellent introduction in Chapter 1, Chapter 6 shows how readers can apply the above approach in the broader organizational context.

Chapter 7 sums up the book: Becoming a Strategic Leader, using surfing as a metaphorical platform (I like it!) - keeping your balance while learning the best path to follow amid constantly changing conditions.

Throughout the book, the authors discuss in depth the specific competencies & perspectives related to each of the above driving forces, as well as their interdependency in producing a more wholistic (or more appropriately, `syn-vergent', as explained above) & meaningful strategy.

In conclusion as a whole from the standpoint of reader friendliness & action-packed learning, I rate this wonderful book a 5.

So, readers, please add this book to your Strategic Thinker's Bookshelf.

Attention Readers: To complement as well as to reinforce your understanding of Chapter 2 of this book, please read `Choosing the Future: The Power of Strategic Thinking', by Stuart Wells.

Probably one of the definitive treatments of this subject. Excellent translation and the commentary is quite helpful to those looking for a more acedemic approach to this classic. Recommended!

The godliness of living a Gospel life when it comes to The Rule of St. Benedict, the nature of the author's intentions and set of mind, the understandings of The Rule itself, are a few of the rewards one gets from Terrence G. Kardong's, "Benedict's Rule: A Translation and Commentary." One thesis of Father Kardong's is, "...the Rule teaches a dynamic spirituality." A book for those interested in living a Gospel life, some areas touched upon by this book include, "progress and growth" in the religious and spiritual life, what's referred to as ongoing conversion in the life of faith, and humility.

The book suggests looking towards continued reading of "...the teaching of the Bible and Fathers." This last a recommendation of the Rule, and the book "Benedict's Rule" an endorsement and recommendation of St. Benedict's little book for beginners.

A reader interested in St. Benedict's Rule will find this 600 plus page work, published by The Liturgical Press a scholarly work. It can be used as a text for reading, as in study, or as a reference work (so I think). The book speaks of St. Benedict's sense of moderation, and his humility, an earmark of the book about the Rule itself, and a hallmark of the author who is a monk and priest.

Father Kardong writes at the very beginning of the book in a dedication that the work is, "To my brothers of Assumption Abbey who taught me how to be a monk and who freed me for the work of writing this commentary on the Rule of Benedict." This is a book for monks in the monastery, and also for lay people and Oblates of St. Benedict. This is a book for church goers. This is a book for people who practice the work of God, the daily office.

One needs to have patience and perseverance to read it. One needs to take this book as it comes, not hurry it along, and in many places reread both the Rule as translated by Father Kardong, and his commentary. A retired Episcopal priest, who used to give retreats for the laity introducing The Rule of St. Benedict, suggested that I read the book without a sense of time or looking towards the end of it. He thought the work a book to be savored.

Father Kardong has many good thoughts and suggestions; certainly his commentary is beneficial for the interested reader. That is not a statement too obvious to be made, for this is a worthy book by a wise and educated monk.

I will find a good quote from Terrence G. Kardong's writings, but first this description of the book from the preface by Father Kardong says he has produced "...a double-deck commentary with detailed philological material in notes and discursive material in the overviews." This is his interpretation of the Rule. He notes that much is experiential. For me, this added merit to the book. His commentary is part of his life experience and work. An attribute that adds to the authenticity and authority of, "The Rule: A Translation and Commentary."

The famous words of the Rule begin, "Listen, O my son, to the teachings of your master, and turn to them with the ear of your heart." After all, the Rule is a religious book, and religion is for the heart. These words for the heart have been around 1,500 years. What is meant by these few words of the Rule is made commentary in another quotation: "Let us open our eyes...is a possible allusion to the Transfiguration, where the drowsy disciples are startled by the shining forth of Christ, and instructed by the voice from heaven (Luke 9:32)."

At a preached retreat in Big Sur, California USA, at Immaculate Heart Hermitage, Brother Bede explained that the Rule is a holy book, an illuminated work that keeps on giving, like the Bible. I remembered his instruction when approaching "Benedict's Rule" and considered that the writer Father Kardong also approached it as such. This itself is an important point, for the work presented is exemplary.

In his commentary on the last part of the Rule, he writes, "...that observance of the Rule [Biblical theme of the Rule] itself is not enough; the Rule, like the Law, is to be `fulfilled.'" Though many believe the Rule is a way to perfection, and asks for that perfection, a serious consideration is that the Rule is also a book of love. Kardong believes it is mainly a book about love.

A major theme of the last chapter, love is described in the commentary: "...for the love that is preached in the penultimate chapter is essentially communal and public...selfless love for the other is a better way to end the Rule than the theme of `perfection.'"

It is the love in community; love for and of one another, the love that God offers and gives, that is central to living the Rule of St. Benedict. This alone is worth the price of admission. For as the monastery is a school for living, so the Rule offers a school for living the Gospel in ongoing conversion in one's life. "The Rule of St. Benedict" is a book inspired by the Gospel and written by a great holy man, Benedict of Nursia (St. Benedict).

--Peter Menkin, Easter 2007

The Rule of St. Benedict itself is a fairly short book - it can be done as a pocket-sized edition. It is a good example of the statement, 'good things come in small packages'. The rule is a guide of life, but not 'a rigid, brutal structure imposed legalistically'. Benedict was fully aware of human frailty, as true 1500 years ago as it is today. This frailty requires much to be done to give the person strength, and so Benedict's Rule is designed for an ever-increasing self-discipline which is supported by community worship and practice.

Benedict's Rule for life includes worship, work, study, prayer, and relaxation. Benedict's Rule requires community -- even for those who become hermits or solitaries, there is a link to the community through worship and through the Rule. No one is alone. This is an important part of the relationship of God to the world, so it is an integral part of the Rule.

Benedict's Rule was set out first in a world that was torn with warfare, economic and political upheaval, and a generally harsh physical environment. This Rule was set out to bring order to a general chaos in which people lived. This is still true today, and men and women all over the world use Benedict's 'little rule for beginners' as a basic structure for their lives.

The first word of the rule is Listen. This is perhaps the best advice for anyone looking for any guidance or rule of life. While Benedict's Rule is decidedly Christocentric and hierarchical (though not as hierarchical as much popular ideas about monastic practice would have one think), it nonetheless can give value to any reader who is looking to construct a practice for oneself.

Benedict's establishment of a monastery was in fact the establishment of a school for spirituality. In his prologue to the Rule, Benedict even states this as his intention. 'In drawing up its regulations, we hope to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome.' He sets forth in this brief rule a guide to individual life within community that will bring one ever closer to the divine.

Benedict explores the issues of charity, personality, integrity, and spirituality in all of his rules. From the clothing to the prayer cycle to the reception of guests, all have a purpose that fits into a larger whole, and all have positive charges and negative warnings. Benedict is especially mindful of the sin of pride, be it pride of possession, pride of person, pride of place -- he strives for equality in the community (as a recognition that all are equal before God).

Hundreds of thousands of pages have been written over the last millenium and a half on the Rule of St. Benedict, but it all comes down to this brief collection, which can be read easily in an hour, yet takes a lifetime (or perhaps more!) to master.

Open it for yourself to see what riches it may hold for you.

This particular version by Kardong includes the original Latin text (with minor editing and updating) as well as extensive translation notes and commentary. The Rule itself is very short, and can be (and has been) printed in 80 small pages; the fact that this volume is over 600 pages should give an good indication of the richness of the commentary. Good things do come in small packages, but the notes and additional material here is not to be missed, not to mention the interesting aspect of reading the text in the original language.

Over the past 16 years, I've become personally involved with Benedictine spirituality through regular retreats to the monastic cloister. Kardong's book has given me the historical perspective and linguistic insight into that deep well, "The Rule of St. Benedict", the life source of Benedictine monasticism. Through his scholarly exegesis of "The Rule", I've gained understanding of this way of life, and thus have better lived my own life and faith. I have referred again and again to "Benedict's Rule: A Translation and Commentary" in the writing of my own commentary on "The Rule" for parents, "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home". I am currently working on a companion volume, "The Family Cloister Workbook: 52 Benedictine Activities for the Home", and have continually opened the pages of Kardong's book to better understand certain chapters and phrases in "The Rule". Besides the monks themselves who daily live the Rule, Kardong's commentary is one of the most complete expositions of Benedict's Rule I've found.

As I read through this book I kept thinking to myself, "That's a GREAT idea, why didn't I think of that!". It's full of ideas for people at all levels of experience with Auction-planning. Even if you've been involved in many auction fundraisers, I'd almost guarantee you'll find a few fresh ideas in this book! Great resource, easy read.

I wanted to drop you a note to tell you how extraordinarily impressed I am with "Benefit Auctions: A Fresh Formula for Grassroots Fundraising" by Sandy Bradley.

In the past, I've had occasion to run auctions for several non-profit organizations, both church and professional. I did okay winging it, but it wasn't easy. I had a problem collecting donations, getting the auction publicized, and keeping things running smoothly. It worked, but I always felt that it'd be a lot smoother if I knew what I was doing.

Then I read "Benefit Auctions: A Fresh Formula for Grassroots Fundraising." Within the first few chapters, I saw that one of my biggest problems with meeting my expected goals was that I hadn't set my goals correctly. The "times 2" rule explained it all. I also learned how to do much better solicitation of goods and services from donors (and how to find new donors!). The suggestions for how to set up processes also eliminated a major headache for the volunteers and--best of all--showed me how to speed up the payment and checkout procedures, which had been a real bottleneck in the past.

I haven't yet had a chance to try all of these techniques yet, but I am confident that I'm going to be able to double the income through increased donations while spending slightly less effort to publicize and run the auction. On behalf of my customers and my volunteers, thank you!

Benefit Auctions: A Fresh Formula For Grassroots Fundraising by musician, author, and licensed auctioneer Sandy Bradley who draws upon her years of experience and expertise as an auctioneering fundraiser for nonprofits and arts organizations. Benefit Auctions is an invaluable step-by-step guide for determine the kind of even best for a particular organization; finding an ideal location; hiring an effective auctioneer; developing a strategy for attracting attendees and bidders; soliciting donations of goods and services to sell; generating a catalog and bid sheets; training volunteers; setting up the event for maximum financial revenues; concluding an auction successfully while laying the groundwork of the next one. If you are responsible for developing a fundraising auction for your group or organization, then give a careful reading to Sandy Bradley's Benefit Auctions.

I'm just getting started in fundraising auctions and I've read everything I can get my hands on. I should have started and stopped with this book. I've bought extra copies to give to the nonprofits I'm working with so they'll know how to do it right.