Organizations Books

Lori Silverman is perhaps ahead of her time a few years with her organizational design and development insights. The book contains much information you can use right now, successfully, to develop organizations with quality and integrity.

Critical SHIFT is about as user friendly as a book can get. I can FIND things in here...and they are useful things that help me identify trends, understand my environment and take effective action.

I recommend Critical SHIFT to those who want to hit the ground running. No one subject takes forever to read. I can grab what I need and move on. I have already used pieces of Lori's value management approach in our strategic planning process. I plan to use more.

"Oh, no not another program!" "Don't use the "q" word around here!" There always seems to be something different, but quality has philosophically remained solid. Critical Shift describes the shifts that quality has made over the years and emphasizes the critical trends that face organizational and lifestyle issues in the future. Are you doing quality if you are using benchmarking strategies, mass customization, reengineering, environmental audits? The Starburst Model offers an integrative and multidimensional view of how organizations evolve and work toward high performance. For the practioner, this book is highly useful. Tools and strategies needed at various levels are described along with worksheets and questions for inner exploration. Critical Shift is a very fine combination of thought-provoking reading as well as hands-on application. Great job, Lori and Beth!

DEACONS IN THE LITURGY is written for Anglicans/Episcopalians in North America. As such, it will be of interest primarily to people of that communion. That does not stop it from having a wider appeal.

What this book does so well and so simply is explain the role of the diaconate in the various liturgies of the church. It tells what to do and when to do it providing an expansion to the rubrics of the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. It does not delve very much into history but does bring history up to justify certain acts. It explains the diaconal functions from an ancient and ecumenical context and then makes some provision for modern practice and usage. At all stages, the relevant passages from the BCP and other US and Canadian resources are referenced. It is a great guide for Anglican deacons but it has more potential as well.

Without explicitly saying so, the book describes many functions that have wider acceptance than just the Anglican Communion. Usually, these are evident by the lack of specific citations but they should be readily apparent to anyone with a passing knowledge of liturgy. This helps to differentiate denominational practice from wider practice and this book is simple enough, short enough and well written enough to be of use to others. This is especially true for United Methodists.

The United Methodist Church revived the permanent diaconate in 1996. Since the most recent BOOK OF WORSHIP was published in 92, it has no knowledge of deacons in liturgical functions. They are left to founder or make things up as they go along. The institutional United Methodist Church needs to address this problem but this book would be an excellent stopgap measure for UM deacons. This is especially true since UM liturgy is inherited from the Church of England.

A Must for Deacons!

The title (although evoking unfortunate associations: "bees in the bonnet," "bats in the belfry," "birds in the bush") is an exact description of what you get in this little book. Written primarily for deacons, although invaluable to any person who's a member of the Episcopal Church USA or the Anglican Church of Canada, this little book is a how-to guide that spells out in great detail the liturgical functions of deacons. Different chapters focus on deacons in rites of Christian initiation, the Eucharist, ordinations, seasonal celebrations, daily office, and various pastoral liturgies (marriages, reconciliations, burials). If you're looking for a book that explores the theology and spirituality of the diaconate, this isn't the one. But it is an excellent guide for appropriate diaconal participation in liturgy--actually, the best--and it doesn't pretend to be anything else.

Morehouse Press is one of the major publishers for things Episcopal, so it makes sense that Ormande Plater's book, 'Deacons in the Liturgy', would be published by them. This is a book designed to be used by those preparing to be (or who are) deacons in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition. It looks specifically at the role of deacons in the liturgical practice of the church - liturgy here defined as the order or worship; deacons do have roles (indeed, more important roles) outside of the worship-service-liturgical functions, but this book concentrates on the in-church-worship role.

This book grows out of a process begun in 1980 in response to the adoption of the new Book of Common Prayer version in the Episcopal church, and an expanding view of what deacons do. This is a specialised ministry, to be sure, but it is also an important ministry that serves as a bridge in some ways - 'by working together in liturgy, deacons and others symbolise the mission of the chruch in the world.'

After brief historical introduction, Plater covers many of the aspects of the diaconate - appropriate action and role in ministry of the Word and ministry of the sacrament; proper vestments and gestures, the relationship of deacons to other ministers, and the variations that take place in the different seasons, services, and occasions.

For being such a short text (a mere 70 pages of actual text), it is remarkably comprehensive in scope for the kinds of 'choreography' and activity of deacons in worship services. It is not intended to be a survey of theological questions of the role of the diaconate, nor an historical overview (though some of that does introduce the text) - for these topics, the reader will need to look elsewhere. However, for the task Plater set for himself - a full and useful description of the deacons' role, this text succeeds brilliantly.

Robert J. Lifton has dedicated his life to explaining the phenomenon of blind faith. However, to understand the Taliban world John Walker entered nine months ago one needs to add to the list of required reading, an eloquent memoir by someone not unlike the idealistic young Walker, Deborah Layton. Dr. Lifton and Layton's words together only broaden the scope of our possible comprehension of this difficult subject and make excellent reading for theologians and society at large.

Dr. Lifton's work gives us an excellent academic look into cult thinking. However, if you want to see how innocently these groups can start, if you want to understand the mind-frame of a believer, if you want to experience how it is that potent beliefs can skew one's morals then also include in your reading Seductive Poison. Anyone who has ever wondered how the unbelievable comes to pass Layton's memoir of cult life has the answers. Although three years old it remains a timely, intimate and enlightening look into a world that exists along-side our own. If you want a heart pounding visceral glimpse inside another world this book is it. It is not just evil that can do the things we've experienced since September 11. It can also be idealistic, devout folks like you and me. We are all more susceptible to fanatical beliefs since war has touched our soil. Would we now even question giving anthrax to "them"? Layton's work shows how it can go both ways.

Subjects like this are not always approached in the same way that someone might go to church, for example. An introduction to this book which depends entirely on a religious point of view might seem strange to the casual shopper, but it suggests the spirit in which this book might be brought into view with a certain humility.

I used to go to church a lot because it provided an opportunity to think. I have also gone to hear the author of this book speak for the same reason, but with much deeper results, because Robert Jay Lifton, at the time of the 50th anniversary of the atomic attack on Hiroshima, was in a perfect position to accuse the American President who tried to explain the attack, Harry Truman, of confabulating when he combined the elements of the situation in a way which was not quite factual. My impression of Lifton at that time was that he was quite old, and not open to the perverse glee that a personal encounter with me might provide, so we didn't quite meet. Given the differences between us, it should be obvious that he has written a much better book on the topic of Apocalyptic Violence than I ever could, embracing a wealth of detail with relentless fascination. Early in the book, on page 16, typical psychological judgments are considered insignificant, as Freud's association with the resolution of the Oedipus complex is compared to the possibility of a guru who can face a real "call to greatness, and a series of ordeals and trials culminating in heroic achievement." Religious greatness can surpass the usual psychological norm when it is possible to demonstrate "the hero's achievement of special knowledge of, or mastery over, death, which can in turn enhance the life of his people." Most of this book reports on terrible events, including the creation of weapons. The guru who is the subject of this book was born in 1955, and the events are quite recent. I see no reason to dispute that the people involved were thinking in the manner that is reported in this book. Some readers might consider this excessively factual, but people with books ought to be able to get real like this once in a while, too.

This is a great book. I recommend it for anyone interested in Dianetics. Read it from cover to cover and then maybe reread it! But at least read it once!

This is the first book written on this subject, (Dianetics) written almost 50 years ago. It's put forth in a manner that is easy to understand and will give you an understanding of why people continue to use this information to improve their lives and why this subject continues to grow in popularity

Wanting to know the history and begining of scientology, I was directed to this audiobook. I found it very intreging and and easy to follow, The paperback book that accompanies it has all of the terminology and definitions. I would recommend it to all.

This five-star book is an excellent resource tool. It is a comprehensive guide about everything and anything you every wanted to know, thought you knew, and felt you should know about the Sacred Liturgy. It is a must for Catholic households. As the jacket cover states: "in a down-to-earth and informative style....with accurate and clear explanations", it is a store of knowledge right at your fingertips. It has everything!

This five-star book is an excellent resource tool. It is a comprehensive guide about everything and anything you every wanted to know, thought you knew, and felt you should know about the Sacred Liturgy. It is a must for Catholic households. As the jacket cover states: "in a down-to-earth and informative style....with accurate and clear explanations", it is a store of knowledge right at your fingertips. It has everything!

This dictionary defines and explains an unbelievable number of Latin and English liturgical terms and includes an indispensible appendix with succint explanations of the history of the Mass. Dictionary entries include theological terms, liturgical feasts, parts and vessels of the Mass, Magisterial documents (obviously not the most recent ones), popular Catholic prayers, and even some Catholic saints. This is an excellent reference tool for anyone who wants to understand the liturgy.

Differentiated Coaching: A Framework for Helping Teachers Change

Awesome! I recommend this book to anyone who is responsible for helping teachers improve; administrators, educational consultants, instructional coordinators, instructional coaches, etc. I ordered this book because I wanted to figure out how to model differentiated instruction for the teachers that I work with. I not only have a game plan for differentiating my coaching, but also have a clear understanding of why what I was doing before was not working. This book helped me better understand myself, my teachers, and the students that we serve. Its the best book I've read on coaching yet.

I enjoyed the author's sharing of personal experiences. I believe it provides us, facilitators and coaches, a practical perspective on working with teachers.

The author knows instruction and knows people. This is book I can use in various situations .

This book is useful for beginners and advanced pray-ers alike. For beginners it will dispel so many of the doubts associated with prayer and help head off many problems and difficulties before they arise. For those already well immersed in a prayer life, Fr Boylan offers encouragement and insight garnered from his many years of deep prayer life. This book offers a solid, orthodox approach to prayer. The wackiness found in so many books on prayer is mercifully absent here. I would recommend reading this book every couple of years to ingest its deep content as one advances in prayer.

An old classic that I read many times before and , thanks to you, I am able to read and reread it again. The book is superb! The author is an Irish Trappist- a priest who knows the ways of prayer and union with God.

This is truly a classic in learning how to grow in friendship with the Lord Jesus. Fr. Boylan is an extremely lucid writer and will help any and all grow in prayer.

Lyle Schaller has done it once again. His knowledge and insight into contemporary American Christianity are excellent. I am not a pastor but rather a lay person involved in my church and Schaller gives me insights into the world that we all live in, not just clergy. Although many of his observations and predictions are disturbing to me - I'd rather some things were not that way - I think his astute insights accurately reflect the society we live in and the people we are. Schaller has helped me perhaps see things more as they really are instead of as I'd wish them to be; that can only help me and others who read this book work more effectively in God's church.

Although not an overly long or difficult read I recommend taking this book in a slow series of smaller bites to allow one's mind to fully digest the points made within. Schaller serves up a wealth of insight in this book and, even though some points may not be what we're accustomed to tasting, they're all nourishing.

Schaller evaluates societal, political, and generational trends in relation to Christianity and contemporary ministry. His insights are inestimable. The wealth of information in this book is immense. Even if the reader disagrees with one or two of Schaller's numerous evaluations, theories, or predictions, the reader is still indebted to the author for sparking boatloads of novel thought. This book is best read slowly so that one's contemplative juices can churn and bubble into a rich froth. Caution: Book is Powerful!

Another in a line of good books from Lyle Schaller. The book is full of his trademark questions that are designed to lead a church to transformation. Some of the findings in this book will challenge even the most reluctant to change and their world view. It is a must read for pastors of churches who are wondering what to do next. Schaller paints a picture that all of us need to see.

The author, a well-known New Testament scholar, published a study some twenty years ago entitled "Jesus and Community." That book was well-received, but it did not provide enough background to be helpful for contemporary parishes wanting to renew themselves. This book is a much more fulsome study of the entire biblical story from Genesis to the Book of Revelation, focusing on the role of community in shaping the people of God. He shows quite convincingly that the God of the Bible wants his people to give witness to their faith not simply as individuals but primarily as a unified community of believers. Accordingly, Christians who do not see the importance of belonging to a concrete parish or local church do not understand the biblical message.

I am reading this book after reading "Jesus and Community", also by Lohfink. I am an older student and fairly well educated (B.S., B.A.). I found the books somewhat slow going but packed full of insightful and thought provoking information. Although Lohfink's background is very different from mine, his use of scripture made it possible to stay on track with his points. I have had hours and hours of discussion and comtemplation from this study. I am in the process of redefining my concept of "church" in response to some of these ideas. I would recommend this to any lay person for serious study (if you aren't scared to pull out your dictionary and don't get alarmed if someone references ideas or texts that you don't necessarily agree with).

This book communicates the author's vision of the Church and its role in the world with power and progressive clarity. Lohfink demonstrates that an understanding of the Church cannot be separated from an understanding of Israel as the people of God, the vehicle through which God brings salvation to the entire world. Using historical critical methods and his experience as a biblical exegete, he reconstructs the story of Israel, particularly its Exodus traditions, showing how the experience of Israel with God resulted in a social project, rooted in the Torah. It was a radically new form of community and worldview that stood in contrast to other nations and peoples. He proceeds to weave the story of Jesus in the context of Israel's history, connecting his gathering of the Twelve with the eschatological gathering of Israel, and portraying his death as the renewal and sealing of the covenant for the people of God. Finally, he details how the Church is a continuation of a history that began with Abraham, but now centered in Jesus.

Of particular interests is how Lohfink handles Jesus' feeding of the five thousand. He shows how the historic Church has tended to make the same mistakes as Jesus' disciples did in their response to the hungry multitudes. Lohfink uses Jesus' response to their questions to deduce how the Church must be formed in order to be more than another charitable organization or religious services provider. The mission of the Church is rather to be the new society, a locus of salvation capable of transforming the world.

Finally, Father Lohfink shares his own story, describing his experiences in the German Church from the time of Hitler to the present, including his decision to relinquish his chair as a Professor of New Testament at the University of Tubingen to join the Catholic Integrated Community and its Association of Priests in Munich Germany.

Does God Need the Church? Yes indeed!

The following comments were submitted by a student the first time I used Dr. Hatch's excellent text--Jim Horn

This book provided a rich description of qualitative research and an easy to understand roadmap for students embarking on the process of conducting a qualitative research study. Hatch took a difficult subject and made it accessible to novice researchers by providing an in-depth, well-thought out presentation of how to go about conducting research step by step in a logical manner. It was thorough from beginning to end. It also spoke to the individual, unique personal qualities and characteristics of the researcher that is inherent to the research. Therefore, it offered us an opportunity to do some real soul-searching and see ourselves in a different light.

It was easy to read and understand and organized well. I thought the section about writing and Hatch's personal experiences were very valuable not only for researchers but for those who wish to write or improve their writing skills in general. The data analysis chapter was extremely helpful during the data analysis process because it provided clear, easy-to-follow steps. I used it as a guide and a reference for my project.

One suggestion is that the section on research paradigms might be a little difficult for some students who are not familiar with the meaning of ontology and epistemology. In our class, a number of students noted they had a hard time understanding these concepts so it might be helpful if there was a paragraph that explains these concepts leading into the connection to the various paradigms.

Overall, this is an excellent introduction for students to the various steps in the process. It was enjoyable to read, enlightening and it gave me a solid foundation for conducting my own study. I loved the book and I enjoyed doing qualitative research. It was also helpful . . . to enable us to delve deeply into the challenging and exciting experience of conducing qualitative research. The book and Dr. Horn also provided a good contextual framework for different methodologies as well.

The importance of qualitative research in education settings can not be underestimated in world in which children are often reduced to nothing but a number on a standardized test score. Thank you, Dr. Hatch, for giving us this wonderful gift and thank you Dr. Horn for sharing it with us.

Judy Rabinowitz
Monmouth University

Dr. Hatch's book should be required reading for all doctoral students planning to do qualitative research. His clearly written step-by-step methods have proved invaluable in my own dissertation data analysis and reporting. Do yourself a favor and read this book BEFORE starting your qualitative research!

As a new qualitative researcher, finding Dr. Hatch's book "cleared the clouds" and provided an easy to read support for all the processes necessary to be successful with a qualitative research project, especially for dissertation students. After reading all the classics (Yin, Creswell, Denzin, Lincoln, Stake, Miles and Hubermann, etc) Hatch brings it all together and provides solid questions for you to evaluate your own work before sending it into your committee. Must have for new qualitiative researchers!