Amanda Pelser » Book

Tithing by Doulas LeBlanc

amanda — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:46:44 +0000

The latest book in the Thomas Nelson Ancient Practices Series tackles the topic of tithing. Tithing is a subject that many churches and many Christians often shy away from discussing. Douglas LeBlanc shows, through a series of interviews, why people tithe and what God has done in their lives because of their practice of tithing.

Like many churches and non-profits around the United States, our church has recently been affected by our nation’s economic downturn. If Christ-followers understood and practiced tithing, churches wouldn’t be short on funds and we’d be able solve many of the world’s poverty related issues. I believe and practice tithing. As a church staff, we’re trying to help our church members take that step of faith. When I saw this book on Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze site, I thought it might be a great resource for teaching our members more about stewardship. Although I was not thrilled with all of the interviews and stories, I liked the concept. I would liked to have seen more discussion relating directly to the scriptural basis for tithing leading into or as a follow up to the testimonies. Unfortunately, this book is not the resource that I’d hoped it would be. It isn’t a bad book. It is not what I was looking for or needed.

*** This book was review for Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze. This book was supplied to me for free through this program in exchange for a review of the book. My review was not influenced by Thomas Nelson or the fact that the book was provided for free. ***

De-railed by Tim Irwin

amanda — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:45:31 +0000

Dr. Irwin clearly summarizes De-Railed this way: “This book has two primary objectives: first, to help us understand how derailment occurs—the real point of the six leader profiles; second, to help us avoid a cataclysmic train wreck in our own careers—the subject of the second half of the book.” The character flaws of these six high-profile CEOs show us where even the average person can get off track. These traits are: 1. Authenticity 2. Self-management 3. Humility 4. Courage.

I really had to push myself to finish this book. I’m a strong believer in the strengths-based teaching of people like Marcus Buckingham. Dr. Irwin seems defensive very early in the book in response to strengths-based teaching, which then put me on the defensive as the reader. I had a hard time with the profiling of the CEOs; I don’t question the failures of these leaders so I think it was more they way that they were profiled that I didn’t like. It seems that Dr. Irwin is referring to character flaws and not misuse of strengths or an ignorance of weaknesses. He’s really bringing attention to a serious issue, but the way in which he does is a turn off.

The second half of the book was much better. There was great advice and questions to ask yourself to avoid the stated character issues. Unfortunately, over all I feel that the book was poorly written and just didn’t keep my attention despite some great content.

*** This book was reviewed as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers Program. ***