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PT Media Picks: Books |
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Mystical
leadership
Leadership Wisdom from Unlikely
Voices |
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By Dave Fleming (Zondervan,
2004; 200 pp.; $16.99, hardcover)
Christian leadership coach and consultant
Dave Fleming turns to saints and spiritual mentors from the
contemplative tradition for wisdom that today's leaders can
use to be more centered, reflective and spiritually grounded.
Fleming, a former educational pastor at a Pittsburgh mega-church,
weaves the writings of Henri Nouwen, Evelyn Underhill, Benedict
of Nursia, Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and
more into leadership advice that calls for more creative
conversation and inspiration in our work. |
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"The fundamental woe of
mechanical leaders is their lack of humanity. We 'technique'
when we don't have time for the messiness of human encounter
and interaction," he writes. Within each chapter Fleming
introduces a concept—such as "incarnational leadership" or "chaos:
the leader's friend"—and embarks on a "three
P's" model of comprehension. He asks readers to take a
moment to pause and let their hearts connect with what
they just read, then to ponder how it relates to their
life and leadership style, and finally to practice a
new way of leadership.
For many who are well-read in the field of contemplative
Christian spirituality, the voices Fleming refers to are
hardly "unlikely." But there is no denying that
these quiet yet powerful voices are foreign to our "business
as usual" way of work and worship. Church and business
leaders would do well to pause, ponder and practice what
Fleming is preaching.
—Teresa
Blythe |
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For
restless hearts
Restless in Christ: Answering
the Call to Spiritual Commitment
By Sarah Stockton (Crossroad: Carlisle,
2004; 160 pp.; 1-800-707-0670) |
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Sarah Stockton struggles with
her faith, with its expression and how best to live out a call
to spiritual direction. Through this spiritual autobiography,
she reveals how she has come to terms with some of her own
restlessness, and how she is learning to embrace her own restless
spirit. She speaks honestly about wrestling to find truth and
peace, and is genuine when she discovers the places where she
will not compromise.
Her surprise is evident when she describes
times when "God has just shown up" and when she
realizes her own commitment to following Christ is non-negotiable.
She discovers that her spiritual experience, and others',
is about direct engagement with Christ, not just encounters
with rocks and candles. Reflecting on her training as a spiritual
director, she weaves in stories from her daily life and her
past that have shaped her spiritual life. She writes transparently
so that her discovery is the reader's discovery, and the
reader is drawn into reflection on his or her own faith journey
as well. |
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Though centered around Sarah's
experiences with spiritual direction, this book is not just
for those with similar experiences, but also for all who notice
times when "God has just shown up" in their lives.
Those who have found themselves questioning their own spiritual
experiences may find a companion in Sarah, and the reflection
provoked by her book may lead readers to a different sense
of commitment in their journeys of faith. Church study groups
could also use this book as fruitful discussion starter for
a group looking for ways to examine their own spiritual restlessness
and commitment to Christ.
—Deborah L. Matthews,
youth minister
University Presbyterian Church, Tempe, Ariz. |
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Mystics
for beginners
The Way of the Mystics |
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By John Michael Talbot and
Steve Rabey (Jossey-Bass,
2005; 240 pages; $21.95, hardcover)
This book has many strengths and great potential, but the
authors fall a bit short in their effort. Working in its
favor is the book's accessible, easy-to-read nature
and its notion of setting a context in history for the particular
mystical movement. What is disappointing is that the authors
had a good idea, but couldn't quite reel it in.
The book is overly simplistic at times in a way that often
is not helpful. Protestants are given only a brief mention,
reinforcing the idea that they just don't do this stuff.
But one could argue (as we do in Hungryhearts;
see 2004, A Wonderful Communion) that John Calvin and Jonathan
Edwards had mystical dimensions well worth exploring. And
while the "other books to consider" is a helpful
piece, the emphasis on John Michael Talbot's other books
and recordings can get to be a bit much. |
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—Steven
Shussett, associate in the Office
of Spiritual Formation, PCUSA |
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Your
own writing coach
Writers in the Spirit
By Carol J. Rottman (FaithWalk
Publishing,
2004; 175pp.; paper, $11.98) |
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Get up early, write every day,
don't be too preachy, and find raw material in the most mundane
places in your life. It's advice every writer has heard. But
in this book, Carol Rottman reminds frustrated writers to tap
into their best resource—the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit, and let the Spirit guide your pen (or computer). Rottman
has taught writing classes for many years, and in this book
she becomes your personal writing coach, giving tips, hints,
advice and actual assignments that will result in 10 pieces
of your own writing. She includes several examples of her own
favorite writing form, the personal essay. |
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Whether starting to write your memoirs,
journaling or creating a novel, you can use this book as
a daily devotional while you collect your 10 personal essays.
This book is also an excellent gift for every Christian
who needs a little push to start writing.
—Veralyn
Davids, Trinity Presbyterian Church, San Carlos, Calif. |
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