Tell It Like It Is: Reclaiming the Practice of Testimony

by Lillian Daniel author of Tired of Apolog

Lillian Daniel shares how her congregation re-appropriated the practice of testimony one Lenten season, a practice that would eventually revitalize their worship and transform their congregational culture.

Genres: Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Laura Kisthardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Lillian Daniel’s writing and this book was no exception. I think her books are practical, easy to read and well organized.

The reasons why I loved this book are a little more complicated and personal. Daniel is writing about the practice of testimony in corporate worship at Church of the Redeemer. She gives some background about the congregation in the book, but the especially interesting part is what happened in the 15 years since this book was published.

I came to know Church of the Redeemer in their final year of existence as a worshipping body. While Redeemer’s doors have closed, the practice of testimony lives on at Spring Glen Church where many members transferred.

I recommend this book for other clergy or lay leaders. Testimony is a powerful tool for ministry.

[Kathryn McGregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for a possible All-Church Read. Might be good for an evangelism committee, but not too engaging for the entire congregation. The stories were too specific to that particular congregation. Skimmed the last 1/3 of the book.

[Erin Goettsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

A re-read from several years ago. I know she's sometimes smug/snarky, but I like Lillian Daniel, she has clear ideas and explains them well. I love the notion of mainline protestants reclaiming the ability to talk about faith, so that this practice doesn't make the fundie minority (who is very excellent at this) speak for all Christians. Mainline protestants should have a voice in the national Jesus conversation, too, and this could be a way to be more in the habit, re-cultivate the skill. This book is ten years old now, and it's not her most polished writing, but there are some lovely things in here. Glad I took another peek/skim after several years on the shelf.

[Kathryn Johnston]

Very helpful.