Thursday, March 18, 2010

CHAOS


I'm not a preacher. I don't have any type of pastoral training. So why... WHY would I agree to read and review the book Steering Through Chaos: Mapping a Clear Direction For Your Church in the Midst of Transition and Change?

There are a few reasons. Some are more noble than others, but I will list them as I see them.

First, the book is written by my pastor... MY pastor, Scott Wilson. It's kind of the whole "Buy USA" mentality. I love to read.... if my pastor (or anyone else I'm acquainted with) writes a book, I want to support their endeavor and read it.

Second, I do love to read. I read all the time.

Thirdly, I am one of the "lay leaders" he discusses. I was Director of Christian Education for kindergarten through 5th grade for The Oaks Fellowship. I have gone through some of the chaos he refers to in this book.

This book just makes sense. Putting the last part of the title aside, I think many businesses could use this type of training. Add the church.... well, isn't church a business in, and of, itself? I mean, churches have a mission statement. They have a target "consumer." There are various "styles" to fit different comfort levels.

Yes, I think this is a good book for anyone, and everyone, who is running any type of organization... even for me, as I run my household of 4 boys and a pilot-hubby.

When I first started to read this book, I had no preconceived notions.

Wait. That is not exactly true.

I didn't think that I, personally, would get a lot out of the book. It sat on my bedside table, staring at me as a teacher stares at her student waiting.... almost WILLING the correct answer to erupt out of the child.

By the middle of chapter 1: Turning Points and Transitions, I knew that there would be tiny, golden morsels that could help me in everyday life.

This book is positive and up beat, but it never negates the problems that can arise.

What is neat for me, personally, is that I can HEAR Pastor Scott saying all of this. I did tell you that he's my pastor, right? Well, I can hear the inflection. I can see his motions. I can sense his love for the Lord and all God's children.

What you read is what you get. There is no fake. There is no sugar-coating. It is real. It makes sense. It can help you steer through chaos.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I will check it out!! I like it when I know an author's voice, it makes reading easier!!

Doing better LL!! Hope you are too!! One favor, the print on your blog is so small I have trouble reading. I am almost 50 you know!!!

Lisa@BlessedwithGrace said...

I got the book too! I am so proud of Scott! I can say, "I remember when"... he was dating one of my best friends (Jenny!).. he was wrapping at church camp when we were all in high school... he was .. well you get the idea.
The book is good and I passed one on to a pastor friend of mine. He LOVED it and wrote a wonderful review of the book on his blog as well.