Customer Reviews

Tell It Like It Is: Reclaiming the Practice of Testimony

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As you read this book, be thinking "how could I apply this in my church?" (or business meetings, or...). Daniel shares how the practice of testimony evolved in the congregation she led, and her honesty was encouraging that she didn't claim that her and the leadership mapped out exactly what would work or wouldn't. The details of how testimony was shared at her church may be far different than what would work in mine or yours, but the practice of people opening up who they are to learn about themselves and others is what is the central point - not that you apply it in an identical way.

Prior to reading this book we have already implemented some of the ideas, and have developed others, but this book has helped to firm up the commitment to the need for testimony as well as bring up some potential pitfalls that might require some additional thought.

I have some fairly strong differences of opinions theologically and socially than the author, but that does not detract from the value that testimonies will bring to any group - at church or elsewhere. In one respect I am thankful for our differences as it was through an article in which Daniel was quoted criticizing another's book / ideas on ministry (written by a friend and that has had a big impact on my own ministry and the church I attend)that led me do a quick internet search about who she was - that led me to finding this book.

If you refuse to read anything that does not line up 100% with your beliefs, this book may not be useful to you. If you're willing to continue reading and acknowledge that differences of opinions exist and despite that there is something to be learned, then your ministry and leadership may be greatly improved through the ideas/concepts in this book.

As a second year seminarian, I loved Daniel's fresh approach to testimony. THose in the UCC and other mianline denominations have stepped away from testimony, viewing it as an outdated tradition. Daniel reminds the reader of the importance and transforming power of our individual stories.

Rev. Lillian Daniel provides excellent suggestions about ways to encourage congregations to reclaim the practice of faithful Christian witness. Her anecdotal style both effectively conveys the benefits of including testimony in worship and models the ways in which such narratives of divine encounter can be presented.

I have yet to fully review it. I can comment on a few things - I liked the Amazon service that allowed me to buy this book in used condition. It is in fact in very near new condition.

As for Lillian Daniel's book - the first two chapters is all that I have read. I found them to be filled with insights and wonderful descriptions of her experience and the experiences in her former parish in New Haven, Connecticut. I believe in testimony as a special form for sermons which is superior in involving people in stories with which they might identify. Other than that - I have heard Lillian in person and her messages both to the church and to preachers are right on!