Book Description
Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture presents a biblical, Christian worldview for the emergent church—people who are not at home in the traditional church or in the secular world. As exiles of both, they must create their own worldview that integrates their Christian beliefs with the contemporary world. Exiles seeks to integrate all aspects of life and decision-making and to develop the characteristics of a Christian life lived intentionally within emerging (postmodern) culture. It presents a plea for a dynamic, life-affirming, robust Christian faith that can be lived successfully in the post-Christian world of twenty-first century Western society. This book will present a Christian lifestyle that can be lived in non-religious categories and be attractive to not-yet Christians.
Such a worldview takes ecology and politics seriously. It offers a positive response to the workplace, the arts, feminism, mystery and worship. Exiles seeks to develop a framework that will allow Christians to live boldly and courageously in a world that no longer values the culture of the church, but does greatly value many of the things the Bible speaks positively about. This book suggests that there us more to being a Christian than meets the eye. It explores the secret, unseen nooks and crannies in the life of a Christian and suggests that faith is about more than church attendance and belief in God. Written in a conversational, easy-to-read style, Exiles is aimed at church leaders, pastors and laypersons and seeks to address complex issues in a simple manner. It includes helpful photographs and diagrams.
Customer Reviews:
you are not alone!.......2007-08-27
If you sometimes feel like the desire and passion to live like Jesus puts you in unusual places doing His work and you wonder if this is "authentic", this is the read for you. I do church every Sunday, but I do more church outside of church (hiking trails, gay bars and events and business networking events) and, not only am I not alone, I am in a group of exiles who worldwide are trying to follow what Jesus would be doing were He here. He is not here in the flesh and expects us to carry on. I am an exile and I felt encouraged and unified by reading this book.
Great ideals...but exiles hurt, too........2007-08-16
I read this book after being involved in an emerging church full of exiles. There's so much I recognise and agree with in this book, which I think accurately portrays the feelings, reasoning, and practical implications of those who are rejecting the current church.
My one criticism of this book is that it seemed to be so angry - not just passionate - and very hard-line. The arguments and experiences need to be heard, but you can't continue to build a church on your anger toward what you define yourself against. I think Mike's disdain for pastoral care of the hurting also assumes that exiles are happy to go from a painful, abusive church to throwing themselves into mission in a victorious, confident experiment, where my experience is that a lot of us want a rest and need to deal with our issues before we inflict our woundedness all over others. I'm not saying we should be the perfect, healed, whole Christian...I'm just aware of how bitter and angry an exile can become.
A rebirth of the Christian movement.......2007-07-26
I have been a Christian for over 50 years. But for many years I have felt like an outcast by the leadership of the Christian community. I got great comfort from reading this book and connecting with the fact that there are millions of people around the world who are returning to true message of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself was an "exile" and went to the masses with His message, instead of employing the "come to us" philosphy of the modern day church. Michael Frost does an outstanding job of telling you where the modern church is going wrong and helps you to find the pathway to the missional movement.
Imagination.......2007-07-11
This book has taken me close to a month to read. It's not that it's a difficult read or deep on theology. It was just a slow read for some reason. That was the only negative for me (that and a few pages Piper's hedonism). This is one of the best books on the church I have ever read. The middle part of the book (Dangerous Promises & Dangerous Criticisms) was by far worth the price of the book. For anyone thinking of gathering collectively as a community, this is a book that would be beyond helpful. And I think every pastor still in a "gathered/organized" church should read this before they attend another Sunday service. It's not heavy on theological talk but it's basically the theology of the church as exiles in a culture foreign to God's kingdom. I'll say this . . . it's the only thing that has gotten me inspired, imagining, and dreaming again about our future in gathering as a community.
typical Church bashing.......2007-05-24
In reading this book I found cheap ideas and cliche church bashing. If you liked A New Kind of Christian then you would like this. The only redeeming quality for me was that he tried to add leftist politics into the mix. Although I'm not leftwing politically, I do appreciate the attempt to bring some balance, even if it is to the opposite extreeme, somewhere in the middle is where we should be. But it does make for some good discussion. But I honestly felt like I wasted my money by buying this.
Book Description
Here's what women are saying about Apples of Gold . . .
"The lessons were awesome! God knew I needed to be there. My heart overflows with joy."
K.B., Michigan
"In your kitchen I learned about seasoning food. In your living room I reacquainted myself with the seasoning work of the Holy Spirit."
S.O., Michigan
"The program gives value to women who are homemakers and wives. The Bible study and cooking lessons improved my perspective on staying home with children. . . . The program is a good eye-opener and refresher to what is really important: God, husband, children, family, and friends."
D.S, Minnesota
"So many positive things have happened in my life since, and because of, my Apples of Gold summer. Much confidence was gained that went far beyond the kitchen. . . . This was truly a life changing experience!"
L.D., Michigan
"God knew I needed Apples of Gold. It is probably inconceivable to you to know how you and the mentors have touched the lives of Apples of Gold moms!"
L.C., Michigan
"I loved being with older women, finding out how much we have in common, and building relationships with a different generation."
J.R., Michigan
"Apples of Gold makes you focus on what is really important in your life. We discussed subjects I was not familiar with, like the real meaning of submission and purity. It certainly has changed the way I feel about them."
D.H., Minnesota
"Apples of Gold takes the warm atmosphere of the home and teaches how to extend it beyond the immediate family."
Gail Hover Ledbetter
Author, Family Fragrance
Customer Reviews:
Multi-generational impact.......2003-09-16
This is a wonderful idea for strengthening relationships with older and younger generations. We are going to try it in our church. We may alter the program a bit as it is quite ambitious, but I think we can make it work. Be willing to work with it and don't get bogged down in the details of making it look just like the model.
Get enough books to start your own group.......2000-05-25
If you can find some mentors to lead you and friends through this study do it, but don't be afraid to start your own group. This is great for a neighborhood study. JE
Inspiring.......2000-03-29
Read this book and then buy more to give to your friends. This is a wonderful group program for older women to mentor younger women.
Great book by a great lady!.......2000-03-19
This is a great book and program by a lady that really shows her love for the LORD!
Book Description
As a successful managing strategy for corporate. governmental, and nonprofit organizations, "stewardship" is, fundamentally, the spirit of partnership and service. Stewardship explains how to integrate the management of work and the doing of work to redistribute purpose and power within an organization.
Customer Reviews:
Unconventional ideas that not everyone will find useful, but great book . . . .......2006-12-05
I read this for an MBA class. Most of my classmates did not like this book and did not like the whole concept of servant leadership at all. Block's ideas and the changes he advocates are unconventional, however the book is written very well. I found the book easy to understand, easy to relate to and quite compelling as a result of Block's good use of concrete examples and mini "case studies" within the chapters. He does an effective and commendable job of demonstrating how to implement his ideas into an organization, a piece that is often lacking in books like this. The beginning is a little slow -- it was very theoretical and rather preachy for me.
However, it is a must read for anyone interested in leadership or management. Block's ideas present specific challenges to the old "command and control" corporate mentality that any maverick will find interesting to say the least. In the information age where knowledge workers are becoming an increasingly interesting challenge for leaders/managers, this is a great book in helping someone navigate the changing times.
Overall, the book is quite good -- I'm looking forward to reading more of Block's work as a result!
Choose service over self interest.......2006-08-10
This is from my blog which is why it reads this way.
I also read "Stewardship" by Peter Block. This is an excellent business book. The thesis of the book is empower people to make decisions. It also speaks about serving as a method of leadership. It talks about team interests as opposed to self interest (the belief being that a strong team is the best for self interest)
Interesting thesis. Choose serving over self interest because this is in your best self interest.
I agree with much of the thesis of the book although it is somewhat counter culture to our current culture at SYNNEX (and perhaps more close to the EMJ culture, the company I started in 1979 and sold to SYNNEX). A large part of my role at SYNNEX is to help mould culture.
Good culture can make a company succeed or fail. We are not quite where we want to be yet but are moving in the right direction. I know there are frustrations with where we are but I think if people really look at where we are relative to where we came from, they will appreciate that we are moving to where we need to go.
Yes!.......2004-04-23
I sat at the bookstore reading this book and nodding, saying "Yes, this author knows! He gets it, he gets it!"
Peter Block asks the important questions, gives pearls of wisdom highlighted among the content. He clearly understands what he is facing and moves the reader easily into seeing solutions which work and those which are simply adding more of the "old ways" of coercion, patriarchy and adding more "disease" to the organization instead of the RECREATION which will move the organization to its highest level possible.
This quote from Chapter 15 Sums up Block's attitude and approach... and had me want to stand on the table and applaud.
"If we took responsibility for our freedom, committed ourselves to service and had faith that our security lay within ourselves, we could stop asking the question, "HOW?" we would see that we have the answer. In every case the answer to the question, "How" is YES. It plays the location and the solution in the right place - with the question.
When will I finally choose adventure and accept the fact that there is no safe path?
I even smiled at Block's titling of the Bibliography as "Lost and Found."
Chapter 13: Recreating Our Organization Through Leadership is exceptionally strong as is Block's approach to the Cynics which inhabit (and have the ability to very simply destroy and dismantle ) positive growth.
Deming All Over Again - We Never Learn.......2002-10-20
Although he captured me with his initial quote from Shakespeare's Richard III as rationale for a practical means to insure corporate survival, I found Peter Block to be the most refreshing thinker I've yet had the privilege to study. I used this book in a Doc course where we included a fairly lengthy conference call with Block, thus giving our rather small cohort (12 of us) a good opportunity to quiz him on some of the gritty application details. I must admit that I finished the course with a distinct impression that Block may well be the next Deming. Unfortunately, the mistakes of the past seem to be repeating in that although a new generation of managers understands his philosophy and may be buying into it at a fairly respectable pace, the bulk of corporate thinkers are just not willing to jeopardize the thinking that got them into place. The problem is typical....one of my earliest lessons in administrative thinking was a CEO who told us to use that new CQI process because he was going to foster change in our org.....right up to where he told us to find a way to make sure the results of the process met his goals for the org.
There is no doubt that Block is challenging the big thinkers to have the guts to give up the power while still holding the responsibility. Like Deming before him, he's a prophet with a message everybody believes in but few are willing to sacrifice adequately to reap the enlightenment. I'm not a CEO, but I've used his principles fairly successfully the past 4 years, occasionally I can't make it work, but when it does, the results have been spectacular. What's important for me is that I think of myself as a steward entrusted with a valuable resource. There are some great lessons on how to do this in any serious biography of Henry II of England's administrative structure - which established the concept of English Common Law, among other achievements. (By no stretch of imagination could Henry II be considered a modern manager, but his concept of stewardship certainly was as radical in his day as Block and Deming in ours - the lessons of history are worthwhile.)
It's the subtitle of the book that provides the clue to the difficulty of the concept.....Choosing Service over Self-Interest....it's extremely hard to carry this out. Block himself tends to simply inform those who challenge him that he cannot provide assurances of security, that if the outcome were a sure thing there would be no need for commitment, and then he sometimes talks about installing living democracy in organizations in place of autocracy. This is radical.....so radical that the cost of believing is more than most of today's administrators can afford to risk, so perhaps the philosophy will take root in those who are listening now in anticipation of their time. When it finally happens, the world will once again become a better place.
weLEAD Book Review by the Editor of leadingtoday.org.......2002-02-13
Business consultant Peter Block is no stranger to controversy. A number of his previous works explored the reaches of transformational management, including his bestselling book The Empowered Manager. In an even bolder way, Stewardship - Choosing Service over Self-Interest offers a dynamic new organizational structure for our young century. Block defines stewardship as "the means of achieving fundamental change in the way we govern our institutions." He believes that stewardship is a choice "to preside over the orderly distribution of power." This means giving individuals at the bottom of the organizational structure the choice on how to best serve their customers, citizens and community". It also means accepting accountability at all levels. Block continues to define stewardship as being accountable to the larger organization by "operating in service, rather than in control, of those around us." His philosophy is centered on a need and commitment to service rather than self-interest.
Peter Block challenges the modern notion of strong leadership and suggests replacing the term with stewardship. His problem with leadership is that he does not believe it has the capability to create fundamental changes in our organizations. He also believes that leadership "inevitably becomes self-congratulatory and over-controlling. We expect leaders to choose service over self-interest, but it seems the choice is rarely made." Perhaps Block would have better made his point by discussing the various philosophies that pass as leadership rather than neatly collecting them all in one term. Indeed, leadership is often a vague and misunderstood term.
Stewardship - Choosing Service over Self-Interest is a book with three parts. The first part discusses the basic concept of stewardship. It highlights the promises offered by developing a passion toward stewardship in contrast to what we experience in traditionally managed organizations. The second part of the book discusses the redistribution of power in a practical way. This controversial section of the book butchers many managerial "sacred cows" and offers a vision of what stewardship can be like in action! Part three examines the reform process and explores how you and your organization can get from where it is today to an environment of stewardship.
If you are one who is not satisfied with the status quo, you will find this book exciting and refreshing. Sometimes written in almost theological terms, Block inspires the reader to expect more from our institutions and ourselves. This book should find itself on the bookshelf of every person interested in the study of leadership.
Book Description
Worship is the dangerous act of waking up to God and God's purposes in the world. But something has gone wrong with our worship. Too often, worship has become a place of safety and complacency. It can be a narrowly private experience in which solitary individuals express their personal adoration. Even when we gather corporately, we often close our eyes to those around us, focusing on God but ignoring our neighbour.
But true biblical worship does not merely point us upward it should turn us outward as well.
In this prophetic wake-up call for the contemporary church, pastor Mark Labberton reconnects Christian worship with social justice. From beginning to end, worship must do justice and seek righteousness, translating into transformed lives that care for the poor and the oppressed.
Begin today to move beyond the comfort of safe worship to authentic worship that challenges injustice.
Market/Audience
- Worship team participants and leaders
- Pastors
- Book clubs and book club readers
Features and Benefits
- Recovers the biblical unity of worship and justice
- Shows how social justice and care for the poor can flow out of action
- A passionate, prophetic and profoundly biblical call to action
Customer Reviews:
Thoughtful.......2007-09-06
The strength of Labberton's book is that he touches on the great omission of the American church: that we happily worship God while ignoring the things that God most wants us to do. Perhaps the most representative anecdote in the book is an incident in which Labberton watched a worship lead so ecstatic about his own experience of worship that he ignored the fact that he kept stepping on the toes of everyone standing near him. American Christians of all genres seem to be enjoying their experiences of worship, even fighting about worship styles, while ignoring the toes that are being stepped on.
In this, then, Labberton joins a chorus of modern voices critiquing the movements of church growth and innovation. David Fitch and the emergent groupies criticize them for missing substance. Labberton is doing something similar but not the same, criticizing them for missing the call to justice. What's particularly appealing about this is that Labberton is the Pastor of a dyed-in-the-wool evangelical church, the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley. This is a church that has historically gathered around biblical preaching and evangelical values. Labberton is further confirming the movement of the evangelical churches into the heretofore taboo world of social justice, a movement pioneered by Ron Sider, Tony Campolo, Gary Haugen and the like.
The strongest chapters are 3 and 4, the "false and true dangers" of worship, the substance of his critique. What is NOT a risk of worship is that it isn't sufficiently entertaining, relevant, or pleasing. What is dangerous is that it puts us in touch with a restless God who is not afraid to rattle us.
The only real weakness of the book is that for a subject matter that has the power to foment revolution, he's awfully calm and circumspect about it. I wouldn't have been offended if Labberton had wanted to yell at me about his content in order to do what he says in chapter one must be done: to wake up the church. Of course to expect yelling from a Presbyterian might be asking much.
It's a worthwhile read with important content.
James W. Miller is the author of God Scent
For any church leader or minister.......2007-04-19
The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God's Call to Justice surveys church practices and how smaller battles often supercede larger issues of justice and mercy within church circles. THE DANGEROUS ACT OF WORSHIP is for any church leader or minister who wants to make a difference in the world: chapters outline differences between false and real dangers, consider the church's role in social issues, and come from a working pastor's experience.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
A sobering call to action.......2007-02-11
What is the connection between religious faith and worship? The author defines worship not in the limited context of a weekly meeting, but as the continuous practice of how people live in response to their beliefs. While differences of opinion on theology, church culture and political positions seem important (especially in grabbing the attention of news media), Labberton indicts many churches for neglecting the more important call to love the poor and the oppressed. He attempts not to take political or moral positions, but simply points out how multiple passages in the Bible call for outward-focused compassion. With numerous anecdotes about Christians who seek to love their neighbors at home and afar, Labberton provides some inspiration for strengthening the connection between faith and worship.
This book presents a Christian perspective on the issue of global justice, though it should also appeal to people of all faiths who strive to "make a difference" in the world. Labberton is mindful of postcolonial critiques of historical missions and proposes a different framework for motivating charity. Questions for reflection at the end of each chapter provide a helpful stimulus for book club discussion. This treatise is meant not only to provide food for thought, but also to spur the reader to action.
Amazon.com
These are indeed cynical times. But to hide behind the smugness of cynicism is a kind of self-imposed death sentence, explains writer and social commentator Paul Loeb. In fact, now is the ideal time for gathering all our strengths and wisdom as spiritual beings and applying ourselves to shaping a better world, he claims.
Are we talking social activism here? Well, yes. But before you cringe from images of shrill, humorless, burned out activists, keep in mind that Loeb is talking about a new kind of activism--an exciting, spiritual model for creating social change. We don't have to be pious or martyred saints (as he explains throughout one chapter), starving ourselves in the name of a cause or staging protests in freezing rain. We can be "good enough" activists, assuming the task of helping 10 people in need rather than taking on the globe. We can remember the power of storytelling when convincing an audience, rather than angrily spewing scary facts. We can replenish ourselves so that we do not burn out. We can emphasize themes such as community and forgiveness rather than separatism and blame.
This is a deeply spiritual book, but make no mistake: Loeb's writing, research, and integrity are as solid as they come. Soul of a Citizen may well become The Handbook for activism at the turn of the century. --Gail Hudson
Book Description
Soul of a Citizen awakens within us the desire and the ability to make our voices heard and our actions count. We can lead lives worthy of our convictions.A book of inspiration and integrity, Soul of a Citizen is an antidote to the twin scourges of modern life-powerlessness and cynicism. In his evocative style. Paul Loeb tells moving tells moving stories of ordinary Americans who have found unexpected fulfillment in social involvement. Through their example and Loeb's own wise and powerful lessons, we are compelled to move from passivity to participation. The reward of our action, we learn, is nothing less than a sense of connection and purpose not found in a purely personal life.
Customer Reviews:
A non-academic book for the baby boomer generation.......2007-03-29
As many other reviewers I was asked to read this book as a part of a college course. My wife was recently assigned the reading in her MSW program. I do believe it has some value, but to a specific generation and type of activist. The book rarely (if at all) discusses a model of activism outside of that born from the peace and love movement of the 60-70s. If you are from these eras, by all means this is the book for you. If you are or will soon be a college student you will likely find little to connect with in the book. I suspect that its over use in courses at this time is a result of faculty promoting a book they feel applies to them greatly without thinking of how it applies to younger generations.
duh!.......2006-12-05
I read this book for a college class on Social Work, and although Loeb tells many meaningful and powerful stories, this is the same text I have heard before. If you read the first and last paragraph of each chapter you basically get the point. It's an easy read, and some may find it powerful, but I just found it repetitive and over-told.
A must read if you believe in service to others.......2006-10-21
Paul is an outstanding voice in our world. Fantastic book helping bring hope to a difficult time for those of us who aspire to service. It is a challenge to keep engaged in service and Paul does provide hope. I also appreciate his newsletter and recommend it to those who appreciate his work. Great insights.
Every citizen must read.......2006-08-11
I read Soul of a citizen which inspired me to action. I am now a volunteer activist in my neighbourhood and have formed a group of concerned citizens to negotiate and participate in our city's development plan. We have made an impact in the corporation and even had a few small successes along the way.
tired of it.......2006-07-09
Must we indulge yet another collection of tripe in the guise of self-help? Didn't we get this sort of nonsense out of our systems a long time ago?
If you are the type who hangs around in the self-help section of Borders looking for something you haven't yet read, hoping the nice-looking man ordering the latte isn't as bad as your ex-husband, well, sure, pick this up. You can read it a few hours later after you've snuck that man past your sleeping children's doors and out to his car, and feel good about yourself and how wonderful a person you are for reading something like this.
For the rest of us that live with a real sense of morality, well, we know books like this are just excuses - a mechanism by which the anointed democrat leftists sanctify themselves. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure why I wrote this review. If it offended you, you're beyond help. If it rang true, you already know you don't want to get anywhere near this book.
Book Description
In this ground-breaking new book, acclaimed diversity expert Mark Williams offers ten "eye-opening" lenses to help you, your organization, and everyone in it, understand how cultural diversity affects the way we live and work. There's the Assimilationist who believes that everyone should act like a true blue American, and the Culturalcentrist who believes that a person's race or ethnicity is central to their personal and public identity; the Meritrocratist who is sure that if you have the abilities and work hard enough you can make your dreams come true regardless of race or culture, and the Victim/Caregiver who believes that because of bias they will never succeed. Learn more about these lenses, as well as six other lenses that Mark Williams has developed to respond to cultural diversity.
Customer Reviews:
The 10 Lenses: Your Guide to Living & Working in a Multicultural World.......2007-01-04
I first read the 10 Lenses several years ago after meeting author Mark Williams at a Summit on Leading Diversity Conference in Atlanta. I have been using The 10 Lenses in our diversity education programs ever sense. This book has proven to a great conversation starter, without the usual "blame and shame" sometimes associated with diversity training. In fact, we have even established a very successful four-week course around "The 10 Lenses" in our Hampton Diversity Leadership Academy. Mark has advanced the entire discussion of "diversity" with this book. I highly recommend it to any diversity/inclusion professional.
John L. Johnson
Certified Diversity Professional
Executive Director
Hampton Citizens' Unity Commission
22 Lincoln Street, 5th Floor
Hampton, VA 23669
Promising, but in the end Disappointing.......2003-12-04
This is a useful Guide to Living as & Working with Immigrants in a Multicultural USA, not a Multicultural World. It really has little or no street-credibility outside the USA.
I've worked for a US Fortune500 Company for 20 years, and in over 30 Countries.
The book confesses upfront to its limitations : although the information is US-centric, Williams, Clifton & Thomas believe their concepts are universal - but they haven't the experience to back that up. They admit they don't know whether current observations will hold up in different cultures, or whether different cultures have different profiles with respect to the lenses. The initial research has focussed on race, culture, nationality & ethnicity. In practice 90% of its focus is on race & ethnicity. Sexual orientation is ignored, and the word 'gay' doesn't appear until over 80% of the way through the book - and its only for one sentence.
Consider some of the Lenses :
For the Assimilationist they talk about "adapting US business norms appropriately, given global norms and standards" - well I've never met a "Global norm" - and as for being able to adapt US norms, there's the problem - you have to reject US norms in order to get on with the outside world. The Assimilationist must think about "Western cultural arrogance" - woah - what about "US Cultural arrogance" - ask a Canadian or a Mexican or the French how they feel about US hegemony.
The Culturalcentrist talks about the "Irish, Polish & Italian Communities", and in the same breath about the "Asian Community" - I'm sure the "Asians" would argue they had less in common between India, Vietnam, Korea etc than those Europeans, who at least had Catholicism in common.
For the Seclusionist : "Globalisation ... diminishes the authority of the USA" - hmm, I thought everyone was rioting recently complaining that Globalisation meant US hegemony? The Seclusionist "rewards the efforts of the majority group" - oh so Williams has never thought of a Society where the dominant group is itself a Minority, such as in Apartheid-era South Africa, and a number of other inequitable Societies today?
The Transcendant options were just not for me - according to Williams you are either 'Religious' or you are 'Spiritual' - nothing else applies. I am neither, and quite happy thank you. I'm always made to feel uncomfortable with this aspect of US Society, and it would be good if Williams had a section on how to work with 'agnostics'.
The Elitist offered no alternatives - what about Communism or Socialism - the inequalities of US Society would not be tolerated in Scandinavia. As I say to my friends in Minneapolis, it's a pity the wrong shipload of explorers colonised North America.
For all the talk about race, there's no mention of working with people in mixed-race relationships or of mixed-race ethnicity - over 10% of marriages in the UK are mixed-race, even though the ethnic minorities constitute less than 8% of the population. I find mixed-race marriages in the USA to be a tragic rarity - and why aren't they promoted in TV programs?
There were no examples of other diversities which can be just as sensitive in Society, such as no case studies featuring Native Americans, Hindus, Moslems, Lesbians, Vegetarians or people with Physical/Mental disabilities.
The much-promoted mystical Chapter on the Eleventh Lens was a real disappointment - just some new world 'Nirvana' where everyone loved each other and did right by each other (I presume so long as you could still hire & fire at will).
When I looked through the Bibliography, I understood; of the 86 references, only 2 of them weren't published in the USA, and they were published in London (both looking back at the USA). You can't write a book about a Multicultural world if you don't read/travel widely.
Williams continually refers back to Title VII of the (US) Civil Rights Act (pity he didn't include it as an Appendix). It would have been nice to talk about the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights - since so much of US Society doesn't comply with it. I recall when one of our Senior US Executives starting to spout about Affirmative Action etc at a staff meeting in Germany - he had to be told to leave or they'd call the Police - because his US-speak was illegal under anti-Nazi legislation.
I scored myself on the Lenses : I am Colorblind, an Integrationalist, Meritocratist and a Multiculturalist. Williams was (in 2001) inviting Contributors to help them develop the book for a wider audience - I'm going to volunteer to help them, because boy do they need it.
The Eleventh Lens.......2003-03-01
Mark Williams' research outlining 10 human mindset "lenses" addresses the problems of conflicting worldviews both in and out of the workplace. His work is extremely well organized for easy reference; you'll recognize in yourself and/or others the Assimilationist, Colorblind, Culturalcentrist, Elitist, Integrationist, Meritocratist, Multiculturalist, Seclusionist, New Age/Transcendent and/or Victim/Caretaker. With hope, you'll also recognize the real point of the book and the research: that you've been reaching for your inclusive ELEVENTH LENS where paradoxical thinking acknowledges and discerns the strengths and weaknesses each limited lens brings to the whole personally, professionally and socially -- and globally. See also the integrative developmental framework in A Brief History of Everything by Ken Wilber and Spiral Dynamics by Don Beck and Christopher Cowan.
"The Ten Lenses" -- A Breath of Fresh Air!.......2001-11-09
"The Ten Lenses" is a badly needed breath of fresh air -- a sophisticated, intellectually grounded, and constructive framework for thinking about diversity issues. It respects and values all people and all perspectives on diversity. It opens a path to understanding each different perspective, even those dramatically different from one's own. It helps take the emotional charge out of verbal interactions between people whose approaches and reactions to diversity issues are widely divergent. It provides a new framework and a new language through which we can talk about diversity and move towards greater understanding. "The Ten Lenses" was an enormous help to me and I highly recommend it.
"The Ten Lenses" Opens Your Eyes!.......2001-11-08
I live and work in Washington, D.C., one of the most diverse cities in America. My department at work was having a lot of problems due to such a diverse workforce. We could not communicate well and our projects were never completed on time and never completed correctly. My boss brought this book in one day after he stayed up all night reading it. He could not put "The 10 Lenses" down. In a very short time, my department has turned itself around using the premises in this book. If you want to have a successful business, buy "The 10 Lenses."
Book Description
Wise and enduring spiritual guidelines for everyday living –– as relevant today as when The Rule was originally conceived by St. Benedict in fifth century Rome.
Customer Reviews:
Life changing.......2007-05-06
I have read and revisited this wonderful book many times. It has changed my view of many subjects. Sr.Joan took me on an unexpected road to examine my life and my work and for that I am very grateful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking insight into their Christian spirituality.
Spirituality at its best.......2006-06-29
A must-read for those who are interested in living a life infused with spirituality. Readable, fascinating, and sound connections between The Rule of St. Benedict and life in the 21st century.
Not that good, there are better.......2006-05-01
This is not a very good book of Joan Chittister, the book feels dated and the thought patter is scattered. I thought for sure it was written in the early 1970s with the political bent and anti-traditionalist religious life feeling. The references to her young nun life in a community pre-molestation by experiments, is interesting as those are the very communities that are growing. "Sister" Joan has better books; Rule of St. Benedict Insights for the Ages is superior to this particular effort. Look for that book instead.
Every once in a while, you find a gem........2005-11-30
This is one of them. Every page is filled with peace and wisdom. I found this book, of course, "by accident" (that is, by the grace of God) just at the time my extraordinarily holy Catholic parish priest and spiritual director was discerning whether or not to become a Benedictine monk. This book will deepen my life, i'm sure of it. A good companion book, at least for me, is Jean-Pierre de Caussade's "Abandonment to Divine Providence."
An Amazing Amount of Wisdom and Enlightenment.......2005-01-23
The Catholic Church has a tradition of conferring the title of "doctor," upon people posthumorously, who have contributed much to others' learning of faith. The more I read from Joan Chittister, the greater the impression I have that I am reviewing the work of a living doctor.
In regards to one of the reviews that labeled some of the information in the book as slightly dated, I am at a loss for where such a shortcoming occurred. The books deals with the timeles issue of spirituality, and I felt that all of the refferences she made were pertinent to any time, including the present.
In regards for a comment made by a reviewer that referred to Chittister as "Sr. Issues," which implied that she bemoans the status of women, true she mentions situations in which women's lives have obstacles to spirituality, some of which are institutionally impsoed, but no less often than tshe mentions men, and the poor and the rich. And she would be religiously irresponsible if she neglected to cite examples of where people could implement gospel teachings to address some of the social ills or "issues" that our confronts our society today.
In short, this is a book for everyone, to inspire and uplift all readers and to provide guidance to everyone for how to develop a spiritual life. It is full of lucid observations such as her distinction between praying people and spiritual people "There is nothing easier than to lead people down the path of prayer forms without ever asking them what goes on inside them as a result. At the end, consequently it is possible to get a praying person; it is not alwyas possibel to get a spiritual person. Praying people get their prayers in and wait for God somehow miraculously to deliver them from their private deomns. Spiritual people expect the demons. What they look for is a way to find God even there."
The book is written in reference to a Christian document, but the guidelines are not exclusive for Christians. Chittister's view, based on her interpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict, is that spirituality can not be developed in a vacuum, only through prayer, or only through attending church, or only through working with people, but that needs to be honed through balancing all aspects of life.
Balance is the key. She elaborates on different facets of life that one should listen to and conduct attentively in order to realize enlightenment. She does not offer exact perscriptions for what dosage of each component a person needs, because the requirements depend on a person's individual situation and needs.
Among these components are daily spiritual reading ("lectio") with an attitude of seeking "not so much and attempt to know God in history or Jesus in Israel as much as it is an attempt to know God in my life and Jesus in me;" contemplation, as "not a vacation from life.Contemplation is the pursuit of meaning...Those who find the will of God every where and feel the presence of God any where are the real contemplatives;" spiritual prayer; applying the gospel to all decisions in life such as what you buy and how your work; developing a sense of community with your neighbors, your colleagues and your family(a key center piece of which is a family meal).
Benedictine spirituality focuses much on interactions of people with each other and their environemt; listening to God's voice and learning to recognize it in every one you meet, and every event that occurs. It is an ideal framework for people today who do not live as hermits because it is based on the idea of a members of a community receiving reinforcement from the group for their weeknesses and sharing their strengths with the group. A community can be found any where.
I found the book beautiful and inspiring and would recommend it to any one who is looking for a resource that will help them with spiritual growth and the art of discerning God's voice. The tone is easy and converstional, and provides a flexible blue print for the pursuit of spirituality in any type of life style.
Book Description
"The Power of Servant Leadership" is a collection of Robert Greenleaf's finest and most mature works and an unexpected sequel to his "Servant Leadership." These pieces were designed to stimulate and inspire people in the practice of a more caring leadership and reflect Greenleaf's continual refinement of his servant-as-leader concept, focusing on issues such as spirit, commitment to vision, and seeing things whole.
Customer Reviews:
It's like sitting down with my grandpa & a cup of coffee and talking about life!.......2005-11-23
I appreciated Greenleaf's writing style and the inspiration he offers. While reading most of the essays in this collection I felt like I was sitting down with my grandfather and we were having a conversation over coffee in his den about how to make the world a better place. In the essay "Old Age: The Ultimate Test of Spirit" he referred several times to letters he received from friends and readers about advice they would like and how he responded candidly to them. It made him seem approachable and believable; the style fit well with his content on how to be a servant and make society better. Even in his essays he's coaching younger people! Greenleaf does not write about what he thinks should be done or what might work, but he writes from a long life of experience and reminds us what truly has worked in the past for him and others. It's almost as if he is saying, "Come on, I know you can do it!" The essay "Have You a Dream Deferred?" is actually an address he gave to a group of first-year Ohio Fellows in which he calls the students to take the next three years of their lives at their college or university and use them to make their institution the best it can be, and in turn, they will grow in creativity, distinction, and wisdom, among other noble characteristics. As a recent college graduate I was truly inspired and wished I had heard that speech or read this essay my freshman year. His writings invoke you to action and that shows he truly cares about his work and his message.
I also appreciate Greenleaf's humility and humor. I caught myself laughing out loud many times because of stories and anecdotes he uses to illustrate his points. He keeps his writing as simple as possible, using the same phrasing to describe concepts he truly believes in such as servanthood and leadership. He never uses his expertise, or status, to give his points credibility but rather lets his message, what he believes in, and his many years of work, thought, and broad experience speak for itself.
The essays themselves would be stronger if they had more structure and organization around a succinct argument. In his writings, Greenleaf picks some broad topic, such as seminaries, to write whatever comes to mind. The only attempt at an organization of those thoughts is a subtitle with a word or thought below which he will write a few thoughts in paragraph form and then move on to another thought without attempt to really make connections between his ideas. There are many connections to be made, which are left to the reader, but it would be helpful to know the connections Greenleaf has found. This would not detract from his informal style that I appreciate, but only make it easier to understand his thoughts. Perhaps Spears edited the essays in this manner and gave them even more structure than they had before. In his introduction Spears could draw Greenleaf's unorganized points together; as it is now even in the introduction Spears only lists the main points he finds helpful in these essays without offering much connection between them.
Also, the essay "My Debt to E.B. White" did not fit with the other seven essays whatsoever. In this essay are Greenleaf's thoughts on certain writings by E.B. White that Greenleaf admired and includes long quotations from those texts. For those of us who never knew White, and especially those who rarely read The New Yorker, the essay's point is lost to us. It is much to specific and detailed and the wholeness that Greenleaf is indebted to White for helping him see in White's life is not discussed enough to make the essay so broad to relate easily and connect with the other essays in the collection. It is much better left entirely out of this book.
Overall I found my introduction to Robert Greenleaf, his life, his thoughts, and his style to be engaging, unique, wise, and inspiring. The book was enjoyable to read without dull intellectualizing and what quotes he did use were relevant and very personal to Greenleaf. His years of wisdom are captured in these essays and anyone interested in leadership and how we should organize ourselves to build a better society, especially young leaders full of potential and ripe for service, would do themselves a disservice if they overlook Greenleaf's work.
Highly Recommended!.......2001-03-15
The late Robert K. Greenleaf was widely revered for his profound impact on leadership theory during the last three decades of the 20th century. Eight of his most compelling essays on servant-leadership (a term he coined) are published here in book form for the first time. These essays testify to Greenleaf's legacy and to his important role in the philosophies of leadership and service. Issues of spirit, vision and wholeness are woven through many of these essays, which address individual and institutional leadership in all areas, including government, business, religion, education and philanthropy. We at getAbstract highly recommend this eloquent book to those contemplating or holding leadership positions.
Food for thought for the 21st century leader........1999-08-06
As a Doctoral student writing on servant leadership, I found the newest book put out by The Greenleaf Center to be as interesting and thought-provoking as those published previously. If organizations are to be successful as we enter the 21st century, perhaps this book should become required reading at leadership seminars.
Greenleaf has a style all his own, but the material flows well and is readily understandable by the reader.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who leads in organizations.
Book Description
For the increasing number of people looking for ways to make a difference while on vacation, this fully updated edition is filled with in-depth information, including contacts, locations, costs, dates, more project details, and profiles of 150 select organizations running thousands of programs in the United States and around the world. Including new details about long-term projects and organizations specifically tailored for seniors and the disabled, this definitive sourcebook provides a wealth of opportunities for travelers interested in making a difference and provides new anecdotes about all kinds of jobs and the meaning they brought to volunteers' lives.
Customer Reviews:
Volunteer book.......2007-09-12
Bought this for my husband who is deciding which v. v. he should go on!
thanks
Great Resource for Those Who Want A Different Type of Vacation.......2007-09-07
*****
I bought this book out of curiosity and was amazed at the variety of opportunities available to travel and contribute throughout the world. The book is a compendium of opportunities of every imaginable type, an incredible resource if you're even thinking about a taking a vacation in which you volunteer.
Each opportunity contains all contact information, include web site, the types of projects available, organization mission statements, the year founded, the number of volunteers last year (so that you can see the scope of the program), funding sources, what kind of work the organization does, project locations, time line (when and for how long commitments are made), cost (including arrangements that must be made like medical examinations), how to get started, needed skills, and the specific populations that could qualify.
The book is very friendly to those with limitations (for example, sight limitations, physical agility, etc.). There are also stories throughout the book from volunteers about their actual experiences while volunteering.
There is a section on long-term volunteering opportunities. There are four indexes: by project cost, project length, location, season, and type.
It is a wonderful book to use to explore what types of things you might like to do, as well as to use as a research base to search out specific opportunities. It is a great value, and an organized way to begin your volunteer journey!
Highly recommended.
*****
a pleasant and helpful read.......2007-08-24
I'm sure you can get most of the information in this book online but there's nothing like being able to curl up with this while dogearing pages and marking it up. It is extremely well organized and indexed in multiple ways so you're sure to find what you're looking for. Once something gets your interest you can contact the organization or look online for more info. One really nice feature is the occasional presence of first person narratives from people who've actually done the vacations.
Well organized wealth of info.......2007-07-29
This book was extremely well organized. I was able to quickly sort through for an organization that allowed teens and was for the duration of time we had available. From there, it was easy to go on the specific websites for the pretty pictures. We have just come back from our experience building homes in Costa Rica and can't wait to go again! You will never again feel the need for a beach vacation. It was much more invigorating to give something of yourself.
Excellent.......2007-03-28
This book is very informative and easy to navigate. I was able to ready it over a 2 day period on my spare time and breakdown the vacations that would best suit what I am looking to do.
Book Description
It began when a small group of believers stepped out in faith-against all odds-and claimed the Queen of Angels Hospital in downtown Los Angeles for the cause of Christ. Now 200 different ministries in the Los Angeles International Church reach out to thousands of residents. Innovative programs minister to AIDS victims, the homeless, battered women, drug and alcohol addicts, and abused children-offering hope and a chance for a better life.
The Church That Never Sleeps shows how God can use this incredible ministry as a model to make dreams come true in neighborhoods across the nation.
Customer Reviews:
The Church that never sleeps.......2007-06-11
This was a great resource for me since our vision is very similar and Pastor Matthews personal struggles and experience with the community not only enlighten the reader put those of us in similar ministry can gain hope and affirmation. What a blessing this book is and the reality of it so striking. I loved every minute in reading he accounts.
SCRIPTURE IN ACTION: Applicable To Us All.......2007-02-19
I was surprised to see this book was printed in the year 2000. The reason for the surprise is threefold: I firmly believe it is destined to become a classic so expected a higher sales number and currently there are only four reviews at amazon.com and lastly out of the four reviews ministry is mentioned often, yet the book is clearly intended for those who directly minister as well as for "the rest of us". To me, the hallmark of Matthew Barnett's work is the SINCERITY throughout, which was very refreshing. In the book, Matthew Barnett recounts how (at least at the time his book was published) it is common for other local churches to actually post signs stating "No Gang Members Allowed"!! Praise God that Our Lord does not place such constraints. "The Church That Never Sleeps" will awaken your mind, will and emotions to the Lord's calling for outreach and not only inreach in our daily lives. I enjoyed the many references to his relationship with his Father, Pastor Tommy Barnett, not because of "who they are" but because their Father-Son bond is a model for any parent at any time. A powerful reminder of how parents can influence their children by not only their action but their words and their time. This is slightly off-topic in a way but when Matthew's vast early and cumulative exposure to his Dad's Ministry is referred to, it caused me to recall a certain very young actor that people scoffed at for stating (on "The Tonight Show")his early exposure to the world of acting had prepared him to move into directing movies...two boys who grew to men, different backgrounds, influenced and influential, one goes on to Minister the Lord's work and the other films. Each has had a continuing impact on many lives as a response to their childhood and inner direction. Very interesting to me and this led to my further understanding we each have the same sort of choices to affect many on a daily basis. Which road will you allow The Lord to direct you? As a result of the book, I am very interested in checking out not only the L.A. Church but as well Rick Stoker of Wilmington, North Carolina, who relinquished a very successful career as a physician for college-level basketball teams in order to establish his own ministry. The book makes it so very clear even someone like me can help (disabled, chronic illness) even with small donations...I read once all those little errors the grocery stores make that customers rarely catch amounts to huge sums of money for the grocery business...hmmmm, I can choose small donations to help the Lord's outreach through these two individiuals. That is how the book inspired me. The book came to my attention courtesy of Joyce Meyer and her daily (televised locally, also via cable, also via radio, also via her website, including "podcast") program "Enjoying Everyday Life". Matthew Barnett was a recent guest. The one word that for me best describes this work is: sincerity. Destined to be a Classic.
What's Real!.......2007-01-29
This book is what real ministry is all about. If you are just starting out in the ministry, this book is especially helpful. Matthew Barnett brings you from the beginning of his ministry through his amazing journey to a thriving full ministry today. He brings us back to what is real in ministry. You will be forced to examine your life, your ministry in the light of what the gospels say real ministry is all about. This book will challenge you to come up higher and to throw off some of the old ideas about what church is.
great reminder.......2004-08-10
Great book. For me, and I think for many others, it wasn't so much that the book had any new revelation or teaching as much as it reminds us of the true simplicity and purity of real ministry. You know, the stuff that we used to do when we were younger, and it worked, before we got sidetracked with OUR aganda, OUR goals, OUR ministry career. Thanks Matthew! Let's keep it simple. Phillipians 2.4 should be the theme verse: "Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Passionate, Loving, and Inspiring.......2000-07-20
In, The Church That Never Sleeps, Matthew Barnett takes the reader on his journey of planting and growing the LA International Church. You sit with him in his lonely office as he contemplates ways to reinspire his small congregation. You walk past him on your way down the street the day he moved his desk in front of the church building in order to converse with those walking by. You get excited along with him as the church begins to grow and reach out to the surrounding community. You scratch your head with amazement as he considers purchasing a 400,000 square foot hospital building that has been vacant for 9 years. You participate with several of the 180 ministries of the church. Finally, you rejoice. You rejoice because of the tremendous work God has done and is continuing every day at the LA International Church...serving, loving, and pointing people to Jesus...an incredible journey!
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- Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
- Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
- Going Global: The Textiles And Apparel Industry
- Good Birders Don't Wear White: 50 Tips From North America's Top Birders
- Haiti in Focus: A Guide to the People, Politics, and Culture (In Focus Guides)
- Handbook of Simulation: Principles, Methodology, Advances, Applications, and Practice
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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General
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church
The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21 Century Church
The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World (J-B Leadership Network Series)
They Like Jesus but Not the Church: Insights from Emerging Generations
Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens
