Reap the Harvest is now the book that I recommend first to people who want to talk with me about the cell church movement. In my opinion, it is the Where Do We Go From Here? (The classic cell church work by Dr. Ralph Neighbour) for the next decade! In this book, Joel emphasizes the need for developing a strong cell system in your church -- not merely beginning cells. "Strong cell systems produce effective cells. Churches that quickly launch cells often see them diminish over time. The difference lies in the system you develop, not in the cell model itself. This is why some cell churches succeed while others wither away" (p. 19). Catching the vision for cells means more than merely starting cells in your church. Rather, it means building a system where cells are the church's backbone. "The message passed down from the senior pastors to leaders to members is that a person must belong to a cell group in order to receive any type of pastoral care" (p. 51). One element you can't miss from this book is that to truly be a cell church, the senior pastor must lead the charge. It is his job to constantly present the vision of the church as doing its ministry through cells -- not as one option, but as the only option. "The senior pastor's direct involvement is one of the key distinctions between a church with cells and a cell church. In the cell church, the senior pastor is the cell minister. That's his main job" (p. 122). Cell churches are led by strong, vision-carrying senior pastors. "Senior pastors must create the environment for success in the cell church by constantly launching and reiterating the vision" (p. 129). Because a cell basis is the means whereby cell churches do the ministry, you have to think through all the aspects of what it really means to be a cell church and what it takes to get there. In this book, Joel does a good job of helping pastors and other church leaders think through all the details of everything from what message your lobby sends to how your emphasis upon cells will show up in your Sunday bulletin. "'Don't keep talking about cell ministry,' one pastor said. 'The people will get tired of it.' Don't believe these arguments or allow such negativism to influence your commitment to proclaim, publicize, and market the cell-church philosophy. Those who understand the place of vision in the church state that a church can't proclaim its vision enough" (p. 160). Comiskey also talks about the importance of having a discipleship plan that serves as the equipping track for how you are going to mature your people, making sure that a relational, cell understanding is a t the heart of it. In the end Joel challenges churches to take the deliberate steps to become a cell church and then gives seven wise steps to take before launching into the cell movement: 1.Make sure the senior pastor is in agreement 2. Analyze your church 3.Analyze other cell churches 4.Envision what you want to become 5.Win support through relationship building (I like to call this step, "Drink lots of coffee with people!") 6.Begin well 7.End well On the final page of the book, Joel encourages us: "People are excited about the cell model because it works, providing maximum church growth without sacrificing quality. Just as the early church, which emphasized cell and celebration, modern-day cell churches grow exponentially and endlessly" (p. 204). However, he goes on in the next sentence to warn us that, "To experience similar results, you must dig deep and build a strong foundation." Giving you the mental tools to build that strong foundation is what Reap the Harvest is all about.

Reap the Harvest by Joel Comiskey,

Reviewed by Jay Firebaugh

Reap the Harvest is now the book that I recommend first to people who want to talk with me about the cell church movement. In my opinion, it is the Where Do We Go From Here? (The classic cell church work by Dr. Ralph Neighbour) for the next decade!

In this book, Joel emphasizes the need for developing a strong cell system in your church -- not merely beginning cells. "Strong cell systems produce effective cells. Churches that quickly launch cells often see them diminish over time. The difference lies in the system you develop, not in the cell model itself. This is why some cell churches succeed while others wither away" (p. 19). Catching the vision for cells means more than merely starting cells in your church. Rather, it means building a system where cells are the church's backbone. "The message passed down from the senior pastors to leaders to members is that a person must belong to a cell group in order to receive any type of pastoral care" (p. 51).

One element you can't miss from this book is that to truly be a cell church, the senior pastor must lead the charge. It is his job to constantly present the vision of the church as doing its ministry through cells -- not as one option, but as the only option. "The senior pastor's direct involvement is one of the key distinctions between a church with cells and a cell church. In the cell church, the senior pastor is the cell minister. That's his main job" (p. 122). Cell churches are led by strong, vision-carrying senior pastors. "Senior pastors must create the environment for success in the cell church by constantly launching and reiterating the vision" (p. 129).

Because a cell basis is the means whereby cell churches do the ministry, you have to think through all the aspects of what it really means to be a cell church and what it takes to get there. In this book, Joel does a good job of helping pastors and other church leaders think through all the details of everything from what message your lobby sends to how your emphasis upon cells will show up in your Sunday bulletin. "'Don't keep talking about cell ministry,' one pastor said. 'The people will get tired of it.' Don't believe these arguments or allow such negativism to influence your commitment to proclaim, publicize, and market the cell-church philosophy. Those who understand the place of vision in the church state that a church can't proclaim its vision enough" (p. 160). Comiskey also talks about the importance of having a discipleship plan that serves as the equipping track for how you are going to mature your people, making sure that a relational, cell understanding is a t the heart of it.

In the end Joel challenges churches to take the deliberate steps to become a cell church and then gives seven wise steps to take before launching into the cell movement:

Make sure the senior pastor is in agreement Analyze your church

Analyze other cell churches Envision what you want to become Win support through relationship building (I like to call this step, "Drink lots of coffee with people!") Begin well End well On the final page of the book, Joel encourages us: "People are excited about the cell model because it works, providing maximum church growth without sacrificing quality. Just as the early church, which emphasized cell and celebration, modern-day cell churches grow exponentially and endlessly" (p. 204). However, he goes on in the next sentence to warn us that, "To experience similar results, you must dig deep and build a strong foundation." Giving you the mental tools to build that strong foundation is what Reap the Harvest is all about.

_____

Mr. Sabor's historical commentary, list of leitmotiven and their appearances in the operas, and side comments cannot be equaled. This elegant set of books -- one for historical analysis, overview and performance practice of the entire cycle and one for each opera in the cycle -- is especially useful for Wagner beginners as well as seasoned musicologists. The translation of the libretti is beautifully poetic -- retaining much of Wagner's original alliteration and meter -- although it is not the most literal. (It could be used for singing if one was so inclined, and is a good deal better than most translations done for this purpose). I have used this set of books for a good deal of research on The Ring and usually need no others, although I do like to compare any translations with a more literal version, like the type usually found along with a recording. The discography/videography of the Ring is useful if not the most insightful. The substance, though, is most satisfactory, and at a reasonable price, too.

Listening to the Ring with Sabor's translations and comments is very pleasant. His English is beautiful and leitmotifs are all pointed out when they occur in the libretto. (of course the German is there to see as well.) Helpful comments about orchestration and interpretion enhance the experience. Summaries of plot and explanations of leitmotifs are presented at the beginning of each act as well as expanded within the text. A great way to get to know the Ring.

I am an avid reader of the Nibelung legend and will acquire it in any form I can find. Whether it be Wagner's opera, Lang's motion picture, illustrated books, novelized accounts, or various translations of the epic, I seek them with much vigor. This work of art escaped my attention until now, and it is with great fervor and joy that I heartedly recommend it to you. The reproductions of the paintings are exceptional in quality. The coffee table size book allows you to clearly see all the details that Ul De Rico invested in each painting. The paintings represent key moments in Richard Wagner's Der Ring Des Nibelungen and there are multiple images presented in each painting which presents a vivid progression of a scene. Whether it's Alberich's theft of the ring or Fafnir's slaying of Fasolt, you will be transported to the time of myth by the fabulous artistry of Ul De Rico. His paintings display the passion and sensual nature of the Ring that so eludes current opera directors and designers. Since this book is now out of print, you should not hesitate to purchase it now, at an incredibaly reasonable price... I guarantee you will not be disappointed, but you may become so if the few editions that are available vanish before you decide.

I had the pleasure to acquire a copy of this book in the summer of 1981 in Seattle during the annual Ring festival. Almost 20 years later it remains a treasured part of my library. This large and heavy coffee table book is devoted to reproductions of Ul de Rico's numerous paintings of various scenes from the Ring. The original paintings were rendered in oil on solid wooden panels, and were rendered in a highly realistic manner with very bold and dramatic color saturation. Compared to the works of Arthur Rackham, Ul de Rico in my view is the more effective and powerful illustrator. These images come as close as one could imagine to ideal, producing visual effects one is never likely to see in Bayreuth or anywhere else. The photographs are printed on high gloss paper, and are accompanied simply by a few lines each, in English, of the applicable libretti. Interestingly, all of the images from the first three operas have the Three Norns exchanging the thread of fate around the perimeter, which is a very interesting effect. This continues early in Gotterdammerung until the moment in the Prologue where the thread breaks, upon which the Norns have a dramatic descent. This very image was used as the cover of the Ring highlights recording that Solti made with the VPO in 1983, just prior to his conducting in Bayreuth of the centenary Ring. Incidentally, the book also includes a very high compliment, in the Preface, by George Solti himself.

This book is well worth seeking out and will provide years of lasting enjoyment. I can't speak highly enough for it.

As a mother of two with a fixer-upper house, my husband and I stay on dry land and do not take risky vacations. Ms. Wagner's book is great in that she shares the stage for being on an exotic get-a-way far from the comforts of home. Sometimes while doing dishes I look out the window and see the ocean - but fortunately for me - I have yet to get sea sick!

I enjoyed reading about the adventures at the exotic tropical islands far off the beaten path.

SHAKING THE HEAVENS IS THE MUST READ BOOK FOR THIS GENERATION OF INTERCESSORS. AFTER READING THIS BOOK I FEEL SPIRIT FILLED AND READY FOR BATTLE. ANA OPENS OUR EYES TO THE OPERATIONS OF THE HEAVENLIES AND HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE A PRAYER MINISTRY IN THESE END TIMES. THE ANOINTING THAT IS ON ANA'S LIFE SHINES THROUGH EVERY PAGE AS SHE TAKES YOU DEEPER IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN. AFTER READING SHAKING THE HEAVENS YOU WILL KNOW WHAT GOD IS REQUIRING OF YOU IN THESE LAST DAYS TO BRING THE GLORY OF GOD INTO YOUR CHURCH!

This book is a must have for the spiritual warrior. In these last days The Spirit of god is pouring out fresh insight, wisdom, vision, strategy and anointing- a mantal which Ana Mendez certainly has. Shaking the Heavens has sufficient Word, testimonies and teaching clarity. I had been hoping this experienced prayer warrior would write a book for the Body to be better equipped, and here it is!

One of my favorite cookbooks! I use it all throughout the year and get many requests for the recipes from guests.

Beautiful pictures, easy reading and successful baking! This is perfect!!!!!!!!!

Ably edited by Lawrence Hogan, Terrorism: Defensive Strategies For Individuals, Companies And Governments is a sober, serious, and highly analytical survey of the worldwide threat of terrorism, its various manifestations, history, and trends, with numerous indexes focusing on terrorist activity in different locations around the globe. Critical, meticulous, and filled with straight no-nonsense information by knowledgeable contributors, Terrorism is a essential reading for everyone trying to better understand this very real and dangerous threat and a highly recommended acquisition for corporate, governmental and public library reference collections.

Mr. Hogan has brought together some of the finest minds in the field to provide an in-depth appreciation for the history, psychological mindset, weapon availability, and potential acts of those who would do harm to this nation. Although it discusses in detail case studies of recent attacks, its most valued contribution is to allow an understanding of the multiple discipline approach to prevention and reaction. This team building between responders, some of which have not been considered a high priority in the past, strongly supports the sequential unified command approach to emergency management. It is this team approach, not single agency dominance over terrorism that makes this book so timely.

Ms.Sterns probably invented a new style. Magicoscientific Surrealism...Quoting the last chapter: "There's a slipperly place where waking turns into sleeping..." and this slim volumne floats in that zone of rational dreamtime. There is narrative, there are characters, there is even a plot--if you really need to have that. But attempting to follow it all may not be as fun as simply going along for the ride. Good luck locating a copy--I found mine in a two-for-$1 bargain bin...Some things just aren't right...She put it best (in a sadly similar context): "It touches me that people write these books...It must come as a shock to them that the rest of the world doesn't share their passions."

I picked this book up a few years ago in the bargain bin at K-Mart. My god, what a find! I took the book home, read it cover to cover, then when it was over, started again on page one. This book is quirky, well-written and beautiful. Kate Sterns has created some of the most interesting and fantastic characters in fiction. She brings the reader to Limestone and forces you to view the world through its' inhabitants (who often have a very unique and endearing perspective.) It would be easy to feel sorry for any of the characters in this story but there is no reason. While Sterns manages to touch your heart, she does it without evoking pity. Instead this band of 'misfits' come off as so interesting, that I wish I had friends like them. Loyal, loveable and always fascinating. Kate, if you ever read this -- write another book! It's incredible!

Originally published in 1893, this book is back in print for the first time in 30 years. It is a major feminist work of the Nineteenth Century that identifies the sources of women's oppression as the church and its offspring, the state.

With Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Matilda Joslyn Gage was one of the three principle U.S. suffragists. Alarmed by the conservative religious movement of the time that tried to amend the Constitution to declare the U.S. a Christian state, Gage wrote this book to articulate her views that christianity was the oppressor of women.

In the first chapter called The Matriarchate, the author tells of the rights women had in pagan pre-christian times. She talks of the Mother-rule, that preceded Patriarchy. She then shows that christianity from its beginning has worked to undermine women's rights.

The following seven chapters outline the oppression of women in the west and its sources in first the church, and later in the state that developed its ruling principles from canon law. These chapters deal with Celibacy, Canon Law, Marquette (a term that Gage uses for jus primae noctis, the right of lords to the sexual favors of their peasant women), Witchcraft, Wives, Polygamy, and Work. These chapters are filled with examples from history as well as the contemporary 19th century. The documented examples of women's oppression at the hands of ministers of the church and the law in this section are an impressive collection that makes this book a valuable source for feminist herstory.

In the last two chapters, Gage looks at the church of her day and shows that it is still bogged down in the same dogma of women's oppression. She predicts a great revolution which will liberate women and give them equal rights with men in both religion and society. I am sure the women's movement of the 1970s with its emphasis on women's spirituality would have convinced her that she was right.

Woman Church and State by Matilda Joslyn Gage and edited by Sally Roesch Wagner. isbn 1-880589-27-3 -- order from: Sky Carrier Press, p o box 2135 Aberdeen SD 57402 $20.00 plus 4.95 for shipping I DIDNT KNOW HOW ELSE TO LET AMAZON KNOW WHERE TO FIND THIS BOOK THANKS

I borrowed it from a friend for my first reading, but found there was too much essential stuff here. This book is for the more mature Christian who is interested in exporting the deeper aspects of spiritual warfare.

How can a book with such an ominous title raise one's spirit to praise as this one does? The 13 chapters (nine of them with responses) read like a Marine Corps recruiter's call to join the action. Taking just three chapters as examples, the authors declare that "We Are At War" (Dr. Ed Murphy), that we must reckon with "Deception: Satan's Chief Tactic" (Dr. Timothy M. Warner), but that we may rejoice by "Finding Freedom in Christ" (Dr. Neil Anderson). The authors and respondents offer well-reasoned, helpful insights into the very real battle that has to be fought if we are to fulfill the Great Commission. The contributors do not live in a side eddy of the evangelical church, but serve in such respected institutions as Seattle Pacific University, Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL., Church of God School of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Canadian Theological Seminary, Talbot theological Seminary, and others. Like its theme, this is a powerful book.