Organizations Books

Bill McCartney writes of his struggle to balance family with his ferver for God and career. It is a struggle that many Christian men face. McCarney has made me look at my own relationship with God and make some changes. The book is somewhat repetitious on some topics, however, and could get to the point quicker. Overall, the book is worthwhile reading and will help many men search out God on a more personal level and will allow some men to work on their dedication to their wives.

Bill McCartney can only be considered a Christian soldier by anyone's analysis. To learn that a man like him suffers from the same sins and temptations as you is enlightening and empowering. Reading this book has lead me back to the Bible and Christ. Thanks Bill

It was wonderful the way Bill shared his struggles. Though all men's struggles are not exactly the same, we all have them. Bill gives us a reassuring feeling that we are not alone during these times. He also wonderfully displayed how God really does want to help and guide us, but we have to be willing to listen.

Excellent book, wherein the content truly feels "God-breathed". The content of the first half about his life history and that of his family's to this point is well written and necessary. But, WOW, the last one-third of the book is pure, scripture-laden identification of the problems of Christians today; and many of the practical, biblical disciplines we can all engage in that could allow us to feel the power of God in our lives to solve each of those problems. I hate to be trite about it, but, oh well, here goes anyway: it was the catalyst that changed my life, for the better! And, Surprise! I am a woman and I identified with Bill, although, his wife's imput was invaluable to the book. Bravo! Bill McCartney and David Halbrook! Truly modern-day disciples!

What a man! He had everything anyboudy could ever want, and left it to follow the call of Jesus. Bolth his and his wife's stories give a challenging message and depenning perspective. Anyone wanting a good Christian example to follow should read this book. It sure rocked me out of complancency. Bill, if you ever need a someone to help, I'm here.

A friend of mine gave me this book, and, after reading it, I remarked to him that, if it weren't against Neill's "principles of freedom," Summerhill should be mandatory reading for everyone who wants to become a parent, before they can have children! This was one of the best books I've ever read. I instantly recognized many elements in Neill's teachings, and realized my parents had used some of them in my upbringing. I have bought this book for all of my friends who have or plan to have children, and I plan to read my own copy over and over, as I raise my own. If more people knew about and studied Neill's teachings, the recent violence in schools would not exist, and our current society would be a much healthier and happier place.

I am in college and in the process of reading this book for a book review for my parenting class. My mother recommended it to me because it was the book that she based her methods of child rearing after. I am 20 years old and number 7 out of the 8 children in my family. None of us are psychopaths, all of us are quite happy. My parents did give us a lot of freedom when we were being raised and am grateful to them for it. I love life and I love my family dearly. As I prepare for marraige and raising children, I am sure I will look to this book frequently for inspiration.

I reread Summerhill after a lapse of many years. And the wisdom - and love of life - is as fresh as ever. Summerhill was not just a school, but a philosophy. Honest, sensible, and very much an advocate for life and the living.

Thank you Mr. Neill for your contribution to the Columbine massacre. Your approach to child rearing has spawned such mentality, in my opinion.

This book was given to me by a well meaning friend, who brought up her kids this way. I loved it and think that the titel should be revised "a sensible approach to child rearing". The book might be a little old but has not lost any of its appeal today. It is a valid, reassuring and very helpful guide to viewing child rearing from a new perspective for many - even today. It took me a while to track down some more copies of this book, but the chase was well worth it. I think I will keep this book for another 20 years and will return to it many times over, whilst raising my daughter...

You could stumble into each class paying as much attention as possible, trying very hard to understand how to become a better teacher, reflecting after class upon what you did well and what you did not do well ... or you could read McKeachie's book and take all of his experience and that of his co-authors into your repertoire of teaching tips.

One could dread reading a book that talks too much about the details and administrative issues that may arise in teaching. One could also dread a book that speaks only about philosophical issues in teaching. One does not need to dread this book because it addresses both practical and philosophical matters but not in excruciating details. It is written by an intelligent group for intelligent readers and yet it is simple prose, not the pretentious academic jargon that I so often encounter.

I loved it and highly recommend it to all PhD students, junior faculty, and faculty teaching others how to teach.

On my instructional maiden voyage into the sea of communication, this text was my life vest. In 28 concise chapters, Wilbert McKeachie offers pearls of wisdom on everything from drafting a syllabus to dealing with excuses, and everything in between. His straightforward writing lends itself to quick reading and makes it a handy "flip-to" guide for refreshers.
Whether you're wrestling with a "discussion dominator" or trying to finesse responses from silent students, this book offers proactive approaches and solutions to unforeseen challenges.
Keeping things fresh and interesting for students and yourself makes the learning experience more enjoyable. Reading, attending workshops and talking to experienced faculty are some of the suggestions the author offers. As someone who used to teach natural resource seminars, I was pleased that he acknowledged the energizing power of an effective workshop. In addition, the text also offers tips on applying new changes learned in those courses to classes.
As any instructor worth their salt is aware, teaching is an ever-evolving process, that must be honed and refined to suit both instructor and student. For anyone adrift in some arena of college instruction, grabbing onto this 379 page text will prove a worthwhile undertaking.

This is a book on teaching that can be read straight through with useful information on all areas of teaching. This is a book that can also be used as a reference source. Having read many books on teaching, this is still the best.

This was one of the books I read in a "teaching college history" course I took at Indiana University. Prior to that I had taught two of my own courses and been an associate instructor for two more. I wish I had read this book prior to my teaching because it asks a lot of very good questions and gives suggestions that you can use in the classroom. The variety of courses that can be helped by such tips is endless -- even if you don't think your particular field could use a particular chapter or really has a particular issue I found reading it always helped me devise new strategies for teaching. This is not, however, a model of how to teach (could there ever be such a model?), you'll have to read and evaluate what may work for you for each particular class.

This text provides college faculty with strategies to become a better instructor and to deal with the challenges of the profession.

Creating objectives, test design, learner goals, lecture formats, teaching to a diverse audience, grading, handling suspected cheaters - you name it and it is in there.

I believe it will be beneficial to any college instructor regardless of size of school. I teach at a small school and the text, though maybe slanted a bit toward the experience at the large research university, was tremendously helpful to me.

The book is easy to read. I have incorporated a lot of the strategies into this fall semester.

This is an incredible book. The author articulates the dynamic of abuse in the most understandable language. Helpful to victims, as well as professionals.

"APPLICABLE TO BOTH JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES. The coping strategies and intervention techniques that are outlined provide guidance in pinpointing the sickness at its source and restoring felicity and order to religious leadership and the community."

Reviewd by: Adolescence

"Dr. Benyei's perspective expands the conceptualization of clergy sexual misconduct beyond the individual . . . to an occurrence within a community that is affected by a wide range of community issues and dynamics. . . . AN UNFLINCHING LOOK AT A TOPIC THAT IS CONTROVERSIAL AND PAINFUL. Highly recommended reading for both clergy and laity."

Reviewed by: Christine A. Courtois, PhD, Author, Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy and Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse; Clinical Director, The CENTER Posttraumatic Disorders Program, The Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Washington, DC

For the last decade or more an item often landing in the news has been the misconduct and abusiveness of clergy. In the late eighties this often had to with scandals surrounding TV evangelists, but lately much attention has been focused on the sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. However, clergy abuse and misconduct have no boundaries as far as denominations, and unfortunately there does not seem to be a denomination yet with a good track record for dealing openly and truthfully when these things occur. The web site "Pokrov" for Orthodox victims of clergy abuse and misconduct stated:
"Over the last three years we have received several copies of letters our readers have sent to their churches to tell about their abuse -- letters that never received any response from the hierarchs. Some of our readers have even met with bishops in person. Many of our readers find that their letters and pleas to authorities come to a dead end because the bishop or hierarchs ignores them or discredits them. They end up feeling even worse than they did before. These stories have prompted us to write the Pokrov guidelines which are from a victims' perspective." This web site warns victims not to go alone to their church authorities to report abuse. This is disheartening to say the least.
A significant book that addresses the issue of clergy abuse and misconduct is Understanding Clergy Misconduct in Religious Systems: Scapegoating, Family Secrets, and the Abuse of Power by Candace R. Benyei, PhD. This vital book demythologized spiritual leaders and helps the reader to see the negative effects of placing them on a pedestal. It is an incisive look at the outrage of abuse from the perspective of victim, perpetrator and counselor.
In most churches and religious systems when abuse or misconduct occurs, it is generally covered-up and kept silent. Though there may seem to be good reasons to do this, Benyei documents how this secret keeping is destructive to the victim(s) and the congregation, whether they know it or not: "The keeping of the secret produces more pain to more people than the original insult itself"(Pg 104).
"The secret may be closely held by a few main players; the secret may be vaporous and no one may know anything for sure. . . nonetheless, a great deal of energy is used in keeping the lid on Pandora's box, which includes not only the secret but the resultant rage, anger, loss, fear and shame" (Pg 106).
One of the worst results of abuse or misconduct is the fact that the victim often becomes the scapegoat. Benyei notes, "Because it is unbearable to believe that the beloved spiritual leader could commit such acts, since that would shatter the fantasy that one had at last found the ultimate caregiver, victims are often unforgivable." (Pg 95).
It would be an advance if the clergy and hierarchy and spiritual leaders of churches and religious systems would make it their responsibility to inform people about abuse and misconduct they themselves might commit, but this is highly unlikely. Therefore it is incumbent on lay people to educate themselves and others when it comes to abuse in religious systems. So often we portray the Church as a safe place to come, a sanctuary, a haven. It often is a place of healing. However, it can also be a place of deep wounding and sin. As Mother Gavrilla of blessed memory once said, "The Church is like a huge ship full of sailors, biting each other in the throat, tearing hair, punching, but the wonder is that the ship is coming into port because Christ is at the helm." This side of the Church must also be revealed if it is ever to be healed. For healing to happen, we must understand the illness. I highly recommend Benyei's book as a place to start.
* * *

Using systems theory Dr. Benyei presents a balanced and fair approach to clergy misconduct. She astutely outlines the power dynamics in a church and the difficulty a lay person will have when bringing a complaint against a minister. She challenges us to give up our idealization of ministers and see them as the flawed human beings they are. This will not only help prevent abuse and hold ministers accountable but will also free ministers to be more genuine and receive the help and support they may need. In her final chapter she presents specific proposals to reform our churches and promote safer communities. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone concerned with building better, healthier church communities.

Who would have thought this would be an interesting book? I flew right thru it. I will keep it for reference. This book is needed for anyone conducting meetings on any level. Want to impress your boss? Want to look like you know what you are doing? Want to put others in their place? Read this book. Know the Rules.

The Ladies Auxilliary sought to engage me in a hennish, parliamentarian pissing contest. I won.

Do not be confused. This book is not Robert's Rules of Order (RROO). It is a companion volume designed to explain RROO. It is, however, a very good companion which I found to be very easy to understand and contained some very up-to-date information like how to vote by e-mail.

It has some other nice features like scripts to use in meetings. However, it lacks a simple table of motions, something that is included in most versions of RROO.

Unfortunately, the most up-to-date official version of RROO (the Newly Revised, 10th edition) is a huge book compared to the original volume that Mr. Robert wrote in 1876 as a pocket guide. To me, the large size makes the newest edition virtually useless. If you are interested in parliamentary procedure for a PTO, club, or church business meetings, you are also unlikely to need the most recent edition.

The last edition that Robert himself was personally involved in before his death was the 1915 Revised edition (not to be confused with the Newly Revised versions). This was the official version for many decades and I think is still good enough for most users. I purchased a paperback re-print of this edition from 1970 which also added a new preface by Robert's grandson.

Some supposedly modern editions of RROO are really just re-writes of the original 1876 version. I assume that as the original book is so old, it has long run out of copyright, so anybody can publish their own RROO. This may be a good thing as people looking for a more slimmed-down book may be happier with a modernized version of Robert's original pocket version. However, the 1915 edition, while expanded significantly over the original, is not so huge and I think a reasonable compromise.

So, to make a long story short. I would recommend purchasing some official version of RROO (again, I like the 1915 edition) along with Webster's book.

I am the CEO and CHAIR of my Organization known as the Canadian0-Kurdish Association for Human Rights, INC. and we have our own set of "by-laws", this book, "Robert's Rules of Order is simple to read and very easy to use. I am very please and satisfied with it's contents. Is very easy to understand as well and easy to follow instructions and examples to use. I am glad I have purchased it. Thank-You.

I accepted a position as Board Administrator in a charity organization in Seoul, South Korea. Prior to that, I had heard about Robert's Rules of Order, but had never used the book as a reference. In my time as a Board Administrator, I referred to this book often for a proposed amendment to our Constitution and By-Laws, procedures for notifying members of the Annual General Meeting, and to clarify the motion-making procedure for Board members. Robert McConnell Productions uses sample scripts to give readers can get a sense for how to conduct a board meeting (Chapter 2, "A Business Meeting in Action"), how to debate a motion (Chapter 4, "Rules of Debate"), and how to vote (Chapter 5, "Ways the Vote Can be Taken"). I passed my copy to the next Board Administrator and just ordered a new copy for myself. Board members have a significant advantage in Board negotiations if they are intimately familiar with RRO.

I really liked this book a lot and found it very useful in modifying my mindset. Its going to be difficult to put this into practice given the complexity of the topic and the time needed for good persuasion but the benefits are clear not just for individuals attempting to persuade but for the organizations they work for. That's it!

"One important aim of this book is to challenge your stereotypes of persuasion. We usually think of persuasion as something reserved for salespeople-certainly not for managers. What I am going to propose to you is that, quite to the contrary, persuasion skills have become absolutely essential to the job of managing-far more than we might imagine. Much of what a good manager does today is sell: sell their ideas to coworkers; sell their organizations on change; sell their bosses on new investments. But it's not traditional selling. A large part of what we do as effective managers is to find optimal solutions for problems through investigation, discussion, and debate. We then convince our organization to get behind them. It is in the convincing part that we face our greatest hurdless-getting buy-in. This is where the skills of constructive persuasion play a vital role. So leave behind your older notions of persuasion. It's time for a paradigm shift. Your effectiveness depends on it" (pp.14-15).

In this context, in Chapter 2, after listing wrong ideas about persuasion as following:

1. persuasion is simply mustering the best arguments for something;

2. persuasion almost always involves stating your position up front;

3. persuasion means being assertive-often very assertive; and

4. negotiating and deal making are at the heart of it.

Jay A. Conger writes that "These are some of the stereotypes people have about the act of convincing. There are several others. Together I call them the 'killer myths' of persuasion-'killer' because they can kill our ability to be effective and our motivation to become better persuaders."

Killer Myth 1- The most effective persuasion is the hard sell.

Killer Myth 2- Persuasion is a one-way process.

Killer Myth 3- Effective persuaders succeed on the first try.

Killer Myth 4- Good persuaders don't need to compromise.

Killer Myth 5- Great arguments are the secret to successful persuasion.

Killer Myth 6- Persuasion is pure manipulation.

As a result, he writes that "Now that we know what persuasion isn't, we may be wondering what constructive persuasion really is." Hence, he shows four distinct steps such as (i)building your credibility, (ii)finding the common ground, (iii)developing compelling positions and evidence, and (iv)connecting emotionally to becoming an effective persuader, and he discusses these steps/the four elements of effective persuasion throuhout the following four (3-6) chapters.

Highly recommended.

Jay Conger's new book is a must read for managers on all rungs of the corporate ladder. Most organizational behavior books shower readers with platitudes, but this book goes beyond. Conger gives current examples of persuasive leaders (both positive and negative) and then shows the reader step-by-step how to begin building the skills necessary to powerfully pursuade. The exercises and practical tips make the book a highly effective tool. Conger's techniques have helped me grapple with difficult negociations at work. I find that I am much more analytical and have a better appreciation of the inner dealings that go on within my work teams. At points the book makes pursuasion seem a bit too easy (at least for me), but it is a key book for all of us read and learn from. Honestly, I use the skills that I picked up reading this book outside the office just as much as I do inside. We all need to learn to pursuade and this text lays a solid foundation for us all to do so.

As a recent MBA graduate, I found "Winning 'Em Over" to be a perfect complement to my formal education. By drawing on the disciplines of rhetoric, communication studies, management, and even storytelling, Jay Conger weaves a provocative and compelling argument for a fundamental and generational shift in the nature of management - from an Age of Command to an Age of Persuasion. Conger proves with contemporary examples what Aristotle knew thousands of years ago - that the author/audience (or persuader/persuadee) relationship is a covenant based on trust and mutually beneficial outcomes, that the audience must be an active participant in the process of persuasion, and that persuasion is a subtle art form. The beauty of "Winning 'Em Over" is that Conger explains the essence of this art in the context of the modern-day manager. In doing so, he provides the tools by which we can begin to understand the route to effective persusasion and, by extension, exemplary leadership. To become effective managers and leaders, we NEED to understand and adopt the principles examined in this book.

As an indication of how good this book is, I bought five copies when it came back in print. There are less than a dozen business books I have more than 2-3 copies of (Drucker is half of them.) It's that good.

As a leadership consultant who regularly has to assist Directors, Vice Presidents and above - many of them in technology-heavy companies - this is the book I used to recommend most often, and it breaks my heart it is out of print. It is good enough that I have contacted Mr. Conger directly. Here's what I've found: it speaks in language that most executives can understand, and with a litle bit of coaching this book provides a framework for them to see what they are doing and not doing when it comes to internal communications, relationships, and, yes, politics. I am no longer amazed at the lack of caolition-building and relationship development skills of executives, but I come across it constantly. As such, I often find that great ideas are NOT being implemented either do to a lack of understanding of, or blatant disregard for, the need to PERSUADE others of the viability and effectiveness of the recommended course of action.

If you're a bright executive who wonders why someone with less technical depth than you has gotten promoted in front of you, this book is a good place to start looking. Ask yourself whether you are as good interpersonally as you are technically.

Exactly as described. Valuable as a first person account of the life and times of a Ranger during the Korean War. Excellent information for the book I'm writing on Rangers.

When I was a college student in the early 60's I thought it rather odd that one of the required readings for a management class was the book "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.
I had just served a two year enlistment in the U.S. Army (most of it at school) and thought I was done with military topics.
I soon learned why that book was studied in management classes and is considered a classic study of competition and conflict in general.
The book by Ralph Puckett (Col. USA Ret) "Words for Warriors" like "The Art of War" is not just for military leaders.
Executives, managers and would be managers will find it an invaluable asset in learning how to lead. Whether it is leading a corporate board or a shift crew at a fast food restaurant, the reader will find topics relevant to the situation.
Col. Puckett is a professional soldier, a distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy. He spent virtually his entire career leading troops in peace and war. He recounts many of his personal experiences, as well as those of other military professionals, and how each relates to the end product of "getting the job done." Sections such as training, taking care of soldiers (employees), personal life, strategy and goals are broken down into easy to read and understand incidents. The book is an easy read, and is clear and concise. In addition to being a very interesting and informative book, I would also recommend it as a reference book to be consulted often by anyone who wants to be a leader that "gets the job done."

Words for Warriors is a delight to anyone interested in why we professionals do what we do. One reviewer called Puckett's book "inspirational reading for future generals," but it is not. This is not the sort of book which paints dry generalities for ROTC and ACSC students, nor is it an autobiography. Rather, it is a well-edited narrative of Ralph Puckett's real-life encounters with the military and political world. It places the reader into the You-Are-There. This is hands-on stuff.
Let's get right to the action. On 25 November 1950, the Chinese Army had just entered the Korean War. First Lieutenant Ralph Puckett was there commanding the 8th Army Ranger Company, a unit composed of only 47 U.S. soldiers and 9 South Korean KATUSA nationals. During the evening of 25 November and early morning of 26 November, Puckett's Rangers fought off 5 head-on assaults of over 500 Chinese in hand-to-hand bayonet fighting and bugle led-charges which continued through the night. Chinese army losses were appalling. When, owing only to lack of artillery support, the Company was overrun by 6th charge, Puckett was severely wounded and against his protests was finally dragged to safety by his NCOs. By the next morning, only 26 Rangers were left standing. For their actions, his two NCOs were awarded the Silver Star, and Lieutenant Ralph Puckett himself was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Here's the lesson from Words for Warriors. Puckett knew from the beginning that an officer's first responsibility is to his soldiers, and he must surround himself with talent. I can't tell you how many times I have seen that rule violated by officers whose first responsibility was to the protecting of their own careers. To wit, the sad, sad case of the recent prisoner humiliation and torture scenes at the Iraqi Abu Ghraib prison was not, in the words of politicians, the isolated act "of a few bad apples." To the contrary, it was a clear case of officers' abandonment of duty. This scandal would never have happened if the superior officers had followed Puckett's examples.
Puckett is decidedly neutral in passing out both praise and criticism. While he not hesitant to praise past and present generals, privates, and politicians who have done their duties well, he is also not afraid to point out where generals, privates, and politicians have screwed up. What's more, he's not afraid to list them by name, current leaders included.
Words for Warriors is a collection of 85 short thought-pieces, anecdotes, humor, and combat narratives. It is well-edited into sections, but any one chapter can be read as a stand-alone piece, and each story has its own lesson. And I'm forever grateful that Puckett has included an Index, so anyone can do a quick research on topics anywhere from Agincourt to Apaches to Afghanistan. (Puckett is also well-versed on the Near East.)
Words for Warriors is well-researched and footnoted, for Puckett can cite Chaucer as well as Cheney. He offers chapters which look realistically at the past and equally as well guarded to the future of the U.S. military and our country.
Oh -- and did I mention Ralph Puckett was awarded a second Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam? To find out more about that one, read the book.

Frederick Malmstrom, Ph.D.
U.S. Air Force Academy

Solid story-telling combined with hard-earned wisdom makes this one of the best books on leadership that I have ever read. Bursting with the guidance of great leaders throughout history, this effortless read will make a difference in the business world and with parents training adolescents with life skills. It contains the crucial elements of leadership success and the tools to inspire others to achieve superior results.

Col. (Ret.) Puckett is a superb communicator, and delivers delivers the hard-earned wisdom attained from his many years leading Rangers in preparation for battle in Korea and in the jungles of Vietnam. In 1950, fresh out of West Point, Lt. Puckett led the 47 men of the 8th Ranger Company ahead of the 25th Infantry Division, and repelled 5 assaults by much larger Chinese forces. Wounded severely in the battle, Puckett didn't order his men to pull back until the 6th assault. Too injured to move, Puckett stayed behind to fight. Later, two of his Rangers returned to drag him back to safety. After Korea, Puckett commanded the Mountain Ranger Division and organized a school for Columbia's Rangers."*

He received a Distinguished Service Cross for the action in Korea and a second in the Republic of Vietnam. Before he retired in 1971, Puckett was recognized as on the nation's most decorated soldiers, with 2 Silver Stars, 3 Legions of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars, the Commendation Medal, 10 Air Medals, 5 Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Graduate Award from West Point, and the infantry's Doughboy Award (joining the ranks of eminent leaders such as Gen. Colin Powell, Gen. Matthew Ridgway, LTG Hal Moore and H. Ross Perot).

As one who has survived brutal engagements and has seen the precepts of the great military leaders put to the test, Col. Puckett's zeal for building great leaders comes through on every page. In our family's consumer product business, this book would have really helped me in my early years to lead my 100-plus `troops' successfully.

WFW centers on the training of the Unit Leader, the most critical management position in any organization; if he fails, the entire organization fails. Managers of all fields will benefit from this inspiring collection of essays, and the focus on key subject areas (such as Command and Staff, Unit Training, Personal Development, and The Goal).

Col. Puckett's conversational tone will infect you with his passion for making subordinate officers strong and successful ... and give you an immersive experience of leadership principles in action. His personal story blended with the advice of military greats like Alexander, Napoleon and Eisenhower make the pages come to life and will remind you why Col. Puckett has received many of the highest leadership awards the Army bestows.

For the last 10 years, he has served as Honorary Colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment - coaching Rangers in training and on the field in Afghanistan and Iraq. Col. Richard Clarke, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment, says of Ralph Puckett: "No other Ranger in the history of the Rangers has influenced as many Soldiers as he has."

Words for Warriors will stay with me as an inspiration and a reference for years to come. In the words of famed Lieutenant General Harold G. Moore, this is "the absolute best book on military leadership that I have ever read."

"Words for Warriors" is a jewel. It is instructive, entertaining, inspirational and full of wisdom. Colonel Ralph Puckett is writing about what he knows and all readers will recognize the great value of this book.

Charles Y. Massey

Books on worship are almost as numerous as worship CDs. Good books on worship are almost as rare as good worship CDs. Thankfully, Bob Kauflin's new book Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God (Crossway, 2008) is not just a good book on worship; it's great! Kauflin serves as the worship leader for Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland and the director of worship development for Sovereign Grace Ministries.

"Worship matters. It matters to God because he is the one ultimately worthy of all worship. It matters to us because worshiping God is the reason for which we were created. And it matters to every worship leader, because we have no greater privilege than leading others to encounter the greatness of God. That's why it's so important to think carefully about what we do and why we do it." (19)

Whereas many books on worship emphasize skill and performance while other books stress the fervency and sincerity of the leader's heart, Kauflin refuses to pit one against the other. He spends considerable time speaking to the skill and excellence of the leader, but he also reminds leaders that "the greatest challenge is what you yourself bring to the platform each and every Sunday: your heart" (21).

What I found most helpful in Worship Matters was the dual emphasis Kauflin places on worshipping with the head as well as the heart. He stresses the importance of knowing God through his Word. He critiques worship leaders for rarely reading theology books (29) and says:

"The better we know God through his Word, the more genuine our worship will be. In fact, the moment we veer from what is true about God we're engaging in idolatry. Regardless of what we think or feel there is no authentic worship of God without a right knowledge of God." (28)

But Kauflin does not advocate a mere head-knowledge of God. He insists that "mind and heart belong together. Strong passionate desires for God flow from and encourage the faithful, thoughtful study of God - his nature, character, and works" (32). Rarely do you find worship leaders who so easily bring together fervent emotion and a passion for theology.

Kauflin defines the worship leader this way:

"A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit by skillfully combining God's Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the Gospel to cherish God's presence in to live for God's glory." (55)

He then spends most of the book unpacking each phrase of this definition. He devotes two chapters to music, helpfully teaching that "it's the gospel that blends us together, not music" (105). He divides worship songs into four categories:

"Don't Use"
"In Private"
"Could Use"
"Should Use"

Regarding the Regulative Principle that teaches us to only do in a worship service that which is explicitly commanded in Scripture, Kauflin offers three nuanced and balanced principles:

Do what God clearly commands
Don't do what God clearly forbids.
Use Scriptural wisdom for everything in else.

Perhaps the most helpful section of Worship Matters comes toward the end. Kauflin lists what he calls "healthy tensions" in worship. For example: "Transcendent and Immanent. Head and Heart. Planned and Spontaneous. Rooted and Relevant. Skilled and Authentic." He shows how these tensions are good when they are properly balanced in pastoral wisdom and Scriptural teaching.

The last section of the book focuses on the worship leader's relationships. Regarding the role of the pastor, Kauflin says,

"God has given the pastor, not the worship leader, the ultimate responsibility for the direction of the church. That includes the musical portions of the meeting. When we are at odds, Scripture is clear: I am the one who needs to submit." (242)

Worship Matters is one of the best books on worship I have come across in recent years. Kauflin's wisdom and passion shine through on every page. If you had to read just one book on worship this year, choose Worship Matters. You won't be disappointed.

I am taking my worship team through Worship Matters right now. Those who are reading it are really enjoying it. Bob Kauflin's succinct and powerful way of presenting his points keeps the reader interested. He really relates well with worship leaders because of his vast experience as a worship pastor over many years. His emphasis on the importance of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit in leading worship is alone worth the price of the book. But Kauflin also delves into many more "nuts and bolts" topics that worship leaders and teams need to understand and apply. I recommend this book everywhere I go! --Dwayne Moore, author of Pure Praise: A Heart-focused Bible Study on Worship (Group Publishing, 2009)

Worship Matters is an exceptional book for worship leaders, pastors, musicians, and everyone in between. Only two chapters into the book I had recommended it to other worship leaders. Filled with experience and insight, Kauflin uses scriptures and references to back up all that he explains. He is not afraid to tackle the issues that we, as worship leaders, deal with constantly yet are afraid to admit. Every chapter is unique and contains another heart issue to consider.
Worship Matters will cause it's reader to want to rise to the next level; to reach beyond themselves and what they have settled for; to expand their faith and reach for the high calling of Christ and all that it entails.

I am not a worship leader. I'm a pastor. No, wait - that makes me a worship leader, just not in the realm of music. That's an important distinction to make, and one which Bob Kauflin makes in this valuable book: "Anyone who encourages others to praise God can be referred to as a 'worship leader.' Worship can involve music, but it can happen without it as well." Careful thinking like that make this book a treasure-trove of biblical wisdom and practical insight on worship.

Kauflin unpacks what a worship leader does (see other reviews for the definition - I don't want to be needless repetitive), discusses healthy tensions in our theology and practice of worship, speaks specifically to the relational dynamics in which every worship leader is involved (with the church, the team, the pastor), and more.

The book is rooted in the Gospel, robust in theology, and well-written. I was encouraged and instructed. And I'm committed to making sure every present and future member of our church's worship team gets a copy. This is a great book for pastors, worship leaders, and worship teams. In fact, it's a great book for any one who wants to worship God in spirit and truth. It is practical enough to be of real use to musicians and leaders, but it is general enough to encourage and help any believer.

Spread the word. This is a great book on worship! Thanks Bob Kauflin for serving the church with this book.

Regardless your position on Church corporate worship is, contemporary worship (CW) or Historical Worship (HW), Bob Kauflin addresses the principles of Holy Scripture dealing with the important aspects on worship: Your love to God, your believes in sound doctrine, your way of life aiming for obedience to God, and your role modeling as a Christian leading others to worship God through Christ with spiritual music in your local church. Personally, I was impressed by the honest approach the author observed along the book realizing his own church weaknesses and acknowledging the learning he could find in other historical/traditional churches. What I liked the most, was what he called "Healthy Tensions" in worship: "Transcendent and Immanent", "Head and Heart", "Internal and External", "Vertical and Horizontal", "Planned and Spontaneous", "Rooted and Relevant", "having in mind believers and unbelievers", etc. I think these healthy tensions give you the key secret for musical ministry in the church that will be pleasant to God and his creatures.

Explains the learning crisis we have in America today. It all really boils down to not having enough high quality, professional teachers to go around. This results, among other things, in some kids, from the best school districts, being exposed frequently to highly capable teachers , and others having very little exposure to excellent teachers--year after year. Now that I understand this, I can see that this is where the entire achievement gap comes from.

Why do we not have enough top quality teachers? Because we fritter away money on educational bandaid programs instead of devoting the bulk of the dollars to creating a career ladder for teachers. Outstanding teachers ought to be able to aspire to earn $100,000 once they reach a certain point in their careers; poor teachers ought to be ushered out the door before they do too much damage to young minds.

We need a professional teaching corps in this country, and this book shows us how to get there. Buy it and give it to your favorite teacher for teacher appreciation day.

Brian Crosby understands what is happening in our public schools. Our public schools really are facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions, especially in Crosby's (and my) home state, California. He understands that a society that pays its prison guards more than its teachers has its values distorted. His solution is a noble one, one that will work, and he outlines in considerable detail the steps necessary for its implementation in this easy to read, well thought out presentation. However, I am sorry to say that I don't think the $100,000 teacher is going to happen any time soon.

Why? Mainly because there is a perception on a significant part of the public that teachers have it easy because they only work 180 days a year and therefore shouldn't be paid more. As a former teacher myself, one who retired young from the profession because of the inequities experienced, I can tell you that this perception is grossly mistaken for any number of reasons, but is true in at least one sense. To put it bluntly, it is true for the teacher who doesn't care, for the teacher who just wants to get a paycheck, for the teacher who has tenure and sees his or her responsibility as not extending beyond that of a glorified babysitter. And this goes for administrators who only want glorified babysitters. Crosby understands this and that is why his program is designed to weed out the teacher who doesn't care and reward the teacher who takes pride in teaching and wants to help his or her students succeed. That teacher IS a $100,000 teacher, if only we knew.

The salient point of this book then is a realization that the problem of adequate public financial support for education and for upgrading the teaching profession will not be solved until the present tenure system is abolished. As Crosby expresses it, "...no matter the lousy job one performs, once tenured (after a two or three years of teaching), one is in it for life." (p. 106)

The immediate effect of this system is to tie the hands of administrators. They cannot easily influence poor teachers, nor can they get rid of them. Conversely those teachers who really care and give their best to their students are not rewarded and so they leave the profession in frustration. As Crosby points out on the very first page of the book, "One-fifth of all new teachers quit within three years" and "Half of all new teachers quit within five years."

An unintended consequence of the present system is to make teachers and administrators adversaries. Administrators want teachers to do more, but teachers are not rewarded for doing more, so they (the ones that stay) resist. In addition, typically the school principal leads the negotiating committee for the school district against the teacher's union. So instead of working together for student achievement, teachers and administrators become adversaries. This dissipates their ability as educators.

In the long run the effect of the tenure system is synergistic in a negative sense in that it tends to attract and keep only mediocre teachers poorly supervised by mediocre administrators who are at odds with one another. Although this truth is well-known to everybody in the profession, suggestions for abolishing the system will not sit well with the various teacher's organizations since they are addicted to tenure and cannot kick the habit. An enlightened and energized public is necessary to help them. This in essence is what Crosby is calling for.

His solution must be taken seriously because there are standing in the wings other "solutions" to the problem including the privatization of education through something like a voucher system. Vouchers will lead to the end of public education in America, that is, to the dismantling of a system that was largely responsible for the fabulous economic growth of this country. Privatization will then lead to a further economic polarization of society. Those who have the wherewithal will be able to afford a good education for their children; those who do not, will not.

In any case, teachers and their professional organizations should be aware, that the time of the mediocre teacher and the adversarial system between mediocre teachers and mediocre administrators is coming to an end. I hope that the public sees the light in time and the reforms outlined by Crosby become a reality.

Finally, a teacher not an outside consultant writes a book about the teaching profession. Brian Crosby accurately examines the long-standing problems with the antiquated public school system. His proposals, from paying teachers based on performance to a career ladder for teachers, could help revolutionize the teaching profession for the better, thus attracting higher talented people into it. Let's hope people read this to see how it really is like to teach in the public schools. Politicians could take a lesson from this book on how to improve our schools.

Mr. Crosby's well-written book is a must-read for anyone interested in the state of our educational system today. I do not agree with every single thing he has to say, but he does come up with some good ideas and well-thought out solutions to our current public school problems. He states his case clearly and concisely. This is a book that should be read by every teacher in the country. Bravo to Mr. Crosby for a job well done!

In his thoughtful, well-written book, Mr. Crosby cuts through the emotion, politics and misinformation that prevents improvement in our schools. He carefully and articulately lays out a logical, common sense solutuion---namely, if you want high quality sevices, provided by high quality people in a difficult profession, then you must pay commensurate salaries. Unions would automatically become less powerful and less important as market forces work demanding competitive high quality results. His case is intelligently presented using statistical data as well as personal experiences from his years "on the front line" as a L.A. County high school teacher. The book is highly informational as well as conversational---a must read for anyone interested in public education.

I reckon I have given this book to 50 clients
And all of them love it so much, they give it to their friends in business.

This particular book in the 101 series is jam-packed with tips and should be on the bookshelf of every business owner - whether they be small or large

You do have a bookshelf dont you??

This book has helped me immensley as a small business owner.... This simple and effective approach works for me. The realistic examples are also attractive. My business structures and ways I market and day to day working schedule are all improved, thanks for this great resource!

With the failure rate of small businesses being so high - this book is a must for every small business owner!

Businesses need to ensure they have the competitive edge that will ensure their business survival. This book suggests realistic, proven strategies to assist small business owners create that edge and assist in its survival and growth.

Importantly, the tips given are affordable, useful and clearly communicated.

A highly recommended read for every small business owner!

I read the first book by this author, 101 Ways to Market Your Business and I really liked the style that it is written in. I especially liked the fact that it was written by an Australian - giving a fresh persepctive on marketing and advertising. When I saw this new title I was intrigued. On reading it I was very impressed by the information and the practical, simple advice offered. The author has covered everything imaginable in a way that empowers the business owner to surge forward and succeed. I was very impressed and I must say that I am not easily impressed. Good on this Aussie guru.

This is without a doubt, a book for anyone in business or anyone thinking about starting a business. The author clearly identifies the most common business mistakes (which I have made plenty of) and he describes how to avoid making them. This is definitely one of the few books that should be considered absolutely essential to any library. The author writes in a very clear manner that I found particularly easy to relate to. He also makes you feel OK about making mistakes rather than feeling like a[dummy]. I have no doubt that this book will help my business to prosper.