Sherman: The Ruthless Victor by Agostino Von Hassell and Ed Breslin is a recent addition to Thomas Nelson's The Generals series. Unlike the Von Hassell and Breslin biography of George Patton which I have previously reviewed, the Sherman biography is quick to draw attention to Sherman's faults. At no point in the book is Sherman deified. Rather, the authors clearly detail Sherman's insecure, yet ruthless personality. His treatment of Southern blacks, his burning of Atlanta as well as his infamous "March to the Sea" outline a cruel and uncaring individual.
The product of a difficult upbringing, Sherman failed early on as a military leader; failed as a college administrator (at what is now Louisiana State University); and failed in business as a banker. Due to the connections of his father-in-law, whom Sherman despised, Sherman continued to receive additional opportunities not normally afforded those with a faltering track record.
Married, yet unconnected to his wife and children, Sherman consistently chose to accept business and military assignments with little regard to the impact his choices would make on his family. However, the ruthless nature which allowed him to be the hammer for the Union forces during the Civil War, has led to his place in history.
If you are looking for a brief biography that provides significant information on Sherman's life (I wish The Generals Series would provide detailed bibliography notes within the text), I would recommend this book.
I reviewed this book in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
What Keeps Us Up at Night- Sermon by Tim Miller
On Sunday, our Discipleship and College Pastor, Tim Miller (http://www.insidethewalk.org/) shared a sermon from Revelation 2:1-5 and Acts 2:42-47 encouraging our church to be willing to periodically reevaluate the ministry of the church; to make sure we focus on priorities. You can watch the sermon here.
Here are the main points from what Tim shared:
In each pairing below, the first item takes precedence over the second item listed. However, the second item is still important.
Truth over Trends
What’s lost over What’s Found
(Growing) Relationships over (Getting) Results
Serving over Sitting
Great quote: Without periodic evaluation, we can’t maintain proper direction.
Here are the main points from what Tim shared:
In each pairing below, the first item takes precedence over the second item listed. However, the second item is still important.
Truth over Trends
What’s lost over What’s Found
(Growing) Relationships over (Getting) Results
Serving over Sitting
Great quote: Without periodic evaluation, we can’t maintain proper direction.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Why Young Adult Ministry is Important
I've recently begun reading The Slow Fade by Reggie Joiner, Chuck Bomar and Abbie Smith. It's a book that challenges churches to not ignore or overlook young adults in the life of the church. On page 23, there is a quotation from David Kinnaman, President of Barna Research, that succinctly states why I'm passionate about ministering to young adults:
"There is considerable debate about whether the disengagement of twentysomethings is a lifestage issue- that is, a predictable element in the progression of people's development as they they go through various family, occupational and chronological stages- or whether it is unique to this generation. While there is some truth to both explanations, this debate misses the point, which is that the current state of ministry to twentysomethings in woefully inadequate to address the spiritual needs of millions of young adults. These individuals are making significant life choices and determining the patterns and preferences of their spiritual reality while churches wait, generally in vain, for them to return after college or when the kids come. When and if young adults do return to churches, it is difficult to convince them that a passionate pursuit of Christ is anything more than a nice add-on to their cluttered lifestyle".
"There is considerable debate about whether the disengagement of twentysomethings is a lifestage issue- that is, a predictable element in the progression of people's development as they they go through various family, occupational and chronological stages- or whether it is unique to this generation. While there is some truth to both explanations, this debate misses the point, which is that the current state of ministry to twentysomethings in woefully inadequate to address the spiritual needs of millions of young adults. These individuals are making significant life choices and determining the patterns and preferences of their spiritual reality while churches wait, generally in vain, for them to return after college or when the kids come. When and if young adults do return to churches, it is difficult to convince them that a passionate pursuit of Christ is anything more than a nice add-on to their cluttered lifestyle".
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Change
On Sunday, November 13 at Sevier Heights Baptist Church, our Senior Pastor Hollie Miller spoke on the topic of change from Genesis 15:1-21. You can view the message here: http://player.vimeo.com/video/32149916.
The outline:
Change is often necessary; we need to accept it- Exodus 3:1-8; Exodus chapters 3-15.
Change is never easy; we need to endure it with patience- Exodus 16: 1-3; Numbers 11
Change is usually frightening; we need to face it with faith- Numbers 13:26- 14:4
Change is ultimately rewarding; we need to embrace it with joy- Joshua 1 & 2
Here's a great statement from the sermon in which Pastor Miller referenced the children of Israel's reluctance to enter the Promised Land after the 10 of the 12 scouts (not Joshua and Caleb who years later did ultimately reach the Promised Land) thought it too dangerous to proceed: "When you don't act in faith, you will lose opportunities that may never come again".
The outline:
Change is often necessary; we need to accept it- Exodus 3:1-8; Exodus chapters 3-15.
Change is never easy; we need to endure it with patience- Exodus 16: 1-3; Numbers 11
Change is usually frightening; we need to face it with faith- Numbers 13:26- 14:4
Change is ultimately rewarding; we need to embrace it with joy- Joshua 1 & 2
Here's a great statement from the sermon in which Pastor Miller referenced the children of Israel's reluctance to enter the Promised Land after the 10 of the 12 scouts (not Joshua and Caleb who years later did ultimately reach the Promised Land) thought it too dangerous to proceed: "When you don't act in faith, you will lose opportunities that may never come again".
Monday, November 21, 2011
Catalyst Conference 2011- David Kinnaman
David Kinnaman is the President of Barna Research Group. At Catalyst, he shared some research from his new book, You Lost Me. Here is some of what he shared:
Significant historical shifts are caused by profound social events.
The majority of young adults in their 20's are unmarried and unconnected to standard institutions.
52% of students say they are possibly interested in careers in science, yet only 1% of student pastors taught about scientific topics in the past year.
We've struggled because we've tried to mass produce disciples.
3 areas to focus on: solid relationships; revelation; dependence on God
God is speaking to the next generation whether we coach them well or not.
What type of reformation will this digital age bring?
Are we introducing people to an institution or to a movement of God?
Encourage serving. Doing is the antidote of doubt, not simply a better answer.
Significant historical shifts are caused by profound social events.
The majority of young adults in their 20's are unmarried and unconnected to standard institutions.
52% of students say they are possibly interested in careers in science, yet only 1% of student pastors taught about scientific topics in the past year.
We've struggled because we've tried to mass produce disciples.
3 areas to focus on: solid relationships; revelation; dependence on God
God is speaking to the next generation whether we coach them well or not.
What type of reformation will this digital age bring?
Are we introducing people to an institution or to a movement of God?
Encourage serving. Doing is the antidote of doubt, not simply a better answer.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Catalyst Conference 2011- Jim Collins (Part 2)
During his session at Catalyst, Jim Collins offered 10 ideas and practices to help any leader improve performance:
1. Run the Good to Great diagnostic tool at www.jimcollins.com (it's free as is everything on the site).
2. Ask how many seats are on the bus? Ask how many seats can we fill with the right people within a year?
3. Who will you allow to mentor you? Have a personal board of directors.
4. Get your personal hedgehog right before it's too late.
5. Once you have a hedgehog, set up a 20 mile march plan and stick to it.
6. Fire bullets (test things), six of them, by the end of the year. Bullets first, then cannonballs.
7. Turn off electronic gadgets for 2 days every 2 weeks. Disciplined people practicing discipline in a world of chaos need to find moments of quietude.
8. Create a "stop doing" list.
9. Double your reach to people half your age by changing your practices while maintaining your values.
10. Set a BHAG ("big hairy audacious goal") that makes you really useful. Go out and make yourself useful.
1. Run the Good to Great diagnostic tool at www.jimcollins.com (it's free as is everything on the site).
2. Ask how many seats are on the bus? Ask how many seats can we fill with the right people within a year?
3. Who will you allow to mentor you? Have a personal board of directors.
4. Get your personal hedgehog right before it's too late.
5. Once you have a hedgehog, set up a 20 mile march plan and stick to it.
6. Fire bullets (test things), six of them, by the end of the year. Bullets first, then cannonballs.
7. Turn off electronic gadgets for 2 days every 2 weeks. Disciplined people practicing discipline in a world of chaos need to find moments of quietude.
8. Create a "stop doing" list.
9. Double your reach to people half your age by changing your practices while maintaining your values.
10. Set a BHAG ("big hairy audacious goal") that makes you really useful. Go out and make yourself useful.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Catalyst Conference 2011- Jim Collins (Part 1)
Jim Collins is a researcher, management expert and the author of "Good to Great" and "How the Mighty Fall". Following are some notes from his session at Catalyst:
Good is the enemy of great. Greatness is a function of choice and effort, not circumstance.
Try to change every "what" question into a "who" question. Leadership is not about personality, it's about humility.
Humility + will= the beginning of leadership.
Bad decisions taken with good intentions are still bad decisions.
Overreaching borne of hubris leads more to a fall than complacency.
It takes discipline not to overstretch. We must use self-discipline in an out-of-control world.
Innovation must be married to discipline. The discipline must amplify the creativity without destroying it.
Productive paranoia- in an uncertain world, you must be prepared for what you can't predict.
The only mistakes you learn from are the ones you survive.
Look at evidence as opposed to others for cues.
Change practices but keep core values. The combining of those two makes things enduring and great.
Good is the enemy of great. Greatness is a function of choice and effort, not circumstance.
Try to change every "what" question into a "who" question. Leadership is not about personality, it's about humility.
Humility + will= the beginning of leadership.
Bad decisions taken with good intentions are still bad decisions.
Overreaching borne of hubris leads more to a fall than complacency.
It takes discipline not to overstretch. We must use self-discipline in an out-of-control world.
Innovation must be married to discipline. The discipline must amplify the creativity without destroying it.
Productive paranoia- in an uncertain world, you must be prepared for what you can't predict.
The only mistakes you learn from are the ones you survive.
Look at evidence as opposed to others for cues.
Change practices but keep core values. The combining of those two makes things enduring and great.
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