Church Books

I've read this book several times, and it never fails to move me. I don't think I've read a more powerful book. Oprah needs to get on this one.

Brother to a Dragonfly is the story of 2 brothers who, in their own way, idolize each other. Will looks up to his older brother Joe. Joe is the protector. He always wants to make things right. And Joe knows that Will is destined to have a mark on the world. But Will D. Campbell has written more than a memoir in writing about growing up with his brother Joe in rural Mississippi. He has captured a piece of America's past. This book reads like a novel - poverty, war, race relations, the civil rights movement, drug addiction, domestic violence - it's all there. Occasionally Campbell makes an awkward jump in the story, but this some how enhances the voice and reminds the reader that this is life. Life doesn't always flow like we would like it to. While telling the story of his brother, Campbell paints a portrait of southerners (himself) during the civil rights movement that don't always get the recognition they deserve. I was surprised by the insights he had 40 years ago about both sides of the civil rights movement. I was even more surprised to find that I had bought into many of the southern stereotypes, and I'm southern!
If you are interested in southern literature, coming of age stories, family relationships, American history from 1930's to 1960's, or the Civil Rights Movement, you need to add Brother to a Dragonfly to your list of reads. Will D. Campbell gives a first rate account of his experience. While it is only one man's view, it is a rich one!

This book sets the standard for brotherly love: through the joyous days of youth, through sickness, through the reversal of who worships who, each standing up for the other no matter what.

This book also wrestles with faith, guilt before the law versus guilt before God, examines stereotypes and throws them away.

"Suddenly I knew a lot of things I had not known before. I knew that I had been caught in my own trap. (In a discussion with a Klansman) Suddenly I knew that we are a nation of Klansmen. I knew that as a nation we stood for peace, harmony and freedom in that war (Vietnam), that we defined the words, and that the means we were employing to accomplish those ends were identical with the ones he had listed."

Follow Will Campbell in his journey with his brother and your horizons will be broadened.

If you were raised in the south as I was, have an interest in the civil rights movement, or want to enjoy one of the most irreverent Christian curmudgeons ever to irritate the church, then read Will Campbell (b. 1924). Campbell was born and raised in the rural and very poor deep south of Amite, Mississippi, "ordained" by family members at a local Baptist church when he was seventeen, and, in a delightfully improbable life, played a central role as an activist and agitator on behalf of African Americans. But to leave it at that would badly misrepresent him.

After World War II Campbell studied at Tulane, Wake Forest, and Yale. He served as Director of Religious life at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), but left after two years because his controversial views attracted death threats. He then did a stint for the National Council of Churches where he worked with most of the civil rights luminaries. In 1957, Campbell was one of four people who escorted the nine black students who integrated Little Rock's Central High School; and he was the only white person to attend the founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. So, how did he come to sip whiskey with the KKK and get hate mail from the left?

Campbell came to distrust all movements and institutions, especially the church (he once referred to television preachers as liars, frauds, and "electronic soul molesters"). He dismissed all politics as impotent. It was less than Christian, he realized, to agitate for the oppressed but to hate the oppressor. No, one could not preach what Luther called a "fictitious grace." God loves the redneck Klansmen as well as the disinherited blacks. For the most part, Brother to a Dragonfly tells the story of Campbell's deep love for his brother Joe, and how the latter's tragic demise to alcohol, drugs, and domestic violence led to his premature death. But it was through Joe and an overtly pagan family friend that Campbell had a conversion later in life. Without realizing it, he recalls, his twenty years of ministry had become one of "liberal sophistication. An attempted negation of Jesus, of human engineering, of riding the coattails of Caesar, of playing on his ballpark, by his rules and with his ball, of looking to government to make and verify and authenticate our morality, of worshipping at the shrine of enlightenment and academia, of making an idol of the Supreme Court, a theology of law and order and of not only denying the Faith I professed to hold but my history and my people--the Thomas Colemans [who murdered two civil rights workers]. Loved. And if loved, forgiven. And if forgiven, reconciled." There was all the difference in the world, he realized, between being a "doctrinaire social activist," however laudable, and a follower of Jesus. The key? "I came to understand the nature of tragedy. And one who understands the nature of tragedy can never take sides."

Christian renegade, preacher, author of twenty books and plays, farmer, country musician, friend of Thomas Merton, and agent provocateur, Will Campbell loves a good chew of tobacco and will strike many as enigmatic. Not everyone will appreciate his rapier wit. But PBS profiled him in their documentary "God's Will," in 2000 President Clinton honored him with a National Endowment for the Humanities medal, and Brother to a Dragonfly won numerous literary awards.

Brother to a dragonfly, Will D Campbell's brilliant,evocative, nostalgic luminous memoir teels the story of his family in the pre-tva rural south. Though much much more then a simple coming of age story,it is the story of 2 brothers,their lives amid the greatest change in this ountry since the civil war. Will D Campbell and his brother Joe stories are told so movingly,and with such deep power that ,by the end it will move you to tears. It is the sory of a man,family,RELIGION,the south,race,addiction,love and death. It will shatter any preconcieved notions and stereotypes,for Will D Campell is a true iconoclast. I run out of superlatives to describe this book. Read it.

Most of us only dream of attending a church where all people worship as one. Mark has not only written a great book (both theologically sound and highly instuctive on how to make it happen), but he is living it out as a Pastor in a part of the country where churches are still highly segregated. My wife and I attend the same multi-ethnic church... we love it! And if we ever had to move, we would be very intentional about joining another church "for all people" so that we can worship as one.

This is a must read for every Pastor or Teacher/Professor! Unity in the Church must be a top priority! This is a great foundation for us to start to change the perception of a Church still segregated. Let's role up are sleeves as Pastors and Teachers/Professors and get dirty cleaning up our reputation.

How encouraging and it exciting it is to read this great book! The Church has been blinded to the great tragedy of it's own racial divisiveness for so long. This book brings a strong Biblical case for the idea that "normal" congregations should be multi-ethnic or multi-cultural instead of the current norms of our mono-ethnic congregations that we have so passively accepted. This book makes me hopeful and encouraged and I hope pastors everywhere will get a chance to read and embrace it's message.

Building A Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church is informative and inspirational. The quality of research reflects the diligence of a prepared theologian. At the same time, Pastor DeYmaz's heart-felt testimonial segments are a source of inspiration to any and everyone who needs that "extra boost" to pursue authentic purpose. This book is written with a "profound simplicity" that appeals to both the avid and not-so-avid reader. Moreover, Pastor DeYmaz is to be commended for addressing an important yet complex topic with boldness. I recommend this book for senior pastors, staff pastors, support staff and anyone else who wants to more fully understand the Biblically-supported appeal to multi-cultural ministry.

-C. Guy Robinson, M.Div.

Being in leadership at a multi-ethnic church I have read most of the books that are considered landmarks in terms of coming to grips with the `race' issue in the local church. Mark DeYmaz's book is unique in terms of what it offers.

It is unique because it does not focus on issues of racial reconciliation. It does not focus on issues of cultural anthropology and sociology. This book starts with theology and finishes with practice.

Many of us have started multi-ethnic churches because it was the `right thing to do' - and it is the right thing to do. Many of us have started multi-ethnic churches out of a sense of calling or leading from God. What Mark has done is show that this sense of calling corresponds to a mandate from God that is thoroughly biblical. It is the heartbeat of God.

Mark does not ignore issues of power or the very real stench of systemic racism within the church. He challenges these issues head on. It is neither the untested musings of a seminary theologian nor the pragmatic response of a frustrated practitioner. This is a book written from the perspective of deep theological insights and strong exegesis backed by years of practical involvement in multi-ethnic ministry. This book is theology in practice.

As such there are stories and examples that inspire any in multi-ethnic ministry and resonate for others involved in similar ministries. This book is not a how-to book although there are basic principles and guidelines in the second section of the book. These simply reflect the difficult path that you walk down when you are involved in multi-ethnic church.

This book rightly challenges all of us who are involved in the local church. In a world where segregation does not happen at school, at sport, in marriage, in almost every sphere of society, why does it still happen at church? How disconcerting it must be for a teenager who comes to faith and has known diversity in every aspect of their life only to find a segregated church.

Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church is compulsory reading for our leadership team. Every church leader should read this book regardless of the diversity or homogeneity of their church. Then after reading this book they should answer this question from the book?

If the kingdom of heaven is not segregated, why on earth is MY Church? (adapted from page 4 of the book I have changed THE to MY).

This was a modestly sized reference book. It is nothing like an encyclopedia of Catholic practices or anything like that. But it is a basic overview of terms which the Church uses. It might be an interesting book to get a "seeker" started. It will bore the seasoned apologist though. It was one of my first Catholic books I read. It was sufficient to explain some of my questions.



-Laurence

Many Catholics go through their lives knowing the customs of the Catholic Church without ever knowing just exactly where those customs come from. Most Catholics I believe go through their entire lives not having any idea just how ancient most of these customs are. Adult converts to the Church are given instruction in most of these customs but that instruction usually stops with the why and seldom reaches into the beautiful history of these customs. Even when the RCIA instruction does cover all of the bases and even when the cradle Catholic has been thoroughly schooled in the history and tradition of the Church much of that instruction and education gets lost along the way. There is just so much information that the human brain can absorb and learning all that there is to know about the majesty, history and glory of the Roman Catholic Church is simply beyond the average person's capacity.

That is why wonderful little books like this one are so important. This author gives the reader a concise but thorough explanation of some of the most important customs and traditions of the Catholic Church. Each subject is covered in only a few short pages or sometimes only paragraphs but all of the basics are there. The physical action required for the customs is explained very clearly so that for example someone who had never seen anyone genuflect could easily picture the action in their mind's eye. The author then tackles both the scriptural and traditional reasons for the custom and when the custom is practiced somewhat differently from one region to another he explains the differences and the reasons for them.

Personally speaking I picked up a lot of information about the history of some of our most cherished customs and how they had first come to be practiced. For example many, if not most of our modern practices can easily be traced as far back as the early Church because of images found in the Roman catacombs. I also learned a great deal about some other customs on which I was a little fuzzy like indulgences and scapulars. The very simplicity with which this author explains these things is what makes this such a fine little book. Simply put, you don't have to be a theologian to actually understand what the author is talking about and areas that have never been quite clear will begin to come into brilliant focus.

I did find one little typo on page 135 which is not the author's fault but the publisher might want to correct it in future editions, of which there ought to be many. I also found the author's description of a set of Rosary beads to be a little confusing and there are very few people more familiar with Rosary Beads than I. On the other hand I found in the Rosary section that the old English word bead meant, "to pray" which was a bit of completely new and fascinating information, at least it was for me.

Don't expect heavy theology or in depth analysis from this book but as a primer on why we Catholics do some of the things that we do this book can't be beat.

I thoroughly enjoyed Regis's book. I have both this book and his "How To" book on Catholic Devotions in my office. It is a life saver when co-workers ask me questions about my faith and I can provide a clear and accurate answer to thier questions. Also, my two daughters have found simple explanations to questions they have, especially with regard to the seasons of the liturgical year and the sacraments of our faith. God Bless you Regis, keep up the good work.

As a reference source, Catholic Customs does an excellent job. I have a tendency to judge all works on devotions, customs, and practices by whether the full tenebrae is included and explained - and this book comes pretty darn close! There is an excellent breadth of information which is a fine supplement to the catechism, and other more targeted books such as Dubruiel's How-To Book of the Mass. When contrasted against Dues' Catholic Customs & Traditions, Flaherty's work is more down-to-earth, informative on present practice, and in-line with the magesterium (but not quite as developed compared to the excellent historical perspective that Dues provides).

That being said, the book lacks somewhat in readability. While the author does a nice job making individual sections entertaining with anecdotes & analogies, the structure of the book just doesn't lend itself to being a through-read. Frankly, this may be my fault for trying to devour it linearly.

Overall, a nice addition to any Catholic's library, and certain to pique some ideas and get people out of ingrained modes of worship to try some time-honored practices.

As a lifelong Catholic, there are many areas of our faith that I accepted without fully knowing how and why they came to be. Reading this book has given me a new insight into the richness of our traditions and their basis. I have a deeper appreciation of the sacraments, the seasons of the church and the practices that surround them. I especially liked the review of the liturgical year, and I can see myself using this book to follow the Church calendar as an aid in spiritual growth. In short, a great book for Catholics who want to know why we do what we do.

Forget about the infamous volume presumptuously entitled "Catholicism" by Richard McBrien of Notre Dame that distorts the faith. Scott's book gives you a real guide to Catholicism. He doesn't get bogged down in polemics and argumentative apologetics. He presents the Catholic faith as a whole in its passionate urgency about our destiny and the destiny of the world. Scott accurately presents Catholic teaching. He is orthodox. In addition, Scott sprinkles the book with quotations from great Catholics and from the Scriptures so that you are exposed to the best. For non-Catholics, the book is a great overview of Catholicism. Catholics should not hesitate to give this book to non-Catholics and to those entering RCIA. Long-time Catholics will also do well to read it to remind themselves of what they may have forgotten or taken for granted.

No politics or triumphalism here, not even much that 'cradle Catholics' won't recognize, just essentials of our relationship with God, expressed with simplicity and great beauty. The author says right off that this will not be a rehash of technical catechism, and keeps his word. This is not a sterile legalistic text, and doesn't deal in negatives. This is a 100% positive living account, drawn from the lives of real people, from 1st-century martyrs to Eugene O'Neill and Dorothy Day. A work of love, of beauty and calm spirituality, it brought me peace. Highly recommended.

David Scott is interested in Catholicism as made vividly manifest by artists, poets, and saints. In "The Catholic Passion," he seeks to get to the romantic, dramatic, visionary, vibrant core of Catholicism, in all its cultural manifestations. It's a rewarding and rewarded effort.

This book takes as its starting point Chesterton's assertion that the most perilous and exciting path is not heresy but Christian orthodoxy. Scott is not interested in detailing doctrine and dogma, but in dramatizing and fleshing out the faith as it is embodied and lived out in the Church. Scott tells stories of people such as Blessed Charles de Foucauld, Dorothy Day, Francis Thompson, Eugene O'Neill, and St. Catherine of Genoa. Certainly not all are saints -- some are not even believers. But all stories lead the reader to an intimation of what it is that draws so many of us to the Church.

The "passion" of the title is a word that evokes romance, suffering, and engagement. Scott shows us how this passion is a part of life as lived, with a voice that is committed and honest. His words give us not a set of catechetical propositions, but a body, a corpus of Catholicism that is set before the eye of the reader. If you get a chance, pick it up -- it's an excellent, enjoyable, nourishing read.

David Scott has written a very capable introduction to the Catholic faith without, as he says, quoting dogmatic documents or church law. Instead, Scott writes practically and biblically (not to be understood in a "preachy" manner) in presenting the Catholic faith.

This books makes an excellent companion to Thomas Howard's *On Being Catholic* (Ignatius Press).

Roman Catholic or Byztanine (Eastern Rite) Catholic ... it is as true as the statement that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree ... anyone who has diverged from their original Catholic upbringing and perhaps seek to integrate early spiritual lessons with their adult selves ...would find this a very helpful guidance back into the fold. All roads do lead to Rome.

Compass Therapy is an impressive addition to the field of counseling and psychotherapy. The Self Compass and the 25 therapeutic techniques enrich counseling sessions and empower treatment strategies. Clients find these concepts user-friendly and relevant to daily life.

"Through the Self Compass Model framework and the many techniques that Dan Montgomery utilizes you see examples of Christ's love coming alive in the counseling session. I appreciate his many insights into healing the whole person: body, mind, emotions, and spirit. This is what good Christian counseling looks like!"

Linda Marten, Ph.D., Department of Biblical Counseling

As I converted from Islam into Christianity, I have had my own set of issues to deal with. How easy for people to throw in Bible verses right in your face and they think they just "fixed" your pain problem. By leaving Islam, I dealt with rejection as an outcast. I have also had a lot of anger and less trust in people after being betrayed. I have talked to many people of godly counsel, but frankly nobody is like Dan Montgomery. He is not in an ivory tower but he is right down to earth and meets you where you are in a compassionate way showing you how to truly apply the Bible principles in counseling that really"works". I liked a lot what he had to say on feeling God's presence even though when we don't feel like it. I had to read this part in his book over and over again. I even plan to translate to myself in Arabic, my native tongue, and apply it to myself as well as those I evangelize in the Muslim religion. This is "The Lean-Against-the Wall Technique" on pages 115,116,117 and 118. As I have come to explore the American male psyche, this part is the best answer that I can also give in response to the question of why I don't feel like my prayer just hit the wall and I can't feel God. If you read where I have begun all along in my Christian journey and how Dan has helped me, you would really appreciate his book enormously.

This book introduces the reader to the compass model and how to use it to zero in on exactly where a counselee is having problems. The compass theory is easy to understand and to apply in its basic form. Author Dr. Dan Montgomery has developed this technique and shares it with Christian Counselors as an effective counseling tool. Dr. Montgomery is well respected among his peers and has held a license as a Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist for over twenty-five years. He has taught at the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Psychology, the United States International University, and the University of New Mexico. His work and techniques are praised by the likes of the Yale Divinity School, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary.

In the book Dr. Montgomery covers the basics of the Compass system, the anatomy of a counseling session, dealing with the counselee's image of God, and using metaphors and symbolization in therapy. Appendix I provides basic commentary on twenty-five specific techniques that provide quality tools to aid the counselor. In the second appendix he even includes some short True/False self-assessment tests to help map out the counselee's position on the compass.

Written for the Christian Counselor these techniques and the compass model can be used not only by clinicians but also by pastors, chaplains, and others involved in this healing ministry. Christian Counseling that Really Works is highly recommended to everyone involved in counseling in any form.

Self-help books fill the shelves but very few provide real, lasting help in making real, lasting changes. This book does. It doesn't matter if you read it as a counselor looking for new ideas to assist patients or as a person seeking to make life changes, this book "really works" as the title says. If you're looking for something that will actually make a difference in the way you cope with life situations, difficult people, personal challenges or emotionally stresses, pick this book up today.

Leadership is something to which many aspire, but few become adept. James Kouzes and Barry Posner assert that anyone can become a good leader if they will pay attention to certain key aspects. They explain, "Leadership is a process ordinary people use when they are bringing forth the best from themselves and others." This process involves modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart.

Regarding leadership modeling, there are two main premises to consider, "First Lead Yourself," and "Values Are Guides." Jesus warned, "First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Similarly, John Maxwell exhorts, "Work on yourself before you work on others," and "Work on yourself more than you work on others," because followers are always watching to see if actions correlate with their leader's rhetoric. As Maxwell points out "Powerful leadership emerges when your life matches the message." If leaders want their followers to perform in a particular manner, they should strive to exemplify that same level of performance.

In order to inspiring others to follow, a leader must have a bold vision of where he and his followers need to go. He must also be able to relate that vision in such a way that others will believe they can get there. For the church, this involves a "pure and urgent sense of divine call." Once leaders have inspired others to share their vision, they must learn to truly hear and understand the group they are working with in order to help them along the path and together see the vision come to reality.

Reflecting on the idea of "Challenge the Process," Patrick Lencioni presents two important questions: "Who am I really serving?" and "Am I prepared to suffer?" For Christians, the first answer should be obvious, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." The best leaders are willing to endure personal hardship for the sake of others, "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps."

Servant leadership involves enabling others to participate in the work of the ministry. Nancy Ortberg points out, "Jesus embodies the ultimate example of someone who fostered collaboration and strengthened individuals," but she also indicates, "Teamwork and collaboration can only happen when people trust each other." Leaders must prove themselves trustworthy and learn to trust others to effectively use their God-given talents and abilities as well. Good leaders will constantly watch for gifts and talents evidenced in others and then strive to foster their growth.

Humbly encouraging the hearts of others helps them grow, but Ken Blanchard says leaders must first answer the question, "Are you a servant leader or a self-serving leader?" The key to the proper answer is humility. Leaders must humbly communicate a heartfelt sense of people's worth accompanied with a well-conceived mission, vision, and values system. In this way, both the heart and the head will be able to guide the work of the hands as leaders encourage the development and commitment of their followers.

With Christ as the Head of the Body, believers must understand their relationship to the Leader and to others. Within the Body, God calls individuals to positions of leadership under Christ, but everyone works together as one body. No one can be a leader if no one follows. As Kouzes and Posner conclude, "Leadership is a relationship between those who aspire to lead and those who choose to follow."

Jim Kouzes en Barry Posner schreven in 2002 de bestseller The Leadership Challenge, 4th Edition , waarin ze 5 practices beschreven voor voorbeelding leiderschap:
1. model the way
2. inspire a shared vision
3. challenge the process
4. enable others to act
5. encourage the heart
In Christian Reflections on The Leadership Challenge graaft het duo, maar ook een aantal andere bekende christelijke schrijvers over leiderschap een spade dieper en reflecteren hun eigen geloof en observaties aan de practices. Het initiatief hiervoor kwam van John C. Maxwell (INJOY), gevolgd door Ken Blanchard (o.m. The One Minute Manager), Bill Bright, Kevin Myers, Nancy Ortberg en Andy Stanley. Na een introductie van de vijf practices door Kouzes en Posner pakken de anderen een practice bij de kop, diepen die uit met bijbelteksten, voorbeelden uit de christelijke praxis van kerk, gemeente, liefdadigheidsinstelling en bedrijfsleven. Vele mensen werden geïnterviewd, zodat een field guide for leaders ontstond. Christian Reflections ontnuchtert menig ingesleten paradigma van seculiere leiderschap-auteurs en brengt leiderschap terug naar haar joods/christelijke wortels.

I had to read this book for a class. I am glad that I did since it has been an amazing book. Great stories and a real easy read to help you understand the ways of being a leader.

Having read and reread dozens of books on leadership, I've always found The Leadership Challenge to be among the best. I was certainly intrigued to see Christian Reflections on The Leadership Challenge and my curiosity paid off in a delightful read that contains both inspiring stories and introspective challenges.

As I read about the Willow Creek Axis group donating hundreds of pairs of shoes to the homeless in Chicago, I wept.

As I read about John Maxwell writing out his "I am what" so "I do what" which results in "what", I was challenged and did the same myself.

Having just read the book, 7 Triggers to Yes, I was inspired to read that, "Leaders keep hope alive... Hope is attitude in action." As 7 Triggers showed that inspiring hope is a powerful trigger used to influence and presuade and isn't that what leaders do.

The book is a quick read (one night for me), but I do believe that the reminders of the principles in The Leadership Challenge are excellent and the inspiration coming from these varied individuals is uplifting. I think you'll enjoy this book.

James Kouzes and Barry Posner are business professors at Santa Clara University, but are better known for authoring what has become a cornerstone in business and leadership theory: "The Leadership Challenge." The book has enjoyed numerous printings, leading to "Leadership Challenge" seminars, "Leadership Challenge" based consulting, and spin-off books on "the Leadership Challenge." "Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge" is a book that revisits the time-tested leadership paradigm, and features prominent practitioners of the Christian faith musing on what the five dimensions of leadership look like in a Christian context.

The book is divided into seven chapters. The first--and lengthiest--of the chapters is authored by Kouzes and Posner and is an introduction to "The Leadership Challenge" for those who have not read it. Yet, even thought the basics of the leadership paradigm are introduced, the faith component of leadership is heavily interwoven throughout this chapter. The examples of people who have successfully displayed a characteristic of successful leadership were all active in parish ministry, faith-based charities, or secular business-people whose faith influenced workplace decisions. This chapter was well-written and served as a valuable introduction to the remaining chapters.

Each of the following chapters is authored by a prominent Christian and gives his/her reflections on how a leadership skill and faith interplay. John Maxwell (former pastor and author of numerous leadership books) reflects on "Model the Way," the habit of (a) determining your own personal values and (b) aligning your actions to reflect those values. Maxwell provides a very well-structured chapter in which he demonstrates not only a thorough understanding of aligning values and action, but lays it out in such a way that it is clear that he has made the concept his own. Showing pastoral concern for the reader, Maxwell organizes his chapter around five objectives that will aid the reader in exploring his intrinsic values and how to allow these values to surface in the workplace.

The next chapter is authored by David McAllister-Wilson (president of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC) and concerns "Inspire a Shared Vision," the habit of (a) discovering your vision for the future and (b) communicating that vision in an inspiring way. For a well-respected academic, this reader was surprised at the abstract and emotional the chapter was written. Granted, the subject matter deals prominently with relationships and inspiration, but there was surprising little in the chapter that was concrete. Amidst musings on the personality of Jesus and anecdotes that went for the "you-had-me-at-hello-effect" were genuine gems of practical wisdom I wish McAllister-Wilson would've fleshed out more. Reading this chapter felt like a wasted opportunity to learn from one of the best; instead this reader felt "talked down to."

Next, Patrick Lencioni (businessman and author) illustrates what it means to "Challenge the Process," that is to (a) embrace changes to internal functioning and external opportunities and (b) experiment, risk failing, and learn from these events. Lencioni provides the best-written, most concise chapter of the book as he out-right challenges the reader to examine his motivations for leading, challenging processes, and intrinsic determination. He is not abusive toward the reader at all, but makes it clear that leadership is often sought out for the wrong reasons; the reader is advised to first see to it that pride is sufficiently restrained. Once it is, challenging the process is a natural by-product of passion and courage. Helpful illustrations of Lencioni's successes and failures in challenging the process illustrate larger points and make the author more relatable.

Following Lencioni, Nancy Ortberg (member of the pastoral staff at Willow Creek, suburban Chicago's most prominent mega-church) shows how "Enabling Others to Act" has played out in her life. This is the habit of (a) building coalitions and teams and (b) giving power away to trusted team-members. This reader felt it necessary to read Ortberg's chapter multiple times. At first, abstract emotion and pointless (yet heart-warming) anecdotes appeared to prevail; after several readings, the chapter proved to have more depth than originally thought. Like McAllister-Wilson, Ortberg provides helpful advice on leadership through team-building, but finding these gems requires a lot of digging.

Finally, Ken Blanchard (businessman and author) reflects on "Encouraging the Heart," that is, the habit of (a) showing genuine appreciation for good work and (b) strengthening bonds by celebrating achievements. While the subject matter lends itself well to emotional sentimentalism, Blanchard resists that temptation and provides a nice balance between inspiration and practicality. Structuring his chapter to argue that leadership is an "inside-out" art, Blanchard provides practical day-to-day tips while holding up Jesus as the ultimate "One-Minute Manager" (what would such a book be without a cheap plug?).

Finally, Kouzes and Posner close out the book recapping leadership and the importance of credibility. This final chapter whets the appetite for more wisdom and practical advice.

As with any anthology, "Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge" contains the good, the bad, and the ugly. Fortunately, the reader will find a great deal of the former and not so much of the latter two elements. This book is recommended for those who find themselves working in a church/faith-based not-for profit, but is also applicable for those who hold to the Christian faith and desire insights on how that faith can manifest itself in the secular workplace. Also, those who would like a taste of "The Leadership Challenge" in under 130 pages will also find this book beneficial. In all, recommended.

Another classic story by author/artist Graham Oakley. The church mice books are his best, the artwork is priceless (and hilarious!). Check his other books out too. They are great.

I first came across this book when my daughters were very young. We checked it out of the library and read it over and over again. The inventive approach to getting things done by the mice must have inspired me because I conveniently lost the book, paid the library for it, found it and kept it. I'm so pleased to be able to get some of their other books now because I've looked for them for years without success. Now that I have a grandchild, he will need to hear these tales too.

I definately have to agree with the 5 star rating that other people are giving this book. It is quite complex. However I was reading them in grade 1 so how complex is that. I'm trying to remember exactly how the story goes because I read them like 13 years ago. Needless to say I love this series, my brother in-law is about my age and he remembers reading these books (Church Mice at Christmas was his very favorite). I've been searching for this series for a year now since my son was born because I would like to own the whole set so he can read them. Lastly if anyone at all knows where I can get these in hardcover I would greatly appreciate it! I wish they would reprint them. My brother in-law does, too. My email address is emeraldeire@hotmail.com

As a writer of children's book myself, I was enchanted when I found this book by Graham Oakley in a used book store. I had not read anything by him before. Now I am actively seeking his books. 'The Church Mice at Christmas' is the hilarious story of church mice who are inventing schemes to finance a Christmas party. The text is charming, but the pictures are fabulous. His attention to detail is equal to Graeme Base, author of 'The Eleventh Hour' and 'Animalia'. The pictures have so many bits of humor dabbed about, you have to look carefully or you might miss a real good laugh. This is truly a 10 stars book! It was published in 1980. Hopefully it will be printed again soon.

Young children like these stories, but older kids and adults get the most out of them. Most of the humour is in the fantastically detailed funny pictures, which clash delightfully with the serious-sounding text. This is my favourite of the Church Mice stories. Some wonderful scenes include the Mice raffling-off Sampson (the Church Cat) to raise money for their party, their hopeless attempts at carol-singing for the same purpose, and the burglar dressed as Santa (he has a bag on which he has crossed out "Swag" and written "presents"). Also look out for the bizarre Christmas window displays in town.

If you can't find them here, many of Graham Oakley's books are now in print through Amazon.co.uk

This is a book for re-reading over and over. Each time you look at it you find more wonderful detail. Church Mice are for life, not just for Christmas.

I first read this in a library but brought home all of the series that they had. When I was home, my husband and I read the books I brought home. We both laughed so hard, I fell off our porch and into the flower beds. This is truly one of the ROFLMAO books. I have all of the books now.

... The entire series is absolutely magnificent and not just for children. The Church Mouse stories are all imaginative and the illustrations are so funny and captivating you can enjoy them again and again. Graham Oakley is extraodinarily talented and his books are truly magical!

I remember reading these fanatastic books over and over and over again from our local library when I was very young. After I had my daughter, I began thinking about these books, but I had forgotten the titles!
After years of searching and asking around, I FINALLY found someone who knew what book I was talking about.
Overjoyed doesn't even begin to describe my emotions over finding these books. I'll just say that if this book is wonderful enough for me to remember from reading as a 5 year old, and now want to spend all the money tracking down the entire series, you WON'T be disappointed!
BUY the books! BUT ALL OF THEM, LOL!!!
5 stars just aren't enough for this one!

My husband and I each read this book to our granddaughter who had gotten it at a library in their city. We both enjoyed it so much we have spread the word and are looking to purchase it for ourselves. The characters are so delightful that you find yourself getting caught up in the story. You can read it again and again and see more ways in which he artfully blends words with a wonderful sense of humor. Some of the nuances might be lost on younger children but there is so much there for all ages to enjoy.

I reviewed this the first book of The Church Mice series in 1998. Since then, I have gotten hold of ALL the books in the series by ordering them online from England. Absolutely worth the time, trouble, and money. These books are hilarious and will be read and giggled over MANY TIMES by the young and not-so-young in your house. I am sorry that the series is relatively unknown in the US; it is very popular in Great Britian. Do yourself and your kids, friends, or grandkids a favor and GET THESE BOOKS. At this date, November, 2000, "Humphrey Hits the Jackpot" is the newest book in the series. I don't know if Oakley is going to write anymore for this series--I sure hope so!

I have the good fortune to be the son of Rob Hailey, Homer's brother and boon companion for the first 20 years of his life. This book captures my uncle's life-long commitment to thought, reflection, and prayer, to teaching, preaching, and scholarship. (When I visited him a month before he died, he showed me files of current projects: research and writing of vital interest to himself and to his fellow believers.) My uncle's personal journey aside, Professor Harrell has found a fascinating way to write a history. Is history about events and ideas or is it about individuals? Harrell gives us both. This book, regardless of its subject, models a method of inquiry that other writers of history should imitate.

David Edwin Harrell, Jr. is truly a first rate scholar. For an unbiased and objective history of churches of Christ, this book is a must. Unlike that of Richard T. Hughes, Harrell is not hostile to the movement and therefore much more accurate in his coverage. Harrell has not reduced the churches of Christ to a Denomination among many denominations without a distinction. This is an accurate story of the attitudes and consequences (A title of one of Homer Hailey's books)among the movement which shaped its history. The movement is vividly illustrated by Harrell's coverage of the life of one of the great preachers, Homer Hailey. The reader will find that the book is difficult to put down as Harrell has made events and people come alive. All members of the church of Christ and those interested in religious history should read this book.

"The churches of Christ were riddled by dissension: indeed, the American restoration movement had always been a case study in controversy" (41).

How does one write a summary of a history text whose breadth and depth score almost a century of important facts? Harrell, who lives during much of the history he writes about, describes the two general themes that the reader can hitch along with through the tome. These themes are indeed means to understanding the facts and the analysis of history. These themes are: (1) the course of controversies of churches of Christ in the 20th century and (2) the telling of the life story of preacher Homer Hailey.

Through these, it is possible to understand much of what has happened and to notice that time is indeed flowing like a river and history repeats itself. The weaving of controversy and individual lives is perhaps the clearest and most concise summary of the book. Nevertheless, Harrell does aid the reader by breaking down the narrative into three well-researched and documented sections. The first and third sections deal more specifically with the life of Homer Hailey. The second section deals with the mainstream churches of Christ and their controversies. By now, it is clear that it is impossible to distinguish the church's history from its troubles, and vice versa.

Section 1: Homer Hailey and the Churches of Christ: Origins

The life story of Homer Hailey begins in humility and ends in humility. Hailey's exodus through cities and congregational meetings is a light that is cast through the world, showing pin-points of Christianity dotted all over the western and southern United States. It is fitting that Hailey's influence went beyond one region of the country, yet it is somewhat regrettable that those outside of the brotherhood do not have much of an understanding of who brother Hailey was and what he stood for.

Section 2: The Mainstream Churches of Christ: 1920-1999

When Harrell gives an overview of the splits in the 1890s and 1950s, he maintains his constant argument that both splits were similar in many respects and that history could repeat if men [. . .] continue wearing the mantle of the heroic yet destructive Foy E. Wallace, Jr. to the dismemberment of Christ's body. The presence of brotherhood magazines throughout these periods is also worthy of note.

Section 3: Homer Hailey and the Noninstitutional Churches of Christ: 1925-1999

If the previous section detailed the stormy environment, this section placed Hailey right in the center of the whirlwinds and those who would reap their bitter crops.

In Closing

While there most likely are superior historians with regard to ability, Harrell tells a remarkable story of pioneering brethren who came out in full swing into a new age with the same calling.

In the story, however, Harrell seems hokey at times by referring to himself as a character in the narrative in the third person-a device long since abandoned by autobiographers in the 19th century, for obvious reasons. However, the insertion of the historian's role in the unfolded history does achieve several goals: (1) to show that Harrell was a minor player in the events he witnessed, (2) to show that Harrell wants the appearance of full disclosure of the role he played in history, and (3) to show that even the most seemingly objective voice has a slight bias that must be formally acknowledged in the interest of fairness.

Because this is a highly personal book, Harrell presents Hailey in such a way that a truly objective historian might not be able to show. Harrell reveals much of Hailey's character as a result of how he weathers the storms of brotherhood dissension: "Hailey insisted: he went to a church in order to communicate the vital truths of the Scriptures" (376). May that be the goal of every modern gospel preacher, to have such integrity, strength of character, devotion, and a pure desire to "stand in the pulpit."

I have the good fortune to be the son of Rob Hailey, Homer's brother and boon companion for the first 20 years of his life. This book captures my uncle's life-long commitment to thought, reflection, and prayer, to teaching, preaching, and scholarship. (When I visited him a month before he died, he showed me files of current projects: research and writing of vital interest to himself and to his fellow believers.) My uncle's personal journey aside, Professor Harrell has found a fascinating way to write a history. Is history about events and ideas, or is it about individuals? Harrell gives us both. This book, regardless of its subject, models a method of inquiry that other writers of history should think about imitating.

Ed Harrell does a masterful job of relating the amazing life of Homer Hailey, one of the most dedicated, humble, and influential preachers in the churches of Christ in the 20th century. If you were fortunate enough to know this man, you will be fascinated by the story of his life and career as preacher, teacher, and author.

But this book is far more than a biography of Homer Hailey. In the book, Harrell also makes a monumental contribution to the study of the history of the churches of Christ in the 20th century. After recounting Hailey's early life, Harrell sets aside Hailey's personal story and recounts in fascinating detail the issues and people that influenced the doctrinal positions and divisions of the heirs of the "restoration movement." Much of this 180-page middle section of the book is dedicated to the controversy over "institutionalism," the issue of building para-church organizations and "sponsoring church" arrangements with money pooled from various independent congregations. Harrell's analysis of this issue shows how social attitudes in the 1950s contributed to the impetus for the massive missionary and evangelistic schemes, television programs, etc., that became the focus of the controversy. There also are shorter sections on earlier controversies regarding pacifism and premillennialism, as well as more recent controversies regarding "discipling," the Holy Spirit, the quest for a "New Hermeneutic," and other issues.

After this very meaty middle section, Harrell returns to Hailey's early years as a preacher, his long tenures as a teacher at what are now Abilene Christian University and Florida College, and Hailey's Arizona retirement, when he wrote many of his books.

The middle section of this book is not for the faint of heart. Harrell's meticulously documented story of the controversies of the last 100 years within the churches of Christ reveals how all too frequently disputes and divisions within the fellowship were exacerbated by inflated egos, harsh words, and precipitous actions that, at least in retrospect, appear unbecoming of Christians. Still, as a member of this fellowship, I found the book encouraging. Through the life story of Homer Hailey, Harrell has preserved a wonderful example of a man who, through the grace of God, rose above his own difficult childhood and the combativeness of many of his peers to exemplify the true "servant" mentality fully demonstrated in Jesus Christ.

I enjoyed this unabridge audio book. It's one thing to read the book, its another experience to listen to it!

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This book is one that should be on every educated person's bookshelf. For a book written by a Christian in the fourth century, I was surprised at some of the details. For example, Augustine accepts autopsies as a matter of medical necessity. More well-known is his opposition to astrology.

Augustine also had surprisingly enlightened views about dress and appearance. Any race or ethnicity can enter the City of God (an argument made in "The City of God").

Augustine says that as a teenager, he and his friends stole some pears and threw them away. Have things really changed? Teenagers up to mischief!

In the "City of God," Augustine also marveled at the human mind.

"In general, the completeness of scientific knowledge is beyond all words and becomes all the more astonishing when one pursues any single aspect of this immense corpus of information. Last, but not least, is the brilliance of talent displayed by both pagan philosophers and Christian heretics in the defense of error and falsehood. In saying this, of course, I am thinking only of the nature of the human mind as a glory of this mortal life, not of faith and the way of truth that leads to eternal life."

Here are some more great lines. A philosopher was abroad a ship captained by a bad man, and after a violent storm, the fearless captain jeered the philosopher for his terror. Said the philosopher, quoting from a similar incident that occurred to the pagan Aristippus, `A rogue need not worry about losing his worthless life, but Aristippus has a duty to care for a life like his."

Finally, St. Augustine spoke to the modern world and to the "Creationists."

"It very often happens there is some question as to the earth or sky, or other elements of this world...respecting which, one who is not a Christian has knowledge...and it is very disgraceful and mischievous and of all things to be carefully avoided, that a Christian speaking of such matters as being according to the Christian Scriptures, should be heard by an unbeliever talking such nonsense that the unbeliever perceiving him to be as wide from the mark as east from west, can hardly restrain himself from laughing."

St. Augustine's effect on the Christian religion can not be understated. This timeless work should be read by all religious and spiritual persons regardless of their path of preference if only to just understand where so many of Christianity concepts and dogma originate.

Aurelius Augustinus 354-430 AD.
He was born in Thagesta in Numidia (North-Africa).The Confessions' has two parts. The first part is a kind of autobiography and the second part is a commentary to the first chapters of Genesis.
He taught rhetorics first in Carthago in Africa, later in Milan in Italy. But after a while he developed an aversion not only for rhetorics ( he began to consider it as useless and conceited and as a pool of sins ) but also for his fellow-man.
He began to show neurotic behaviour like having a fainting fit without apparent cause. It's for those reasons that psychologists like to study Augustine's Confessions.
As a result of all this, Augustine became a Christian and he was one of the first to found a monastery. Later on he became bishop of Hippo in North-Africa.

In the second part of 'The confessions' he tries to explain the first chapters of Genesis. His plan was to comment on the whole Bible but he soon understood that this was an impossible task for one man.
Nevertheless he's is considered as the Father of modern Theology because of his comments.
To give two examples: When the Bible says that God created man to His image, Augustine explains that it means that man knows the difference between good and evil just like God does, it doesn't mean a physical resemblance.
Another interesting thought is about Creation. Creation is not limited in space and time: since God is everywhere, Creation is also everywhere and goes on till eternity.

As conclusion I should mention that 'The Confessions'is also important because it is the first publication in Antiquity in which an author reveals his most inner feelings

Obviously, the Confessions of St. Augustine themselves need no review. However, potential buyers need to know that the reader for this particular recording is absolutely fantastic. I took the time to listen to other recordings before I decided which to buy, and this one is absolutely the best one. It is a pleasure to listen to!