Book Description
In this provocative book, author, consultant, and church leadership developer Reggie McNeal debunks these and other old assumptions and provides an overall strategy to help church leaders move forward in an entirely different and much more effective way. In The Present Future, McNeal identifies the six most important realities that church leaders must address including: recapturing the spirit of Christianity and replacing "church growth" with a wider vision of kingdom growth; developing disciples instead of church members; fostering the rise of a new apostolic leadership; focusing on spiritual formation rather than church programs; and shifting from prediction and planning to preparation for the challenges of an uncertain world. McNeal contends that by changing the questions church leaders ask themselves about their congregations and their plans, they can frame the core issues and approach the future with new eyes, new purpose, and new ideas.
Also available: The Present Future DVD Collection (978-0-7879-8673-5), Reggie McNeal's DVD presentation of the ideas and insights featured in his best-selling book.
Customer Reviews:
Eye Opening!.......2007-10-22
Reggie McNeal writes a thought provoking book that will either excite and challenge you or anger you. Not everyone is ready for the truth that is laid out in his book. But it is the truth none the less. The American Church has lost the right to be heard and this book gives us some tough questions we need to ask ourselves in doing a self-evlaution and earning the right to share the important message of Jesus Christ and be heard by those who need to hear it. This book was a great confirmation for our church in who we are and why we don't seem to fit in with the other churches in our community. God is doing a new thing and this book has shown our church we are part of it. I am now taking our entire church leadershipo through the book. I highly recommend every Christian who is tired of "doing church" and maintaining the status qou read this book.
Asking The Hard Questions.......2007-10-17
Fantastic book. Really makes you reflect on your ministry and the questions the book asks gives a structure for evaluating the overall focus of your church. I would highly recommened this book for someone seeking to bring about revitalization within their congregation and personal ministry.
The New Church.......2007-09-11
Excellent book which speaks to the problems the modern church faces. Gives specific information and direction to deal with current issues. I have found this work tremendously useful in advocating change for the church I serve as pastor.
One that must be read........2007-07-25
This book explores the emergent church culture. The book's focus is on missional living within a ever changing culture. The books deals with the changing paradigm of modernism to postmodernism. Some church leaders would consider this book radical, but this book is helpful in providing a proper perspective on reaching out in faith. It is a plea to change churchianity into Christianity. Because of the influence of mega-church culture, we have been seduced into selling Christianity like a product on the open market, the book presents a way to authentically change the community for Christ.
Church Transformation.......2007-05-24
While many will be turned off by the author's strong language and seeming 'over stating' of the case; most of what McNeal says and recommends rings true. The church in North America is dying and dying rather fast as seem by the exodus of members and churches from the major denominations. If you are a leader - and especially a pastor - in a church you need to study this book (preferable with the rest of your team) and seriously consider what and how you are going to respond to the new world order. Unlike the Boomer Generation who have `grown up' and for the most part taken their responsible position in leadership in the ministries of the church, this current last generation (Millenniest or Matrix) are not likely to do that. They are looking for something better and God may indeed pass by the North American Church to accomplish His purpose in reaching the entire world with the Love of Jesus for the Glory of God.
Book Description
There’s no scoreboard in the sanctuary, and the only plate is probably for the offering. But every church leader needs to know how to win, and every congregation needs to know when to cheer. This insightful book speaks to every church leader who yearns for a simpler, more effective approach to ministry. An engaging parable about one overwhelmed pastor is followed by an overview of seven successful team practices, each one developed and applied in a ministry setting. Reinforced by relevant discussion questions, these clear, easy, and strategic practices can turn any ministry into a winning team.
Your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing. If you are satisfied with those results, you don’t need this book. If not, it’s time for a change.
Like your own personal trainer, 7 Practices of Effective Ministry is an insightful guide for any leader who yearns for a simpler, more effective approach to ministry. Here are seven strategic principles that when put into play will bring focus and clarity to everything you do and turn your ministry into a winning team.
âFor many years, I practiced and taught church growth. What I have witnessed as a member at North Point takes church growth to a whole new level. Andy and his team communicate principles that will add value to you and the church you love.â
John C. Maxwell, founder, The INJOY Group
âEvery professional athlete recognizes the value of solid coaching. The best are always working to get better. From what I’ve seen at North Point, these seven practices can improve the game of any church in America.â
John Smoltz, Cy Young Award-winning pitcher
âThe practices covered in this book are down-to-earth, practical, and come from real difference-makers who know what church leadership is all about. Andy, Reggie, and Lane have definitely hit the ball out of the park with the 7 Practices of Effective Ministry.â
Ed Young, Jr., senior pastor, Fellowship Church
Story Behind the Book
Looking for ways to help pastors faced with hectic lives and depleted resources, Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, and Lane Jones decided to write a parable about the complicated life of a local pastor. Rather than come straight at those in ministry with formulas and lists, they engage readers in an effort to have them identify with the character.
Customer Reviews:
Ministry as a Baseball Game.......2007-10-17
I was made to read this book as a part of a group I was in. I put it off and thought that it was just another book by a famous preacher's son (Charles Stanley). A few pages into this book, I learned why I was made to read it and that Andy Stanley is not just free riding on daddy's coat tails. This book is great, and I don't know how I ran a ministry without its wisdom.
The book compares ministry to a baseball game through some creative writing during its first half. It then gets technical and explains the principles during the second half. I consider this an essential read for leaders on my team.
Must read for church leadership groups.......2007-10-11
The leadership team of my church did a study using this book, and it absolutely transformed our thinking. The material presented by the staff of Northpoint is liberating for those who have become trapped in a mindset of inward rather than outward thinking in church. This is good stuff--simple and powerful!
Unique & Creative leadership teaching.......2007-09-21
This book is a breath of fresh air for leadership teaching. I especially liked the "playbook" sections of the book. These sections are real ministry illustrated strategies that were played out by Northpoint church. I like it when church leaders share their failures as well as their successes. The book is open and honest.
Very Helpful.......2007-08-27
I found this book very helpful. I usually get a lot out of anything Andy Stanley writes or helps write and this is no exception. It has many practical, transferable principles to help any church of any size anywhere.
Seven Practices of Effective Ministry.......2007-08-09
Absolutley the best ministry help book I've ever read. This book was required reading for a seminary course that I am taking...it should be required reading for everyone in church work.
Book Description
Based on his extensive experience as coach and mentor to many thousands of Christian leaders across a broad spectrum of ministry settings, Reggie McNeal helps spiritual leaders understand that they will self-select into or out of greatness. In this important book, McNeal shows how great spiritual leaders are committed consciously and intentionally to seven spiritual disciplines, habits of heart and mind that shape both their character and competence:
The discipline of self-awareness—the single most important body of information a leader possesses
The discipline of self-management—handling difficult emotions, expectations, temptations, mental vibrancy, and physical well-being
The discipline of self-development—a life-long commitment to learning and growing and building on one's strengths
The discipline of mission—enjoying the permissions of maintaining the sense of God's purpose for your life and leadership
The discipline of decision-making—knowing the elements of good decisions and learning from failure
The discipline of belonging—the determination to nurture relationships and to live in community with others, including family, followers, mentors, and friends
The discipline of aloneness—the intentional practice of soul-making solitude and contemplation
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic book! .......2007-07-05
This has become one of my all-time favorite books on the subject of leadership (and I've read books by some of the most well-know leadership experts).
Usually I run into two problems with other leadership books. First, some of them are just boring to me. Sometimes I have felt like I'm reading through some dry, academic work. This is not too fun--it seems counterintuitive to try to sharpen your skills with a dull book. Secondly, some leadership books are too repetitive and vague. The information kind of runs together, with one chapter looking suspiciously like the previous chapter.
McNeal's book is different. It was a joy to read, and each of the 7 disciplines made a lot of sense to me. Practicing Greatness is more about being a leader than "doing" leadership roles. This book further confirmed my decision to stay in my current ministry and continue to do something that I'm gifted for and passionate about.
I hope you'll take time to read it.
A good ministry tool.......2007-02-06
Better than your average Christian leadership book. It's neither so business-minded as to make you wonder where God is in all this, nor is it so spiritual that it neglects practical application. It challenges you to examine yourself through the Word of God and develop healthy relationships - which are often lacking most in church circles.
Excellent.......2007-01-12
This is a great book, and a must read for those looking to better themselves in the areas of leadership and life.
A quick read..........2006-11-27
Practicing Greatness is a quick read that will challenge the ministry-weary practitioner. While there are some sound principles, it's better as an introductory read for emerging spiritual leaders. It would have been nice to have more in-depth, scripturally inspired examples. Nonetheless it is a worthwhile read.
Great Leadership Book.......2006-11-10
One of the best leadership books I have read. Deals more with the person than with the tasks of leadership. Would be a great book for a group of leaders to read together and discuss.
Book Description
A Leadership Network Publication
Spiritual leaders must become experts in matters of the heart. They must learn to discern God at work in their own lives, shaping their hearts to embrace the particular ministries to which they are called. A Work of Heart shows how God prepares leaders today just as he did in biblical times-and how God creates these leaders in order to share his heart with his people.
Customer Reviews:
A Work of the Heart.......2007-09-12
It is said that before one can address a problem - or opportunity - one must understand that problem (or opportunity). McNeal certainly has understood the opportunity offered the Christian Church to reach out to a pre-Christian (not post-Christian) North American culture. This work presents a passionate appeal to transition to a missional, externally focused approach to ministry by gaining insight into how God shapes the hearts of spiritual leaders through six distinct shaping dynamics in the Christian life. These spiritually formed leaders will have drawn closer to the heart of God, thus recognizing their call to serve in Jesus' name and in His way. Excellent book. Highly recommend.
The Best.......2007-08-21
Absolutely the best book on spiritual leadership and development I've ever read! I have bought and sent numerous copies to friends involved in spiritual leadership positions. I'm sold on Reggie McNeal and the powerful scriptural insights he shares.
Outstanding book on leadership.......2007-07-16
One of the best books on leadership I have ever read. The four brief biographies (on Moses, David, Paul and Jesus) that make up the first part of the book are extremely insightful and practical. McNeal writes with authenticity and clarity. There's not a lot of "fluff" or stuff that's rehashed from one leadership book to another. Every chapter is well worth a slow read. His dry wit also adds some spice to the read. Very good stuff.
Very clear writer - Easy to understand - Deep thoughts.......2007-05-14
Great content - I learned a lot
What is a Call from God?.......2006-08-05
Are you wondering if God is calling you to something? Are you stuck on the idea that "calling" is something reserved for ordained ministers and that's just not you? I think this book can help.
A Work of Heart is broken down into two main sections. The first section follows the lives of Moses, David, Paul and Jesus. It's written in an easy to read narrative style. The second half of the books presents the more concrete nuts and bolts.
I really think the book will help people answer for themselves, "What is a call from God," "Do I have a calling," and "What is it I'm called to be."
While the book is applicable to any Believer, it's a must read for any one even considering going into Seminary or religious studies with the intent to serve in vocational ministry.
Book Description
Join Reggie McNeal in person in this lively video presentation, based on his best-selling book, The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church. In this ten-session four-DVD curriculum you will accompany best-selling author Reggie McNeal and his studio audience as they explore the six most important new realities that church leaders must face as they are to move beyond "churchianity" to a more authentic and missional Christian faith. By changing the questions church leaders ask themselves about their congregations and their mission, they can reshape the Christian movement in North America acknowledge generational shifts, and provide stimulating new ways of thinking about the missional possibilities of the church.
Filmed live before a studio audience, with Reggie McNeal teaching in his own distinctive style, the package includes 4 DVDs, 1 Leader's Guide and 1 Participant's Guide. The Participant's Guides may be purchased separately (ISBN: 9780787991708).
Customer Reviews:
Not as good as the book..........2007-08-09
It was good, and it did help, but the book made for great discussion, infact the discussion that was birthed from the book was better than that spawned from the video series...Would I buy it again, not if I had a friend to borrow it from, however, if you liked the book you will like the series, and for the leader of the group it makes for a great back up as you read, you can also watch, for me that was helpful.
Book Description
Dave couldn't be any luckier. He just got engaged to Julie, the sweetest and most beautiful girl in town. His bliss doesn't last for long, however, after his friend Charlie tells him that once the wedding bells ring, the sex will stop. This puts Dave into a panic, but what's he going to do? Charlie explains that the only way to stave this off is by making Julie crave sex so much that she won't be able to think of anything else. He offers to help by taking her under his tutelage to show her the way to sexual excess. Julie gets turned out, but can Dave handle the heat? Turned Out! is the story of how sweet, innocent Julie goes from good girl to slut in no time flat.
Download Description
Dave couldn't be any luckier. He just got engaged to Julie, the sweetest and most beautiful girl in town. His bliss doesn't last for long, however, after his friend Charlie tells him that once the wedding bells ring, the sex will stop. This puts Dave into a panic, but what's he going to do? Charlie explains that the only way to stave this off is by making Julie crave sex so much that she won't be able to think of anything else. He offers to help by taking her under his tutelage to show her the way to sexual excess. Julie gets turned out, but can Dave handle the heat? Turned Out! is the story of how sweet, innocent Julie goes from good girl to slut in no time flat.
Customer Reviews:
I enjoyed it as much as the characters seemed too .......2006-11-10
I found this book to be some of the better written erotica I have come across in quite a while. It is one thing to have a decent short story, but it is another to be able to carry the plot line long enough for a novella or short novel. The basic premiss of the book is somewhat stupid, but like an erotic film - are you really watching it for the plot?
I found the characters somewhat one dimensional at times, but then again, this is not a book by Dostoeyski. It is a fun read to get ones jollies to and it accomplishes that task.
If you like erotica, if you like group get ons, then this is a book you would probably enjoy.
ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!!!.......2006-01-24
What can I say about this book? It's filthy, it's vile, it's uncompromising, it's disgusting, and it's disturbing. It's taboo in EVERY way, AND...it's one pretty quick read, also.
In a word, it's PERFECT!!!
Dave thought he had it ALL. But then, his buddy Charlie set his ass straight. And then together, they sent Dave's love Julie down the road of complete sexual EXCESS. This book is phenomenal, IMHO.
It pulled together many things in my head that I have always wanted to see written about, and it put it all together in a way that is intelligent and honest. Mr. Chesterfield writes about Julie (near the end), 'A lot of people would not like the way she was, but she didn't care.' He tempers this though, by adding, 'Most people can't handle honesty especially when it deals with human honesty and desire." I know for a FACT that this is GOSPEL.
This book breaks MANY socially accepted norms, but does so with the undercurrent of THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH SEEKING OUT YOUR OWN PLEASURE AS LONG AS YOU'RE NOT HURTING ANYONE.
Charlie and Dave DON'T turn Julie out just to turn her into a slut...they do it to help her enjoy life more, which she (and many others) does because of this.
Julie: "I'm kind of mad at myself because of all I was missing out on."
The Librarian: "People really limit themselves by not considering all of their options..." is the TRUE undertone of this novel. People DO limit themselves, and not just sexually, within the IMAGINARY confines of what is PERCIEVED to be 'Normal' (I know I have), and I'm SICK of it.
Who says a book about sex and 'perversions' (although happy ones) can't change your life, and make you see things in a new (and MUCH more enjoyable) way.
To Mr. Chesterfeild, if you ever read this, I want you to know that I have TWO copies of this book. The digital version was just NOT enough for me; I just HAD to have it in my hands to be able to read it again and again and again (and I've read it FOUR TIMES already) it's THAT good.
Be prepared to have what you BELIEVED to be 'normal' living challenged, because, THIS BOOK is NOT about to take ANY prisoners of your preconceived notions of life, in general.
Great from start to finish.......2005-12-09
Julie is the most beautiful girl in the world but oh so prude. She doesn't even want to enjoy sex with her soon to be husband.
Little does she know what is in store for her. Her fiances friend has big plans for her (even bigger then his large member) Soon she is putting out and servicing everyone all with the final result that Dave is the happiest man in the world once they are married!!
Get this book but keep at least one hand free so that you can pleasure yourself while you read; better yet have a loved one read it to you and pleasure yourself and them at the same time.
Kind of agree.......2005-12-07
I kind of agree with the two previous reviewers, there is a lot of sexuality in this...but wait...isn't that what an erotica book is all about? I think it is a fun, sexy and intriguing book. Add it to your collection and you'll be happy. I've recently added this book, Tie Me Up Tie Me Down, and Paco Santiago's Endless Pursuits, all three of which have kept me daydreaming.....yummy.
Couldn't let it down!.......2005-07-27
Damn what a good book!. I finished reading it in one day and a half. For being my first time reading this kind of books, I really enjoyed it.
Book Description
As parents, we need to do everything we can to enhance our children’s relationship with us, to influence their relationships with those outside the home, and most importantly, to advance their relationship with God. Designed for use in personal study or in small groups, The Parental Guidance Required DVD and study guide are practical resources that will help parents to ask themselves the important questions: Am I economizing my time with my child, or am I investing in my child by carefully developing the quality of our relationship over the long haul? Am I striving to control the influence that friends have in my child’s life? Am I nurturing a healthy, eternal perspective that will help my child to weather the inevitable storms of life? DVD include 4 complete sermons and six group sessions that correspond to the companion study guide.
Influencing Your Child’s Future
Of all the assignments God will give you during your time on earth, none may be more sacred than the task of raising your children. Parental Guidance Required Study Guide is designed to give you the counsel you need to help prepare your children for the future. Intended for use in personal study or in small groups, this six-session companion study guide to the Parental Guidance Required DVD is a practical resource that will encourage you to look at the relationships in your children’s lives and ask the important questions: Am I developing a quality relationship with my child that will go the distance? Am I striving to control the influence that friends have in my child’s life? Am I nurturing a healthy eternal perspective that will help my child to weather the storms of life?
Asking the right questions is the key to helping you assess your family needs and ensure that the influence you have is one that will last a lifetime.
Story Behind the Book
In an effort to focus Multnomah’s mission to equip the church and to make the "bride" more beautiful, the company developed a relationship with Andy Stanley and North Point Community Church to publish a selection of the church’s resources and distribute them to a broader market. North Point is one of the most influential churches in the nation, and their teaching is already highly sought after. They have a voice for the 20- to 30-something generation. Reaching the church is a strategic goal of Multnomah, and we realize that the emerging generation needs resources that deliver truth in fresh, new ways. Andy’s leadership will keep North Point on the edge for a long time to come.
Customer Reviews:
Great for teaching!.......2007-01-20
My wife is a certified tennis professional and works a lot with our school tennis team. She spends a lot of energy looking for ways to improve the kids' skills. This book is one of her favorites. It has a lot of easily explained games focusing on different skills. It is great for bringing variety to practices.
Not a book for beginners.......2006-07-26
This is a good book for coaches and parents that know a lot about tennis, but if you are a parent looking for a book to help you with the basics, do not buy it. It does not help you with the basics, it does not have any photos or sketches -except for some cartoonish drawings- to help you with the drills, movements, position of your legs, arms, shoulders, etc.
I am giving this book 3 stars because it may be usefull for coaches and kids that know how to play tennis, otherwise I would give it less than that.
Product Description
The hottest, most lucrative trend in wedding photography is gorgeously illustrated and explained in this cutting-edge guide that shows professional photographers-and those aspiring to be-how to create the arty, hip, yet elegant wedding albums sought by today's brides. Images that look like they're from magazines or art galleries fill these inspiring pages. Taken by a highly successful specialist in wedding photography, the pictures tell their unique, romantic story with a visual artistry and excitement that differs from staid, traditional wedding albums of the past. The book explains all the creative techniques-including wedding photojournalism-that produce such compelling pictures, and also fully explores the business side of wedding photography. Everything from finding clients to shooting the event and capturing the heartbeat of the day to selling the album and getting referrals is covered lucidly, with wisdom, authority, and humor-adding up to an immensely useful guide that can transform the career of anyone wanting to break into the profitable field of wedding photography. And for future brides, the book will provide visual inspiration on the must-have photography they want for their big day.Bambi Cantrell, an acclaimed wedding photographer and teacher who has been on the faculty of Hasselblad University and the Winona International School of Photography, is based in the San Francisco area.Skip Cohen is former president of Hasselblad USA and the president
Customer Reviews:
this book is not for everyone.......2007-09-10
if your looking for a book to help you on your way ,forget this one ! if you dont have hassleblad or other high end equipment' forget this book, if your not already a professional forget this book ,if your using digital media , forget this book, the book however does have some good pointers and suggestions, but if avant garde photography isnt your bag,,, forget this book. i was extremely disappointed in the way it seemed to just address the already established proffessional, and last if your not interested in black white and infrared film usage forget this book!
maybe if this book was updated it would be better but that is a big maybe
A Must Have Book.......2006-03-08
You must have this book and read it... you will learn something and giving ideas... I do not mind what camera they used but the measurement of lenses is very important... I searched throught out the web site... my conclusion are most of wedding photographer I counted used 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm and 300mm. My attention is to shot portrait and wedding therefore I bought 50mm and my 85mm is on the way but I could not afford to buy the rest might be the wide lens and zooms
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decent, but starting to age.......2006-03-03
The imagery in this book is of a fairly high quality. The locations and scenes look believeable; nothing over-the-top and extravagent like some books show (by that I mean, obviously created by wedding photographers who shoot only for the wealthy in the best locales). The complete lack of digital is a real weak point to this book. As of the time of this review, I'm told that nearly 95% of wedding photographers shoot digital, especially starting out. Therefore the equipment suggestions, while still somewhat informative, are heavily dated (the primary emphasis on medium format, while compelling, is no longer the most efficient way to get going in the business). The images are all high quality and quite inspiring. It's a decent work, but I'll probably buy a few more wedding photography books before finding the one that does me the most good.
Excellent Primer for the Budding Wedding Photographer.......2006-01-04
The images in this book are very inspiring. Studying the imagery alone is very educational.
A constant student of light and photography, this was my first book on Wedding Photography. After reading it, my wishlist grew to include more lenses, camera bodies and flash units. And my photo-journalistic wedding photography improved (results may vary ;)
This book will have you thinking more about contemporary, artistic and moody images to be captured on the Wedding day. You'll also begin thinking about your services and the value you can offer your clients. This book will have you thinking about adding an assistant to your list of must-haves for every Wedding job--an assistant who understands your vision and goals for the wedding day adds so much to the quality and quantity of images you can take on that day which (hopefully) is a once-in-a-lifetime event for your clients.
This book does not cover so much about Engagement photos, group formals, or the marketing of your services (although these topics are covered briefly).
I also recommend "The Best of Wedding Photography" by Bill Hurter.
Better than most..........2005-10-25
Get this one! There are scads of average books out there on every subject in photography. Most are dry, dull and a waste of ink and paper. This one opens a window into the soul of the author (well, the photographer.. I think the actual writer was the co-author.) I have the distinct impression this is an expression of joy and enthusiasm from someone who started by doing what she loved and then slowed down long enough to write about it.
Books:
- The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
- The Unexpected George Washington: His Private Life
- Thomas Francis Meagher And the Irish Brigade in the Civil War
- Trading Rule That Can Make You Rich: Precision Bid Commodity Trading
- Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Presidency: Seventy-Six Case Studies in Presidential Leadership (paperback)
- Ulysses S. Grant : Memoirs and Selected Letters : Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant / Selected Letters, 1839-1865 (Library of America)
- Unwise Passions : A True Story of a Remarkable Woman and the First Great Scandal of 18th Century America
- Visions of Politics
- W. E. Gladstone III: Autobiographical Memoranda, 1845-1866 (Prime Ministers' Papers)
- Who's Running America? The Bush Restoration (7th Edition)
Books Index
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